Find a Marriage License in Renton
Renton is located in King County, which means marriage license applications go through the King County Records and Licensing Services office in Seattle rather than any city department. If you live in Renton or plan to marry here, this page explains where to apply, what you need to bring, what the fees are, and how to search for existing Renton and King County marriage license records. The process takes some planning, but the steps are clear once you know the right office to contact.
Renton Quick Facts
Getting a Marriage License in Renton
Renton City Hall and the Renton City Clerk do not issue marriage licenses. The city clerk manages city records, council minutes, and local elections support, but the marriage license process is handled entirely at the county level. For Renton residents, that means heading to the King County Records and Licensing Services office in Seattle. It is the only place in King County where you can apply.
Washington State law requires both applicants to appear in person when applying. Under RCW 26.04.160, both parties must generally be present together. There is a narrow exception: if one person has already signed the application before a notary, the other can complete the process alone. If you think this applies to your situation, call the county office to confirm before making the trip. King County has an online pre-application at King County Records and Licensing Services that lets you enter your information ahead of time. Using it saves time at the counter and is recommended for all applicants.
The Renton City Clerk can be reached at (425) 430-6500 and the city's website is at rentonwa.gov. Neither will handle your marriage license application, but the clerk can point you toward the right office if needed.
| Issuing Office | King County Records and Licensing Services |
|---|---|
| Physical Address | 201 S Jackson St Seattle, WA 98104 |
| Mailing Address | 500 4th Ave, Rm 311 Seattle, WA 98104 |
| Phone | (206) 477-6620 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | kingcounty.gov/en/dept/records-licensing |
Renton Municipal Court may be able to perform civil wedding ceremonies. Contact the court directly for current availability and any procedures they follow. Private officiants and wedding venues are also available throughout the Renton area.
Renton Marriage License Requirements
Washington State governs marriage license requirements through RCW Chapter 26.04. King County follows these rules for all applicants, including those from Renton. No residency requirement exists, so people from out of state or from other countries can apply for a King County license as long as the ceremony will take place in Washington.
Both applicants must be at least 18 years old. Each person needs a valid government-issued photo ID with a birth date. A driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID all meet this standard. You will need to provide your Social Security number at the time of application. If you do not have one, you can sign an exemption form instead. The application also asks for both parents' full legal names, the mother's maiden name, and both parents' birthplaces. Gathering this before your visit makes the process faster. No blood test or medical screening is required.
If either applicant has been married before, the clerk will ask for the date and reason that marriage ended. Divorce, annulment, or death of a spouse are the options. Have this information ready. The county's online pre-application walks you through these questions in advance so you are not caught off guard at the counter.
Renton's city website at rentonwa.gov covers local services for residents. Marriage license applications are processed through King County Records and Licensing Services rather than through the city.
Fees and Waiting Period in King County
King County charges $169 for a marriage license. This rate took effect in July 2025, up from the previous $69 fee. House Bill 1498 passed and added surcharges to county marriage license fees statewide, with funds going toward domestic violence co-responder programs. The fee is due at the time you apply and is not returned if the marriage does not take place.
After you pick up the license, a three-day waiting period applies before your ceremony can take place. RCW 26.04.180 sets this waiting period and there is no waiver or shortcut. Factor this into your wedding date planning. The license stays valid for 60 days from the date of issue. If you do not use it before then, it expires and you would have to apply again from scratch.
Your ceremony can take place anywhere in Washington State, not just in Renton or King County. Once the ceremony is done, the officiant signs the license and returns it to King County for recording. After recording, it becomes the official marriage certificate. Certified copies are $3 each and can be ordered from the county office or through their online portal.
Note: Call King County at (206) 477-6620 to confirm current fees and payment methods before your visit.
Marriage License Records for Renton
Once a marriage is recorded with King County, the certificate becomes part of the county's official record system. Renton residents' marriage records are filed there. To get a certified copy, contact King County Records and Licensing Services at (206) 477-6620 or visit the office in person. Certified copies are used for name changes, passport applications, and other legal needs. Each copy costs $3.
The Washington State Digital Archives holds older King County marriage records going back to the 1800s. You can search the archive for free at digitalarchives.wa.gov. This is a strong resource for anyone doing genealogy work or trying to locate a historical marriage record from Renton or elsewhere in King County. The archive is run by the Washington State Archives and includes records from all over the state.
For more recent marriage certificates filed since 1968, the Washington State Department of Health maintains statewide vital records. Certified copies can be ordered through the DOH vital records office. If you prefer to order without visiting a government office, VitalChek offers third-party ordering for official certified copies from state and county record offices across Washington.
King County Marriage License Resources
Renton is part of King County. The county page has full detail on the application process, office hours, required documents, and more for anyone in the Renton area applying for a marriage license.
Nearby Cities
These cities are close to Renton. Marriage license requirements depend on which county each city is in.