Can I Get Married with an Expired Passport?

Marriage is one of the most significant legal events in a person’s life. Whether you’re marrying for love, immigration, legal benefits, or family planning, having the proper identification is crucial. But what happens if your passport—the key identification document for many—is expired? Can you still legally tie the knot in the United States?

The short answer is: yes, you might still be able to get married with an expired passport, but it depends on several key factors. This comprehensive blog post will walk you through everything you need to know about marriage eligibility with an expired passport, including legal ID requirements, state laws, workarounds, and expert solutions offered by Get Married Today for couples needing fast, legal, same-day weddings—even if documentation isn’t perfect.


Table of Contents

  1. Is an Expired Passport Valid as ID?
  2. What Are the ID Requirements to Get Married?
  3. California Marriage License Requirements
  4. Can I Use My Expired Passport in California?
  5. Other Acceptable Forms of ID
  6. When an Expired Passport Might Still Work
  7. What If I Have No Valid ID?
  8. How Get Married Today Can Help
  9. Marriage and Immigration: What You Need to Know
  10. Getting a Confidential Marriage License Without ID
  11. ID Exceptions for Special Circumstances
  12. Emergency Weddings: When Time Is Critical
  13. Can Foreign Nationals Marry in the U.S. with Expired ID?
  14. What About Military Members with Expired ID?
  15. Same-Day Marriage Services in California
  16. Can I Apostille My Marriage Certificate If I Used an Expired Passport?
  17. How to Get a New Passport Quickly
  18. What If I’m Undocumented or Out of Status?
  19. Using an Expired Foreign Passport with a Visa
  20. Frequently Asked Questions
  21. Final Thoughts: Get Married Today, No Matter What

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1. Is an Expired Passport Valid as ID?

In most legal scenarios, an expired passport is not considered valid identification. Government agencies, including county clerk offices, require valid and unexpired identification to issue a marriage license. However, some states, counties, or officiants may accept additional documents or workarounds, depending on your situation.


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2. What Are the ID Requirements to Get Married?

In general, to get legally married in the U.S., both parties must provide:

  • Government-issued photo ID (unexpired)
  • Proof of age (usually 18+ or parental/judicial consent under that)
  • Personal details (full name, place of birth, etc.)
  • Legal capacity to marry (not currently married)

Acceptable IDs typically include:

  • U.S. or foreign passport
  • Driver’s license or state ID
  • Permanent resident card
  • Military ID
  • Consular ID card (in some locations)

Tip: If you’re unsure whether your ID will be accepted, Get Married Today can verify on your behalf—often within the hour.


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3. California Marriage License Requirements

California requires both parties to appear in person with:

  • Valid government-issued photo ID
  • Full legal name, birth date, place of birth
  • Parental info (names, place of birth)
  • No waiting period

Unlike many other states, California does not require residency, citizenship, or even a Social Security number to marry. This makes it a popular choice for international couples, undocumented immigrants, or people seeking urgent marriage solutions.


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4. Can I Use My Expired Passport in California?

Technically, no. County clerks in California require valid, unexpired identification to issue a marriage license. An expired passport by itself will likely be rejected unless you supplement it with other acceptable documents.

However, our team at Get Married Today can assist you in:

  • Verifying whether your expired passport will work in your specific county
  • Recommending alternative forms of ID
  • Guiding you through issuing a Confidential Marriage License, which has different ID flexibility

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5. Other Acceptable Forms of ID

If your passport is expired, you might still qualify to marry using:

  • Valid driver’s license or state ID
  • Military ID
  • Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
  • Matricula Consular (for Mexican nationals)
  • U.S. Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
  • Foreign national ID with English translation
  • Notarized affidavit of identity (case-by-case)

Note: Acceptable alternatives depend on the issuing county. Get Married Today works with multiple counties and officiants across Southern California and can help find one that accepts your documentation.


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6. When an Expired Passport Might Still Work

Some counties may accept an expired passport if:

  • It recently expired (within the past year)
  • You have other documents to support your identity
  • You’re applying for a Confidential Marriage License
  • You are accompanied by a notary or licensed officiant who can vouch for you

This is where Get Married Today steps in. We’ve helped couples with expired passports get legally married the same day, using supporting documentation and creative legal solutions.


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7. What If I Have No Valid ID?

It happens more often than you think—people lose their ID, their passport expires, or they’re undocumented. You still have options:

  • Provide alternative ID (see above)
  • Use a Confidential Marriage License (no public record)
  • Sign a notarized affidavit of identity
  • Bring a witness who can verify your identity
  • Let Get Married Today handle county-level exceptions

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8. How Get Married Today Can Help

We specialize in marrying couples who face ID complications. Whether your passport is expired or you’re undocumented, we offer:

  • Same-day marriage licenses and legal ceremonies
  • Mobile officiants who come to you (home, hospital, beach, etc.)
  • Legal marriage filing and registration on your behalf
  • Apostille services for international use
  • Confidential marriage license options
  • Guidance for military, immigrant, and urgent wedding needs

Need help now? Visit https://getmarried.today to book your emergency wedding.

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Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk – Marriage Services

Orange County Clerk-Recorder – Marriage Services

San Diego County – Marriage Licenses

Riverside County Clerk – Marriage License Info

Sacramento County Clerk – Marriage License Appointments

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City of Beverly Hills – Marriage Services

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County of Ventura – Marriage Services

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U.S. Embassy – Marriage Requirements by Country

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