Search Kitsap County Marriage License Records
Kitsap County marriage licenses are issued through the County Auditor's Office in Port Orchard. The office handles applications from couples across the Kitsap Peninsula, including residents of Bremerton, Silverdale, and surrounding communities. Both parties must be present to apply. This page explains the requirements you need to meet, what the license costs, how long you have to wait before the ceremony, and how to look up marriage records going back to 1857.
Kitsap County Overview
Kitsap County Auditor's Office
The Kitsap County Auditor's Office in Port Orchard is where you apply for a marriage license. The office manages marriage license applications, records certified copies, and maintains the county's marriage records going back to 1857. Auditor Paul G. Andrews oversees the office and its recording and licensing functions.
Port Orchard is on the western shore of Puget Sound, accessible by ferry from Seattle or by road from Tacoma through the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. If you live in Bremerton, Poulsbo, or other parts of the Kitsap Peninsula, the Port Orchard office is your destination. The office accepts walk-in visits during business hours. An online application option is also available to help speed things up before you arrive.
| Office | Kitsap County Auditor's Office |
|---|---|
| Address |
619 Division St Port Orchard, WA 98366 |
| Mailing Address | PO Box 159, Port Orchard, WA 98366 |
| Phone | (360) 337-7164 |
| Fax | (360) 337-7165 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| auditor@co.kitsap.wa.us | |
| Website | kitsap.gov/auditor |
The Kitsap County Auditor's Office website provides information on marriage licenses, recording fees, and access to county records services.
Kitsap County Marriage License Requirements
Kitsap County follows Washington State law under RCW Chapter 26.04 for marriage license applications. The state sets the baseline rules, and the county auditor's office administers them locally. Knowing what is required ahead of time prevents unnecessary delays.
Both parties must appear in person at the Auditor's Office to apply. Each person needs a valid government-issued photo ID that includes a birth date. Acceptable forms include a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Both parties must be at least 18 years old. Washington does not require you to be a state resident, so out-of-state residents can apply here without any issue. No blood test is required.
Social Security numbers are required for both applicants or an exemption must be signed. The application also asks for parents' full names, the mother's maiden name, and parents' birthplaces. It is a good idea to look this information up in advance, especially if you are unsure of exact spellings. The office can start an online application before your in-person visit to reduce wait time at the counter.
The Kitsap County marriage license page provides full details on what to bring and what to expect during your visit.
The Kitsap County marriage license page outlines requirements, fees, and step-by-step instructions for applying at the Port Orchard office.
Fees and Waiting Period
The fee for a Kitsap County marriage license is $172. Accepted payment methods include cash, check, money order, and credit or debit card. The fee is non-refundable after you pay. Certified copies of your marriage certificate cost $3 each, so plan accordingly if you need several for legal or administrative purposes.
Under RCW 26.04.160, Washington requires a mandatory three-day waiting period between the application date and the earliest date your ceremony can take place. The license remains valid for 60 days from issuance. This gives you a ceremony window between three and 63 days from when you applied. The license is valid anywhere in Washington State.
Note: The license fee is set by the county and can change. Confirm the current amount with the Auditor's Office before your visit by calling (360) 337-7164.
Searching Kitsap County Marriage Records
Kitsap County marriage records go back to 1857. Current and recent records are available through the Auditor's Office online document search or by contacting the office directly. Older records are accessible through the Washington State Digital Archives.
The Washington State Digital Archives - Kitsap County collection includes marriage records from 1857 through 1947. These records are free to browse online and are useful for genealogy research, family history, and verifying older marriages. The archive is managed by the Washington State Archives and covers counties throughout the state.
The Washington State Digital Archives holds Kitsap County marriage records from 1857 to 1947, available at no charge through the state's online archive system.
For records after 1947, contact the Kitsap County Auditor's Office or use their online search tool. State-level access is also available through the Washington State Department of Health vital records office. If you need help ordering records remotely, VitalChek is one service that can assist with ordering certified copies from Washington county offices.
What Kitsap County Marriage Records Contain
A Kitsap County marriage license application and the resulting recorded marriage certificate contain detailed information about both parties. The application captures information at the time you apply. After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license and returns it to be recorded, creating a permanent county record.
Kitsap County marriage records typically include the full legal names of both parties, their ages and birth dates, birthplaces, and home addresses at the time of application. The record also notes parents' full names, including mother's maiden names, and parents' birthplaces. Any prior marital status is recorded as well. Once the ceremony happens and the license is returned, the certificate also shows the ceremony date and location, the officiant's name, and witness signatures along with the recording information from the Auditor's Office.
Social Security numbers are collected during the application but are kept private and do not appear on public copies of the record. Most other information is accessible to the public. Older records from the 1800s and early 1900s may contain less detail based on what was required at the time.
Certified copies of the marriage certificate are accepted for name changes with the Social Security Administration, Washington State Department of Licensing, and for passport or benefits applications. Each certified copy from the Kitsap County Auditor's Office costs $3. Plain copies may not be accepted for official purposes, so request the certified version when you need it for legal use.
Cities in Kitsap County
Kitsap County includes several communities on the Olympic and Kitsap Peninsulas. All residents apply for marriage licenses at the Auditor's Office in Port Orchard.
Other communities in Kitsap County include Port Orchard, Poulsbo, Silverdale, Kingston, and Bainbridge Island. These do not have individual pages but all fall under the Kitsap County Auditor for marriage license purposes.
Nearby Counties
Kitsap County is surrounded by water on three sides, with ferry connections and road access linking it to neighboring counties. If you are unsure which county serves your address, check before making the trip to Port Orchard.