Hillsboro Marriage License Records
Washington County marriage license records are managed by the Recording office in Hillsboro, Oregon. The office issues new marriage licenses and keeps filed records for public review. Washington County is one of the largest counties in Oregon, and many couples apply here each year. If you need to search for a marriage license or plan to apply for one, the Recording office at 155 N First Ave is your starting point. Staff handle walk-in visits, mail requests, and online applications. All Washington County marriage license records are public and open to anyone.
Washington County Quick Facts
Washington County Recording Office
The Washington County Recording office handles all marriage license tasks. The office is at 155 N First Ave, Room 130, Hillsboro, Oregon 97124. Staff issue new licenses, keep past records, and provide certified copies. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Call 503-846-8752 for questions. You can also email recording@washingtoncountyor.gov.
The fee for a Washington County marriage license is $60. There are no waivers, exceptions, or refunds. Payment options include cash, checks, and money orders. You can also use debit or credit cards, though a 2.45% processing fee applies with a minimum charge of $1.50. Under ORS 106.041, the clerk must verify that both parties qualify before a Washington County marriage license can be issued.
Both people must show up in person. Bring valid photo ID and your Social Security number. If either person was married before, bring proof that the prior marriage ended. The staff will check all documents before they issue your Washington County marriage license.
The Washington County website has a full page on marriage license services. Visit the Washington County marriage license page for forms, fees, and what to bring.
The page shown above lists all the details for getting a marriage license in Washington County. Review it before your visit to the Hillsboro office.
Washington County Online Application
Washington County offers an online marriage application. Fill out the form ahead of your visit to save time at the office in Hillsboro. You still need to appear in person with your partner, but the paperwork is mostly done when you arrive.
Go to the Washington County online marriage application to start. Enter your names, dates of birth, and other required details. Once submitted, the office will review your form. Then visit in person to sign, show your IDs, and pay the $60 fee.
The online portal walks you through each field. It is the fastest way to begin your Washington County marriage license process.
Washington County Marriage License by Mail
Washington County also allows you to apply by mail. This option is useful if you cannot visit the Hillsboro office in person right away. Send your completed forms and payment to the Recording office at 155 N First Ave, Room 130, Hillsboro, OR 97124. Allow about three weeks for the office to process a mail request.
Keep in mind that both parties still need to sign the application. The mail option works best for couples who have already filled out the online form and just need to finalize the paperwork. Contact the office at 503-846-8752 to confirm what is needed for a mail submission in Washington County.
Getting a Marriage License in Washington County
Start with the online form or call the office. Both partners visit in person. The staff check your IDs and review all details. Pay the $60 fee. Your Washington County marriage license then enters a three-day waiting period. Oregon law under ORS 106.077 requires this hold. After three days, you can hold your ceremony. The license is valid for 60 days.
The three-day wait can be waived by a court order in certain cases in Washington County.
Washington County Government
The Washington County government site has details on all departments. You can find the Recording office, contact info, and links to public services from the main page.
Visit washingtoncountyor.gov to browse all Washington County services. The site lists phone numbers, office hours, and details on how to access marriage license records in Hillsboro.
Washington County Marriage License Requirements
Both people must be at least 17 years old. Those under 18 need consent from a parent or guardian. Bring a valid photo ID. A driver license, state ID, or passport works. You also need your Social Security number. If a prior marriage ended, bring the divorce decree or death certificate.
Oregon law does not require a blood test. There is no residency rule for Washington County. Both parties must appear together. No one can apply for another person. Under ORS Chapter 106, these rules apply in every county.
After the Wedding in Washington County
The officiant signs the marriage license after the ceremony. They must return the signed form to the Washington County Recording office within 10 days. Under ORS 106.120, the person who performs the ceremony is responsible for filing the completed license. The office then records it and the marriage becomes official in Washington County.
Once filed, you can order certified copies for $7.75 each. These copies serve as legal proof of your marriage. You may need them for name changes, insurance, or other legal matters. The Recording office in Hillsboro processes copy requests during regular hours.
Under ORS 106.150, a license from Washington County is valid for ceremonies in any Oregon county.
Search Washington County Marriage Records
Past marriage records in Washington County are public documents. Anyone can ask the Recording office to look up a record. Provide a name and rough date to help staff find the file. The office keeps records on site in Hillsboro. Older records may also be on file with the state.
For records that go back further, contact the Oregon Center for Health Statistics. They hold records from 1906 to the present. You can also use VitalChek to order certified copies online. This works for Washington County marriage certificates and other Oregon vital records.
The ACLU Oregon guide has useful details on getting a marriage license in any Oregon county, including Washington County.
Oregon Marriage License Laws
Oregon state law governs all marriage licenses, including those filed in Washington County. The full set of rules is in ORS Chapter 106. These statutes cover who can marry, what the clerk must verify, and how long a license lasts. Every county in Oregon follows the same base rules.
The Oregon Health Authority keeps vital records for the whole state. This includes marriage records from Washington County and all other counties. Visit the Oregon Vital Records page for details on how to order copies.
The state vital records office holds marriage data from many decades back. They can help if Washington County records are hard to find for older filings.