Marriage records in Kitsap County, Washington, are available through several channels. KitsapCourt.us allows quick access to public information about marriage records in the county. Additionally, certified copies can be ordered through the Washington State Department of Health or the Kitsap County Auditor's office. Personal visits to the auditor's office in Port Orchard and mail requests are additional ways to obtain the necessary documents.
Kitsap Marriage Records Search
In Washington State, marriage licenses are issued by the County Auditor, not the court clerk. The Kitsap County Auditor's office records marriage licenses, returned marriage certificates, and maintains them as part of the county's public records. The collection includes licenses issued in the county and returned certificates signed by the ceremony officiant.
Historical records — those older than a few decades — are often stored in the Washington State Digital Archives, where they can be viewed for free. An online document search system is available for searching records registered by the auditor — log in as a guest and select the appropriate document type.
Kitsap County Auditor's Office
It is recommended to confirm office hours by phone or on the official website before visiting.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Kitsap
Certified copies of marriage records in Washington can be ordered at two levels: through the county (auditor) or through the state (Department of Health). Fees vary depending on the source.
| Service | Agency | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy of marriage certificate | Washington Department of Health | $25.00 |
| Additional copy (same order) | Washington Department of Health | $25.00 |
| Expedited processing (additional) | Washington Department of Health | Additional fee depends on the chosen delivery method |
| Record search and copy (county auditor) | Kitsap County Auditor | Check with the office; standard copying fee is set by RCW 36.18.010 |
The state Department of Health maintains records of marriages registered since 1968. Records prior to 1968 are typically available only through the county auditor's office where the license was issued. Processing time for a mail request through DOH usually takes several weeks; an expedited option shortens this period.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Kitsap
There are three main ways to order a copy of a marriage certificate.
Online
The most convenient way is through the Washington State Department of Health portal. On the site, you need to:
- Select the record type — "Marriage Record."
- Provide the full names of both individuals, the date, and the place of marriage.
- Upload a copy of your ID.
- Pay the fee online.
Certified copies are sent by mail. To search for public information about marriage records in the county, you can also use KitsapCourt.us.
In Person
Visit the Kitsap County Auditor's office at:
Bring a valid photo ID. Payment is accepted on-site. It is recommended to call ahead to confirm office hours and the availability of the required record.
By Mail
To order by mail through the Department of Health, send:
- A completed application for a marriage record (form available on the DOH website).
- A copy of the applicant's ID.
- A check or money order for $25.00 payable to the Department of Health.
- A self-addressed envelope (optional, for expedited delivery).
Mailing address for requests:
A request directly to the county auditor can also be mailed to the office in Port Orchard. Include a letter specifying the names of the spouses, the approximate date of marriage, and your contact information, along with payment according to the current price list.
Note: In Washington State, marriage records are public documents. However, a certified copy with legal validity — for example, for a name change or immigration purposes — is issued only by an authorized agency (DOH or county auditor). Informational copies without legal validity may sometimes be available at a lower price; confirm this when making a request.