Access Vancouver Marriage License Records
Vancouver is the county seat of Clark County, Washington, and sits directly across the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon. Couples in Vancouver apply for a marriage license through the Clark County Auditor's Office, which is located right in town. The Vancouver City Clerk does not issue marriage licenses. This page covers where to go, what documents are required, the current fee, the waiting period, and how to find Clark County marriage license records.
Vancouver Overview
Getting a Marriage License in Vancouver
Vancouver is the county seat of Clark County, which means the county auditor's office is right in town. Clark County residents do not have to travel far to apply. The Clark County Auditor's Office is located at 1200 Franklin St, Vancouver, WA 98660. This is a convenient location for Vancouver residents and for Oregon residents who cross the river to apply.
Both people planning to marry must appear in person at the auditor's office to submit the application. Washington law under RCW 26.04.160 requires that both applicants be present. There is one exception: if one applicant has already signed the application before a notary public, the other person can complete the process alone. This situation is less common but useful if one party cannot travel. The Clark County Auditor offers an online pre-application tool that lets you fill in your information before arriving, which can reduce time spent waiting at the counter.
Oregon residents living in the Portland metro area frequently come to Vancouver to get a Washington State marriage license. Washington does not require state residency, so there is no barrier for out-of-state applicants. The license is valid statewide, meaning the ceremony can take place anywhere in Washington, not only in Clark County or Vancouver.
| Office | Clark County Auditor's Office |
|---|---|
| Address | 1200 Franklin St Vancouver, WA 98660 |
| Phone | (360) 397-2285 |
| Website | clark.wa.gov/auditor |
The Clark County Auditor's Office at clark.wa.gov handles all marriage license applications for Vancouver and the rest of Clark County, including online pre-applications and records requests.
Vancouver Marriage License Requirements
Clark County follows the same rules as every other county in Washington. State law under RCW Chapter 26.04 sets the framework for all marriage licenses issued in the state. Both applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply without court approval.
You need a valid government-issued photo ID that shows your birth date. A driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID all satisfy this requirement. Social Security numbers for both parties are required on the application. You do not need the physical card, but have your number ready. If either person was previously married, bring the exact date that marriage ended, whether by divorce, annulment, or the death of a spouse. Having this date in hand before you arrive saves time at the counter. Washington does not require a blood test or medical exam.
For Oregon residents applying in Vancouver, the process is the same as for Washington residents. There is no difference in what you need to bring. Oregon residency does not disqualify you, and you do not need a Washington ID. A valid Oregon driver's license or ID works as photo identification. The license you receive will be a Washington State license, so your ceremony must take place in Washington for it to be legally valid.
Note: Clark County judges may perform civil marriage ceremonies. Contact the Clark County Superior Court for information on scheduling and available dates.
Fees and Waiting Period
The Clark County marriage license fee is $72. Pay at the time of application. The fee is non-refundable if the wedding does not take place. The Clark County Auditor accepts various payment methods. Check the auditor's website at clark.wa.gov/auditor or call (360) 397-2285 to confirm what they accept before you visit.
Washington requires a mandatory three-day waiting period between the date the license is issued and the earliest possible ceremony date. This rule is found in RCW 26.04.180 and cannot be waived. If you apply on a Monday, the earliest you can hold your ceremony is Thursday. The license remains valid for 60 days from the issue date. An expired license cannot be extended. You would need to reapply and pay again if the 60-day window passes unused.
After the ceremony, the officiant must return the signed license to the Clark County Auditor within the time set by law. The auditor records the marriage and the license becomes the official marriage certificate on file. Certified copies are a separate purchase. Order two or three certified copies if you plan to use one for a name change, passport application, or benefit update, since you may need more than one for different agencies.
Marriage License Records in Vancouver
Clark County holds all marriage records for couples who applied in the county. Once a license is returned and recorded after a ceremony, it becomes a permanent public record. You can request copies from the Clark County Auditor's Office in person, by mail, or through online request systems if available. The auditor's office can confirm current options when you call.
The Washington State Digital Archives at digitalarchives.wa.gov holds historical Clark County marriage records that can be searched and viewed online for free. The Clark County collection in the digital archives goes back many decades and covers marriage records filed long before electronic systems were in place. This is a strong resource for anyone doing genealogy research or trying to find an older record.
The Washington State Digital Archives Clark County collection provides free online access to historical marriage records from the Vancouver area and the rest of Clark County, useful for both current research and genealogy.
Washington State also maintains vital records through the Department of Health vital records office. The DOH holds statewide marriage records from 1968 forward. If you prefer to request a certified copy at the state level rather than through the county, the DOH is a reliable option. For online ordering from a third-party service, VitalChek can help you order certified copies from official state and county sources without visiting or mailing a request in person.
Note: Certified copies with the official county seal are required for legal use such as name changes and passport applications. Plain copies are generally not accepted for those purposes.
Clark County Marriage License Resources
Vancouver is the county seat of Clark County, and the Clark County Auditor's Office handles all marriage license applications for the area. For a complete breakdown of Clark County procedures, fees, office hours, and record access, visit the county page.
Nearby Cities
These qualifying cities are near Vancouver. Cities in Clark County use the same auditor's office for marriage license applications.