Can I Get Married If I Lost My ID?
Losing your identification can be a stressful experience, especially if you’re planning to get married. The question many couples ask is: Can I still get married if I lost my ID? The answer depends on your location, your ability to verify your identity through alternative means, and the flexibility of the marriage service provider. At Get Married Today, we specialize in helping couples tie the knot quickly, even in unexpected situations like this.
This blog post provides a comprehensive guide for anyone wondering if marriage is possible without a government-issued ID. We’ll break down:
- Legal ID requirements in California and other states
- What to do if you’ve lost your ID right before your wedding
- Workarounds accepted by local authorities
- Same-day marriage solutions without a courthouse visit
- Apostille certification for international use
1. Legal ID Requirements to Get Married in the U.S.
In most U.S. states, you need to present valid, government-issued photo identification to obtain a marriage license. Accepted forms of ID typically include:
- State-issued driver’s license
- State ID card
- U.S. or foreign passport
- Military ID
- Green card (permanent resident card)
In California, the county clerk requires both parties to appear in person with valid photo identification to verify their identity and age. A marriage license will not be issued unless identity is proven. This ensures that:
- Both individuals are entering the marriage voluntarily
- Both meet the legal age requirement
- Neither is currently married to someone else
➡️ California Department of Public Health – Marriage License Information
2. What If I Lost My ID Right Before the Wedding?
Don’t panic. While the process may require extra steps, it is still possible to get married even if you’ve misplaced or lost your ID.
Here’s what you can do:
a. Use Alternative Forms of Identification
Some counties may allow secondary forms of ID if primary photo ID is lost. These can include:
- Social Security card
- Birth certificate
- Health insurance card
- Student ID
- Bank card with your name
However, these must be accompanied by a sworn affidavit and possibly a witness who can verify your identity.
b. Replace Your ID Urgently
Visit your local DMV for a temporary driver’s license or a replacement ID. Many DMVs offer same-day or next-day services. Bring as many supporting documents as possible (birth certificate, utility bill, passport, etc.).
➡️ CA DMV – Replace Your Driver’s License
c. File an Affidavit of Identity
If replacing your ID isn’t possible in time, you may be able to submit an Affidavit of Identity. This legal document is notarized and confirms your full name, date of birth, and address.
Get Married Today can provide notary services and draft affidavits on the spot.
3. California Confidential Marriage License: A Flexible Option
One unique feature in California is the Confidential Marriage License. This license is:
- Only available in California
- Requires both parties to be living together
- Doesn’t require witnesses
- Filed and kept confidential from the public record
Our team at Get Married Today can issue a Confidential Marriage License on-site, reducing the need for government interaction or multiple forms of ID.
➡️ Los Angeles County Registrar – Confidential Marriage Licenses
4. How Get Married Today Helps Couples Without ID
We’ve helped hundreds of couples facing last-minute emergencies—lost passports, missing IDs, stolen wallets, and more. Our team offers:
- Same-day marriage license issuance
- Legal officiation services
- Mobile service across Southern California
- In-house notary for affidavits
- Assistance with ID alternatives
Whether you’re in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Riverside, or San Bernardino, we come to you, issue your license, and perform your ceremony—all without a courthouse visit.
➡️ Get Married Today – Same-Day Marriage Services
5. Documents You Can Use If You Lost Your ID
If you’ve lost your ID, consider providing a combination of the following:
- Birth certificate (original or certified copy)
- Social Security card
- Utility bill (proof of residence)
- School or work records
- Expired ID (if not too old)
- Police report showing ID was stolen/lost
Many counties evaluate these on a case-by-case basis. We can guide you through what’s acceptable and help you prepare the proper paperwork.
6. What If You’re From Another Country and Lost Your Passport?
Foreign nationals who lose their passports may still be able to marry by:
- Visiting their consulate for an emergency travel document
- Providing a certified birth certificate
- Presenting an expired passport
- Providing visa or immigration paperwork
We are fluent in working with international clients and help them get legally married in the U.S. even without traditional identification.
➡️ USCIS – Immigration Documents and Proof of Identity
7. Military Couples: Lost ID Before Deployment or PCS?
Military service members often need to get married quickly before deployment, reassignment, or to secure BAH benefits. If you lost your military ID or driver’s license, don’t worry—we can:
- Accept alternate military paperwork (orders, LES, etc.)
- File identity affidavits
- Verify chain-of-command documents
We also offer military discounts and weekend services for urgent elopements.
➡️ Defense Finance and Accounting Service – Marriage and BAH
8. How to Get Married Same-Day Without a Courthouse
When working with Get Married Today, you can:
- Book online or call for urgent service
- Meet at your home, hotel, or scenic location
- Provide any identification or paperwork available
- Sign a legal affidavit if needed
- Receive a valid California marriage license on the spot
- Have your wedding ceremony performed immediately
- Receive proof of marriage
This process is fully legal and recognized in California. We then file your paperwork with the County Clerk.
➡️ Get Married Today – How It Works
9. Getting an Apostille for Your Marriage Certificate (If ID Was Lost Overseas)
If you need to prove your U.S. marriage abroad, we can help you obtain an apostille on your official marriage certificate. This is especially helpful if:
- You lost your ID/passport in a foreign country
- You plan to sponsor a spouse for immigration
- You need recognition of marriage for dual citizenship
Our team works directly with the California Secretary of State and U.S. Department of State to legalize documents for international use.
➡️ Apostille Services – Get Married Today
10. FAQs: Getting Married Without ID
Q: Can I use a photocopy of my ID? A: In most cases, no. However, if it’s recently expired or accompanied by other verified documents, we may be able to assist.
Q: What if only one person lost their ID? A: The marriage can still happen as long as one person has valid ID and the other can verify identity via affidavit or secondary documentation.
Q: Will my marriage still be legal? A: Yes, as long as your license is validly issued and your identity was verified legally.
Q: Do I have to go to the courthouse to replace my ID first? A: Not necessarily. We can often help you marry without going to the courthouse at all.
Q: How long will it take? A: We offer same-day service—your license can be issued, your wedding performed, and your documents filed within hours.
Final Thoughts
Losing your ID shouldn’t stop you from getting married—especially when you have a team like Get Married Today in your corner. Whether you’re local, military, undocumented, or visiting from another country, we’ll work with you to find a legal solution.
We issue licenses, notarize documents, perform ceremonies, and get your paperwork filed fast—often within the same day. And if you need international recognition, we’ll take care of the apostille too.
📍 Serving all of Southern California, including Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, and beyond.
📞 Or call us 24/7 for urgent help.
Your ID may be lost—but your wedding plans aren’t. Let’s make your marriage happen today!