Marriage Licensing

Applying for a Marriage License

Marriage licenses issued by Benton County are valid for ceremonies performed anywhere in Washington State. There is a 3-day waiting period after the marriage license is issued, and the marriage license is valid for 60 days from validation date.

Application Options

Option 1:  Apply In Person (Most Common)

Kennewick Office

• 7122 W Okanogan Pl., Bldg. E120-First Floor, Kennewick, WA 99336
• Open Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Steps:

1. Prior to visiting our office, submit your information via the online portal here.  Or, if you prefer, we have a public terminal in our office that can be used.  This step ensures your paperwork will be populated with the information you key in.  Upon completion, a 5-digit reference code will generate. (e.g., “Document Submitted – Online Marriage XXXXX”).
2. Write down the 5-digit code displayed at the end of the online process.
3. Visit the Benton County Auditor’s Office in person to complete the application at least 3 days before your ceremony, but not sooner than 60 days before.
   • Both parties must be present with valid identification
   • A marriage license fee of $172.00 will be collected (cash or card only*; no checks)
   • Pre-paying for certified copies of the marriage certificate will be optional at time of payment (mailed after the ceremony)

Important: If you choose to complete the online portion in advance, you must still visit our office to complete the application.  A visit is required to issue the marriage license unless you are applying entirely by mail.

There is a 2.5% convenience fee to use a card

Option 2:  Apply by Mail

You may apply by mail if both applicants are unable to appear in person. This option requires notarization of a separate paper application and payment by phone after submission.

Steps:

1. Submit your information via the online portal here.   This step ensures your paperwork will be populated with the information you key in.Upon completion, a 5-digit reference code will generate. (e.g., “Document Submitted – Online Marriage XXXXX”).
2. Write down the 5-digit code displayed at the end of the online process.
3. Download the required Paper Marriage Application form.
4. Note:  The online submittal does not generate this form.
5. Have both applicants sign the paper form in front of a notary public.
6. Mail the notarized application, your 5-digit code, and a phone number to:
   • Benton County Auditor
   • Attn: Recording Division
   • 7122 W Okanogan Pl., Bldg. E120
   • Kennewick, WA 99336
7. We will call you to collect the $172.00 marriage license fee via bankcard.*
8. After payment, we will mail your marriage license packet to you.

There is a 2.5% convenience fee to use a card

Option 3:  Make an Appointment (Prosser Location Only)

Prosser Office (By Appointment Only)

Email  auditor@co.benton.wa.us or call (509) 786-5620 to schedule.

Instructions will be emailed to you with confirmation of appointment time. 

Marriage License Fees & Copies

• Marriage License: $172.00 (cash or card only*; no checks)
• Certified Copies: $3.00 each
• Photocopies: $1.00 each

There is a 2.5% convenience fee to use a card

You may pre-pay for certified copies of your marriage certificate at the time of application.

Certified copies will also be available after your certificate is processed, by one of the two options:

• In person at the Kennewick Office (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
• By mail - Make sure to include both parties’ names, as well as dates of birth.
  • Benton County Auditor
  • Attn: Marriage License Copies
  • 7122 W Okanogan Pl, Bldg. E-120
  • Kennewick, WA 99336

Requirements

• Both applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• Valid photo ID is required for each applicant.
• No blood tests or physical exams are required.
• You do not need to be a Washington resident.
• Proof of divorce or death of a former spouse is not required, but the prior marriage must be legally dissolved before applying.

Waiting Period

• There is a 3-day waiting period before your ceremony can take place.  Use this handy tool to determine when you should apply.
• The waiting period begins when the marriage license is issued, not when the application process is started.
• There are no exceptions to this waiting period.