Access SeaTac Marriage License Records
SeaTac is part of King County, and marriage license applications for SeaTac residents go through the King County Records and Licensing Services office in Seattle. The City of SeaTac does not issue marriage licenses at city hall. This page explains where to apply for a marriage license in SeaTac, what you need to bring, what the process costs, and how to search King County marriage license records once they have been filed.
SeaTac Quick Facts
Getting a Marriage License in SeaTac
SeaTac city hall and the SeaTac City Clerk do not have a role in the marriage license process. City clerks in Washington handle local government records, not vital records like marriage licenses. For SeaTac residents, that process runs entirely through King County. You need to visit the King County Records and Licensing Services office in Seattle to apply.
Washington State law under RCW 26.04.160 requires both applicants to appear in person when applying. Both people must show up at the King County office together in most cases. A limited exception exists for situations where one party has already signed the application before a notary public. The other person can then complete the process alone. If this applies to you, call the county office before your visit to confirm. King County also offers an online pre-application through their website at King County Records and Licensing Services. Completing it ahead of time reduces the time you spend at the counter.
The SeaTac City Clerk is reachable at (206) 973-4700. City hall is at 4800 S 188th St, SeaTac, WA 98188. For anything related to marriage licenses, the clerk will direct you to King County. The city's website at seatacwa.gov is useful for local services but does not cover marriage license applications.
| 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 |
SeaTac Marriage License Requirements
Washington State marriage license requirements come from RCW Chapter 26.04. King County applies these rules consistently for all applicants, including those from SeaTac. You do not have to live in Washington to apply. Couples from out of state or from other countries can get a King County marriage license as long as the ceremony will take place in Washington.
Both people applying must be at least 18 years old. Each needs to bring a valid government-issued photo ID that shows a date of birth. Driver's licenses, state ID cards, passports, and military IDs all meet the requirement. You will need to provide your Social Security number. If you do not have one, the office has an exemption form you can sign instead. The application also asks for both parents' full legal names, the mother's maiden name, and both parents' birthplaces for each party. Getting this together before your appointment makes the process smoother. No blood test is required.
If you or your partner was previously married, the clerk will ask when that marriage ended and how it ended. Divorce, annulment, and death of a spouse are the three options. Have the date ready. The county's online pre-application walks you through each question so you know what to expect before you arrive.
The Washington State Digital Archives provides free online access to historical marriage license records from King County and counties across the state, including records connected to SeaTac and the surrounding area.
Fees and Waiting Period
King County's marriage license fee is $169 as of July 2025. The fee increased from $69 after House Bill 1498 passed and added a statewide surcharge to county marriage license fees. The funds support domestic violence co-responder programs in Washington. The fee is due when you apply. It is not refunded if the marriage does not take place. Ask the office which payment methods they accept when you call to prepare for your visit.
Once the license is in hand, a three-day waiting period applies. RCW 26.04.180 sets this rule and there is no waiver available. You cannot hold the ceremony until three days have passed from the date the license was issued. The license is then good for 60 days. If 60 days go by without a ceremony, the license expires and you need to start the application process over.
The ceremony can happen anywhere in Washington, not only in SeaTac or King County. After the wedding, the officiant returns the completed license to King County for recording. Once recorded, it becomes the official marriage certificate on file. Certified copies cost $3 each and are available from the county office or through their online records portal.
Note: Call (206) 477-6620 to confirm fees and hours with King County before making the trip from SeaTac to Seattle.
Marriage License Records in SeaTac
King County holds all recorded marriage certificates for SeaTac residents. After a marriage is on file, you can request certified copies from the King County Records and Licensing Services office in Seattle. Call (206) 477-6620 or stop by in person. Certified copies are used for legal name changes, passport applications, Social Security updates, and other official needs. The fee is $3 per copy.
For historical marriage records going back to the 1800s, the Washington State Digital Archives is free to use at digitalarchives.wa.gov. The archive is maintained by the Washington State Archives and includes King County records spanning many decades. It is a useful tool for genealogy research and for locating older records that may not be available through the county's online system. You can search by name and browse collections from all over the state.
The Washington State Department of Health maintains statewide marriage records filed since 1968. Certified copies can be ordered through the DOH vital records office. For online ordering, VitalChek provides third-party access to official certified copies from Washington state and county offices without requiring an in-person visit to a government office.
King County Marriage License Resources
SeaTac is part of King County. The county page has complete information on the marriage license process, office hours, required documents, and more for SeaTac residents planning to apply.
Nearby Cities
These cities are near SeaTac. Marriage license requirements vary by county for each location.