Hillsboro Marriage License Records
Washington County handles marriage records through its recording office in Hillsboro, just west of Portland. As the second most populated county in Oregon, it processes a large number of marriage license requests each year. The office keeps both new and old records on file. Couples who want to marry in Washington County can apply in person or begin the process online. The recording office also helps people find past marriage records for legal or personal use. Washington County has strong systems in place to make the process smooth for residents and visitors alike.
Washington County Marriage License Office
The Washington County recording office is at 155 North First Avenue, Suite 130, in Hillsboro. The office is open weekdays from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. You can walk in during these hours to apply for a marriage license. Computers are set up in the lobby for those who want to fill out the online form on site.
Washington County accepts cash, checks, money orders, and debit or credit cards. A small fee applies when you pay by card. Both people must be at least 18 years old. First cousins and closer relatives may not marry. If either person was married before, the new license is not valid until the day after the prior divorce became final.
There are no waivers, exceptions, or refunds on the license fee. The Washington County recording office website has the latest fee and payment details.
| Office |
Washington County Recording 155 N First Avenue, Suite 130 Hillsboro, OR 97124 Phone: (503) 846-8741 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | washingtoncountyor.gov/at/recording/marriage-licenses |
Washington County Online Marriage License Application
Washington County offers an online marriage license application. You can fill it out from home before your visit. This saves time at the office. The form asks for basic facts: names, birth dates, birthplaces, parent names prior to their first marriage, and parent birthplaces.
If you prefer, there are computers in the lobby at the Hillsboro office. You can use those to fill out the form when you arrive. Either way, both people must show up in person with valid photo ID. The online form does not remove the need to visit.
Washington County also allows you to apply by mail. Call (503) 846-8752 for instructions. Allow three weeks for mail processing. The completed license is returned within three working days after all steps are done. This option works for those who live far from Hillsboro or have trouble getting to the office.
Washington County Marriage Records Office
The recording office in Hillsboro is the central place for all Washington County marriage records. After a ceremony, the officiant signs the license and returns it to this office within five working days. The office then creates the official marriage record and files it in the county system.
Below is the Washington County office where marriage records are processed and stored.
The building is located near the Hillsboro courthouse, making it easy to find when you visit in person.
Washington County is a busy county. Thousands of couples apply for marriage licenses here each year. The staff are used to high volume and keep the process moving. If you have all your documents ready, the visit should be quick. Certified copies of completed marriage records are available for a fee. You can ask for them in person, by phone, or in writing.
Marriage License Rules in Washington County
Oregon law applies to all counties, and Washington County follows these rules closely. After you get the license, you must wait three full days before the ceremony. The license stays valid for 60 days. The ceremony can take place anywhere in Oregon. It does not have to be in Washington County.
No medical exam or blood test is needed. First cousins and closer kin cannot marry in Oregon. Both people must be 18 or older. There is no exception to the age rule in Washington County.
Here are the key rules to keep in mind:
- Three-day waiting period after license is issued
- License valid for 60 days
- Ceremony may be held anywhere in Oregon
- No blood test or medical exam required
- No refunds or fee waivers
The person who leads the ceremony must be authorized. This includes religious or secular organization leaders, Oregon judicial officers, federal judges, and US magistrates. The officiant signs the license and returns it to Washington County within five working days. If it is not returned, the marriage record cannot be filed. Make sure your officiant knows this step.
Oregon State Marriage Records for Washington County
The Oregon Health Authority keeps marriage records from every county in the state. Their files go back to 1906. You can order copies online or by mail. This is a solid option for anyone who cannot visit the Hillsboro office in person.
Under ORS 432.295, vital records in Oregon are sealed for 50 years. After that time, they become open to the public. Newer Washington County marriage records are limited to the people named on the record or their close family. The Oregon State Bar offers a clear guide to marriage law in the state.
Washington County residents have multiple paths to get marriage records. The local office handles recent records fast. The state fills in the gaps for older records or for people searching from far away. Both follow the same Oregon laws on access and privacy.
Certified Copies of Washington County Marriage Records
Certified copies of marriage records from Washington County carry the county seal. They are accepted for legal purposes. Banks, courts, and government offices all recognize them. You may need a certified copy for a name change, insurance claim, or other legal matter.
Request copies in person at the Hillsboro office, by phone at (503) 846-8741, or in writing. Have the full names of both people and the date of the marriage ready. The staff can usually pull recent records the same day. Older records may take a bit longer.
Plain copies are also available for personal use. These do not carry the seal and may not work for legal needs. The office staff can help you decide which type fits your situation. They handle these requests daily and are quick to respond.
Nearby Counties
Washington County borders Multnomah County, Clackamas County, Yamhill County, Columbia County, and Tillamook County. Each county has its own office that issues marriage licenses. You can apply in any Oregon county. The ceremony can take place in any Oregon county as well. If you live near a county line, pick the office that is most handy for you.