UncategorizedJune 9, 2025June 16, 2025Camden Alchanati

Do You Need Valid ID to Get Married?

If you’re planning to get married and wondering whether you need valid identification to do so, you’re not alone. At Get Married Today, we regularly receive this question—especially from couples facing time-sensitive situations like immigration, military benefits, or international documentation. In this blog post, we’ll explain everything you need to know about marriage ID requirements, exceptions, and how we help couples get legally married—sometimes even without traditional identification.

Why Identification Matters for Legal Marriage

Marriage is a legal contract, and like any official agreement, it requires documentation to prove the identity of the individuals involved. Valid government-issued identification helps to:

Confirm your legal name
Prove your age (to meet minimum age requirements)
Validate your marital status (to ensure you’re not already married)
Verify legal eligibility to marry in your state

In most U.S. states, valid ID is required both to apply for a marriage license and to complete the legal ceremony. The county clerk or the licensed marriage issuer needs to ensure both parties are who they claim to be.

For example, in California, which does not require a waiting period, you can get married the same day you apply for a license—but you must bring valid identification. This is one of the reasons why Get Married Today provides same-day legal marriage services with in-person ID verification included, eliminating the need to go to a courthouse.

🔗 Learn more about California marriage license ID requirements from the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder

What Counts as a Valid ID?

Most states, including California, require government-issued photo identification. Common acceptable IDs include:

U.S. or foreign passports
Driver’s licenses or state-issued ID cards
Military IDs
Green Cards (Permanent Resident Cards)
Consular IDs
Tribal identification cards

In some counties, birth certificates, Social Security cards, or utility bills may be requested as supplementary documents—but these are generally not sufficient on their own.

🔗 For Orange County, California ID requirements, refer to the Orange County Clerk-Recorder’s marriage license guide

What If Your ID Is Expired or Lost?

We get it—life happens. Maybe your passport expired, you lost your driver’s license, or your wallet was stolen. If you’re in a situation where you don’t have valid ID, don’t panic—there may still be a way to move forward with your marriage.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Apply for a Replacement ASAP

You can start the process of replacing your lost or expired ID. For example:

California DMV: Apply for a replacement driver’s license or ID card online.
U.S. Passport: Start the passport renewal or replacement process.

While you wait for your new documents, you can contact Get Married Today to explore interim solutions.

2. Bring Alternative Forms of ID

While a valid government-issued photo ID is preferred, in some cases we can work with:

A copy of your expired ID plus a secondary photo ID
Social Security card, birth certificate, or school ID
Utility bills or bank statements with matching names

Each case is different, so we always advise couples to contact us in advance. We’re experienced in navigating complex ID situations.

🔗 Check out our guide on how to get married with an expired passport

Special Situations: Military, Immigration & Emergencies

🪖 Active-Duty Military

Military members often face urgent timelines—deployment, relocation, or housing deadlines. If your military ID is missing or expired, Get Married Today can still help you get legally married the same day.

We accept other military paperwork, such as:

LES (Leave and Earnings Statement)
Orders or deployment documents
Photocopies of military ID

We also offer military discounts and provide on-base or off-base wedding services, including marriage license issuance on-site.

🔗 Learn how we help military couples get married fast in Camp Pendleton

🛂 Immigration or Fiancé Visa Cases

If your marriage is part of an immigration process (K-1, I-130, I-485), valid identification is essential. However, if one or both parties are missing formal ID due to immigration status, we can often work with alternative documents, such as:

Foreign passport (expired or valid)
Matrícula Consular
Asylum paperwork or USCIS notices

We’ve helped countless couples legalize their union for immigration purposes. We can even assist with apostille certification of marriage certificates for use abroad.

🏥 Hospital or Emergency Wedding Services

In emergency situations—such as a health crisis, family emergency, or hospice care—we provide same-day marriage services at hospitals and private residences.

If ID is missing, we will work with hospital staff, guardians, or relatives to verify identity using medical records or other trusted documents.

🔗 Read more about our hospital wedding services

Can You Get Married Without Any ID at All?

In short: it depends on your location and circumstances.

In most cases, some form of identification is required by law. However, California’s Confidential Marriage License may offer more flexibility. Unlike a public license, it does not require witnesses, and in certain cases may allow exceptions if both parties can prove cohabitation.

🔗 Learn more about Confidential Marriage Licenses in California

At Get Married Today, we are licensed to issue confidential marriage licenses directly—meaning we don’t need to send you to a government office. We meet you in person, verify your ID, and process the marriage license and ceremony all in one visit.

Even in complicated cases, we find legal ways to help you get married quickly and legally. That’s our specialty.

How Get Married Today Makes It Easy

At Get Married Today, we offer same-day marriage services across California, including:

✅ Marriage license issuance on-site
✅ Legal wedding ceremony by a licensed officiant
✅ Apostille certification for international use
✅ Services at your location: home, beach, venue, hospital, or courthouse
✅ Emergency and after-hours availability
✅ Legal ID verification
✅ Optional document notarization and courier filing

Whether you have valid ID, an expired one, or no ID at all—we encourage you to contact us. We will review your case free of charge and let you know your options. Many couples are surprised to learn they don’t need to wait.

🔗 Start your marriage license and ceremony in one visit today: Book an Appointment

What Happens If You Use Fake or Invalid ID?

Using fake or falsified documents to get married is illegal and can invalidate the marriage. It may also expose you to criminal charges or immigration consequences.

However, if you made a good faith effort but were unaware your ID was invalid (e.g., expired passport), we can help fix the situation before the license is filed. Reach out as soon as possible if you’re unsure about your ID status.

🔗 Need guidance? Contact us through our Marriage Help Center

FAQs About ID and Marriage

❓ What if only one of us has valid ID?

Both parties typically need valid ID. However, we can explore options for the second person if one partner has strong documentation.

❓ Can I use my student ID?

Student IDs are not usually accepted on their own but may be used as supporting documentation.

❓ Can you verify my identity if I don’t have physical ID?

In rare situations, yes. With backup documentation and an affidavit, we may be able to move forward. Contact us to discuss.

❓ Do I need my Social Security card?

In California, you do not need a Social Security number or card to get married. However, you must disclose whether or not you have one.

🔗 Learn more from the California Department of Public Health Marriage License FAQ

Conclusion: Yes, You Usually Need Valid ID—But We Can Help If You Don’t Have It

Getting legally married in California typically requires valid photo identification. But if you’re missing your ID, don’t give up hope. Get Married Today specializes in urgent, complex, and even last-minute weddings—including those involving expired IDs, lost documents, and unusual circumstances.

We are authorized to issue marriage licenses and perform legally binding ceremonies across Southern California, including Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside, and San Diego. You don’t have to go to a courthouse, and you don’t have to wait weeks or months. We make it happen—often same day.