Find a Marriage License in Tacoma
Tacoma is the county seat of Pierce County and the third-largest city in Washington State. Couples in Tacoma apply for a marriage license through the Pierce County Auditor's Office, which is located within the city. The Tacoma City Clerk does not issue marriage licenses. This page covers the office location, what you need to bring, the current fee, how the waiting period works, and where to find Pierce County marriage license records.
Tacoma Overview
Getting a Marriage License in Tacoma
Tacoma is the county seat of Pierce County, which means the county auditor's office is right in town. That is convenient for Tacoma residents who want to apply without a long drive. The Pierce County Auditor's Office handles all marriage license applications for the county. It is located at 2401 S 35th St, Room 200, Tacoma, WA 98409.
Both applicants must be present at the auditor's office when filing. Washington law under RCW 26.04.160 is clear on this: both people must appear in person. One exception exists if one person has signed the application before a notary public, which allows the other person to complete the application alone. Outside of that situation, both parties must come in together. Pierce County recommends making an appointment before you visit. Call (253) 798-7427 to schedule or to ask about current availability.
The Tacoma City Clerk operates at 747 Market St and manages city records, council minutes, and the municipal code. If you call the city about a marriage license, you will be directed to the Pierce County Auditor. The city does not issue or record marriage licenses. That function belongs entirely to the county.
| Office | Pierce County Auditor's Office |
|---|---|
| Address | 2401 S 35th St, Room 200 Tacoma, WA 98409 |
| Phone | (253) 798-7427 |
| Appointments | Call (253) 798-7435 to schedule |
| Website | piercecountywa.gov - Marriage Licensing |
The Pierce County Auditor's Office in Tacoma handles all marriage license applications for Pierce County, including those from Tacoma residents and surrounding communities.
Tacoma Marriage License Requirements
Washington State law under RCW Chapter 26.04 sets the rules for marriage licenses statewide. Pierce County follows all of these requirements. The process is the same whether you live in Tacoma, Spanaway, or any other part of the county.
Both applicants must be at least 18 years old. You must present a government-issued photo ID that includes your birth date. A driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID all work. Social Security numbers are required for both parties on the application. You do not need to bring the physical card, but you need to know the number. If either person was previously married, the date that marriage ended must be provided. Have that date ready so the application goes smoothly. Washington does not require either person to be a resident of the state, so out-of-state applicants can get a Pierce County license.
No blood test is required. There is no health exam. You simply need valid ID, your Social Security number, and prior marriage information if it applies. Gathering this before your visit will cut down on time at the office. The Pierce County Auditor's website also has a pre-application tool you can use online before coming in.
Note: Pierce County judges may perform civil marriage ceremonies. Call Superior Court Administration at (253) 798-3654 or visit the Pierce County Marriage Ceremony Providers page for scheduling details.
Fees and Waiting Period
The Pierce County marriage license fee is $72. This is due at the time you apply. The fee is not refundable if the marriage does not take place. Contact the auditor's office at (253) 798-7427 to confirm current payment methods before your visit.
Washington requires a mandatory three-day waiting period between the date the license is issued and the earliest date the ceremony can occur. This rule comes from RCW 26.04.180 and cannot be waived. The license remains valid for 60 days. That gives you a window of three to 63 days from the issue date to hold your ceremony. The ceremony can take place anywhere in Washington, not just in Tacoma or Pierce County.
After the ceremony, the officiant must sign and return the completed license to the Pierce County Auditor within the timeframe required by law. The auditor records the marriage and the license becomes the official certificate on file. Certified copies of the marriage certificate are a separate purchase and carry their own fee. Order extras if you need copies for a name change, passport, or benefits update.
Marriage License Records in Tacoma
Pierce County maintains all marriage records for couples who applied in the county. Once recorded, the marriage certificate is a public record. Copies can be requested from the Pierce County Auditor's Office in Tacoma. You can request records in person, by mail, or through the county's online systems if available.
For records going back many decades, the Washington State Digital Archives at digitalarchives.wa.gov holds historical Pierce County marriage records. The archive is free to search online and is particularly useful for genealogy research. The Pierce County collection within the digital archives covers older marriage records filed before electronic systems were in place.
Washington State also maintains vital records through the Department of Health vital records office, which holds statewide marriage records since 1968. If you need a certified copy but prefer not to visit the county auditor, the DOH is an option. Third-party services like VitalChek can also help you order official certified copies online from state and county offices.
The Washington State Digital Archives maintains historical Pierce County marriage records that can be searched online for free, making it a valuable resource for Tacoma-area genealogy research.
Certified copies are needed for legal purposes such as name changes with the Social Security Administration, Department of Licensing, or for passport applications. Plain copies may be enough if you only need to confirm a marriage occurred. Request the right type when you order so you get what you need the first time.
Pierce County Marriage License Resources
Tacoma is the county seat of Pierce County, and the Pierce County Auditor's Office in Tacoma handles all marriage license applications for the county. For a full breakdown of Pierce County procedures, fees, and office details, visit the county page.
Nearby Cities
These cities are near Tacoma. Most fall within Pierce County and use the same auditor's office for marriage license applications.