Can I Get Married Without My Birth Certificate?

At Get Married Today, we specialize in helping couples say “I do” fast—without the stress, delays, or courthouse red tape. One of the most common questions we hear is: “Can I get married without my birth certificate?” The short answer is yes—especially in California. But let’s take a deeper look at why a birth certificate isn’t always required, what documentation you do need, and how we can help you tie the knot the same day—even if you’ve lost your birth certificate or can’t get one in time.

Table of Contents

1. Do You Need a Birth Certificate to Get Married in California?
2. Marriage License Requirements in California
3. Acceptable Forms of Identification
4. What if You Were Born Outside the U.S.?
5. Can You Get Married Without Any ID at All?
6. Marriage and Immigration: Does USCIS Need a Birth Certificate?
7. Military Couples: What Documents Do You Need to Marry on Base or Off Base?
8. Getting Married While Traveling or on a Visa
9. Lost Your Birth Certificate? Here’s What to Do
10. How Get Married Today Helps You Skip the Hassle
11. What About Apostille and International Marriages?
12. How Fast Can You Get a Marriage License Without a Birth Certificate?
13. Emergency and Same-Day Marriage Services
14. What’s the Process Like Without a Birth Certificate?
15. Common Myths About Marriage Documentation
16. Get Married Without Delays: Our All-in-One Service
17. How to Schedule Your Wedding Without the Paperwork Headaches
18. FAQs
19. Final Thoughts: You Can Still Get Married Today

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1. Do You Need a Birth Certificate to Get Married in California?

In California, a birth certificate is NOT required to get married.

That’s right: you don’t need to submit your birth certificate to apply for a marriage license. Instead, all that’s required is a valid government-issued photo ID that verifies your name, age, and identity.

Examples of acceptable IDs:

• U.S. passport
• State-issued driver’s license
• Military ID
• Permanent resident card (Green Card)
• Foreign passport (with translation, if not in English)

At Get Married Today, we make the process seamless by handling both your marriage license and your legal ceremony on the same day—even if you don’t have a birth certificate.

California Department of Public Health Marriage Requirements

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2. Marriage License Requirements in California

To obtain a marriage license in California, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Appear in person (or through an authorized notary with an approved process)
• Provide valid photo identification
• Pay the license fee (varies by county)

Birth certificates are never listed as a required document. So if yours is missing, don’t panic—our team is ready to help you move forward quickly.

Los Angeles County Marriage License Info

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3. Acceptable Forms of Identification

Instead of a birth certificate, here’s what you can provide to establish your identity:

• U.S. Driver’s License or ID Card
• U.S. or Foreign Passport
• Consular ID (Matricula Consular)
• Military ID
• Permanent Resident Card
• Employment Authorization Card (EAD)

If you are undocumented or do not have a valid ID, reach out to our team—there may still be options available with alternate forms of ID or sworn affidavits.

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4. What if You Were Born Outside the U.S.?

You do not need to present a foreign birth certificate to get married in California.

Foreign nationals and immigrants can still legally marry in California as long as they have a valid government-issued ID—such as a foreign passport or a consular ID card.

This is common among couples from:

• Mexico
• El Salvador
• Guatemala
• Philippines
• China
• India

If your ID is in another language, you may need a certified translation—but we can help facilitate that, too.

USCIS Marriage Requirements

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5. Can You Get Married Without Any ID at All?

Without any form of ID, it becomes more difficult—but not always impossible.

In rare cases, a California court may authorize a marriage without traditional identification. This typically involves:

• A court order
• A Sworn Statement of Identity
• Additional supporting documents

But for couples looking for speed and simplicity, this route is not ideal.

At Get Married Today, we recommend that you have at least one of the following:

• Passport
• Driver’s license
• Any state or country-issued photo ID

If you don’t have any ID, contact us now to explore your options.

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6. Marriage and Immigration: Does USCIS Need a Birth Certificate?

If you’re marrying a U.S. citizen and planning to apply for a marriage-based green card or fiancé visa, the USCIS will eventually request a birth certificate—but this is not needed for the marriage itself.

Your marriage can be legally performed and recorded without it.

Once married, you can begin your immigration case and provide your birth certificate at a later stage. If you don’t have it, we can help you:

• Order one from your home country
• Translate it
• Apostille it (if needed)

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7. Military Couples: What Documents Do You Need to Marry on Base or Off Base?

Military members can marry without a birth certificate, too.

If you or your partner is stationed at Camp Pendleton, March Air Reserve Base, or any Southern California base, we can help issue a marriage license and perform your ceremony—without a court visit or extra red tape.

You’ll just need:

• A military ID or government-issued ID
• Proof of age (usually covered by your ID)
• Optional: Deployment or travel schedules (if urgent)

We offer 24/7 ceremonies, including for those on leave or heading to deployment.

Military Marriage Support

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8. Getting Married While Traveling or on a Visa

If you’re in California temporarily, such as on:

• A tourist visa
• A work visa
• A student visa
• A temporary protected status (TPS)

—you can still get legally married without a birth certificate.

Just provide:

• Your passport (foreign is acceptable)
• Any other visa or U.S. ID, if available

We frequently assist international visitors who wish to marry while vacationing in California or while in the U.S. for business or study.

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9. Lost Your Birth Certificate? Here’s What to Do

If you’ve lost your birth certificate and still want to get married, you have two main options:

1. Skip it and use your ID instead.

In California, that’s often enough. We’ll help guide you through the process.

2. Order a certified copy.

You can request one through:

• Your state’s Department of Health
• Your home country’s consulate or embassy (for foreign nationals)

If you need help with this, our Notary and Apostille team can assist with ordering and certifying vital records worldwide.

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10. How Get Married Today Helps You Skip the Hassle

We are not a courthouse—we’re faster and more convenient.

When you book with Get Married Today, we:

• Issue your official California marriage license
• Conduct your legal ceremony
• Submit your license to the County Clerk
• Order your official marriage certificate
• Offer apostille services for international use

All on the same day. And all without needing your birth certificate.

Book Now

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11. What About Apostille and International Marriages?

If you’re planning to register your marriage in another country, you may be asked to provide:

• Your marriage certificate
• An apostille on that certificate
• In some cases, your birth certificate with apostille

This depends on your home country’s legal requirements. If your country is part of the Hague Apostille Convention, your U.S. documents (including your marriage certificate) will likely need to be apostilled.

We offer fast, same-day apostille services—including for:

• Mexico
• Italy
• Philippines
• Colombia
• Germany
• And over 100+ Hague member countries

Visit https://orangecountyapostille.org/ for more info on our international certification services.

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12. How Fast Can You Get a Marriage License Without a Birth Certificate?

With Get Married Today, you can:

• Get a marriage license in 15–30 minutes
• Get married the same day, even on weekends and holidays
• Have all your paperwork filed for you
• Get help with proof of marriage and apostille services

Birth certificates won’t delay the process, because they aren’t required.

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13. Emergency and Same-Day Marriage Services

If you’re in a rush because of:

• Military deployment
• Travel visa expiration
• Immigration filing deadlines
• Pregnancy or hospital stay
• End-of-life planning
• Court or legal requirements

—we’ve got you covered.

We’re available 24/7, and we can meet you at:

• Your home
• A hotel
• A hospital
• An airport
• A courthouse (for photos only!)
• A scenic outdoor venue
• Or at one of our private offices

We’re also open late nights, early mornings, weekends, and holidays.

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14. What’s the Process Like Without a Birth Certificate?

Here’s how easy it is to get married without your birth certificate:

Step 1: Contact Get Married Today

Schedule your appointment online or by phone.

Step 2: Bring Valid Photo ID

We’ll review and accept your ID in place of a birth certificate.

Step 3: Sign the Documents

We’ll issue your license and handle all required signatures.

Step 4: Get Married!

Choose a simple or customized ceremony—your choice.

Step 5: Receive Your Proof of Marriage

We’ll file your license and provide documents you can use immediately.

Step 6: Receive Your Official Certificate

Your official license and certificate will arrive by mail in 5–8 weeks.

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15. Common Myths About Marriage Documentation

Let’s debunk a few widespread myths:

• Myth: You need your birth certificate to get married
  Truth: Not in California
• Myth: Foreign nationals must show original records
  Truth: A passport is usually enough
• Myth: You must go to the courthouse
  Truth: Get Married Today handles everything privately and legally
• Myth: You can’t get married the same day
  Truth: We do it daily, even on holidays!
• Myth: You need parental or legal guardian approval if you don’t have documents
  Truth: If you’re over 18 and have valid ID, you’re good to go

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16. Get Married Without Delays: Our All-in-One Service

Here’s what our all-in-one service includes:

✅ Legal marriage license
✅ Notarized documentation
✅ Ordained officiant
✅ Legally binding ceremony
✅ Filing with the County
✅ Proof of Marriage
✅ Certificate ordering
✅ Apostille services (optional)

We also help with:

• Immigration affidavits
• Name change assistance
• International recognition
• Witness coordination
• Bilingual ceremonies (Spanish-English)

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17. How to Schedule Your Wedding Without the Paperwork Headaches

You can schedule online 24/7 at https://getmarried.today/

We’ll help you:

• Confirm your eligibility (with or without birth certificate)
• Secure your license fast
• Get married in the location of your choice
• Receive all legal paperwork, fast and error-free

If you’re ready, we’re ready.

📞 Call or text us anytime
📍 Offices in Los Angeles County and Orange County
🌎 We serve all of Southern California

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18. FAQs

Q: Can I get married today without a birth certificate?

A: Yes! California does not require a birth certificate to issue a marriage license. A government-issued photo ID is sufficient.

Q: What if my ID is expired?

A: We may still be able to help. Contact us so we can verify your situation and discuss alternatives.

Q: Can we get married if we are both undocumented?

A: Yes, undocumented individuals can legally marry in California with valid identification such as a passport or consular ID.

Q: Will this marriage be valid internationally?

A: Yes. We can provide apostille certification if your marriage certificate needs to be recognized abroad.

Q: Can I still get married if I’m missing both my ID and birth certificate?

A: This may require additional legal steps such as a court order, but we can guide you through your options.

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19. Final Thoughts: You Can Still Get Married Today

Not having a birth certificate should never stop you from marrying the person you love.

At Get Married Today, we make it easy, legal, and fast to get married—even if your paperwork is incomplete. We believe that love shouldn’t wait on bureaucracy.

Whether you’re facing a deadline, an emergency, or just want to start your new life right now, we’re here for you.

📍 Serving all of Southern California
🌐 https://getmarried.today/
📞 Available 24/7—including weekends and holidays
💍 Marriage licenses, ceremonies, and certificates—same day

Let’s make today the day you say “I do.”