Can I Get Married with an Expired Passport?
When love can’t wait, couples often wonder whether outdated or missing documents—especially something as important as a passport—will stand in their way. One of the most commonly asked questions we receive at Get Married Today is: “Can I get married with an expired passport?”
The short answer is: It depends on where and how you’re getting married, but in many cases, yes—with the right support. This guide explains everything you need to know about using an expired passport for marriage, legal alternatives, and how to get married the same day, even if your documentation isn’t perfect.
Table of Contents
- Why Identification Is Required for Marriage
- Is an Expired Passport Considered Valid ID?
- Can You Get a Marriage License with an Expired Passport?
- California Marriage License Requirements
- Same-Day Marriage Services and Expired IDs
- Alternative Identification Documents You Can Use
- What If Neither of You Has Valid ID?
- Can Non-U.S. Citizens Marry with Expired Foreign Passports?
- Why “Get Married Today” Is the Right Choice for Couples in a Hurry
- Expedited Solutions: Marriage + Apostille Services
- How to Get Married Today—Even Without a Valid Passport
- FAQs: Expired Passport and Marriage
- Final Thoughts: Love Doesn’t Expire—Why Should Your Wedding?
Why Identification Is Required for Marriage
When applying for a marriage license, you’re not just getting permission to celebrate your love—you’re entering a legal contract. That’s why every county clerk’s office or authorized agent will ask for valid government-issued identification to verify:
- Your name
- Your age (to confirm legal marriage eligibility)
- Your identity to prevent fraud
An unexpired ID is typically expected. But that doesn’t mean expired IDs are always disqualified, especially if you’re working with a professional agency like Get Married Today, which offers legal workarounds and expedited support.
Is an Expired Passport Considered Valid ID?
In most government offices, expired passports are not considered valid forms of identification. However, many agencies will still review the document, especially if:
- It recently expired
- It includes clear photo and biographical data
- You have a second form of ID to support it
Some counties in California may accept an expired passport if additional documentation is provided. Working with an authorized partner like Get Married Today increases your chances of being able to proceed.
Can You Get a Marriage License with an Expired Passport?
It depends on your situation:
| Scenario | Can You Get a License? | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Passport expired less than 1 year | Possibly | If combined with a secondary ID like a driver’s license or green card |
| Foreign passport expired | Unlikely | Unless you have valid visa or ID proof from your home country |
| Expired passport + no other ID | Rarely | You may need legal help or alternative paperwork |
| Working with Get Married Today | Yes (in many cases) | We offer same-day services and alternative documentation options |
California Marriage License Requirements
In California, the basic requirements for a marriage license are:
- Both parties must be at least 18 years old (or have court approval if underage)
- Both must appear in person unless one has a notarized affidavit or power of attorney
- Both must present valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., passport, driver’s license, green card)
The state of California generally requires unexpired ID. However, a confidential marriage license, which is available through providers like Get Married Today, allows more flexibility in documentation requirements.
🔗 Learn more about California marriage licenses at the California Department of Public Health
Same-Day Marriage Services and Expired IDs
One major advantage of working with Get Married Today is that we are licensed to issue marriage licenses ourselves—no need to go to the county clerk.
This means:
- No long lines
- No courthouse visit
- More flexibility in acceptable documentation
- Ability to get legally married even with an expired ID
We assess documentation on a case-by-case basis and can often accept alternative proof of identity. This is especially helpful for:
- Military couples
- Immigrant couples
- International travelers
- Couples in emergency situations
Alternative Identification Documents You Can Use
If your passport is expired, you may be able to use one of the following:
- State-issued ID card or Driver’s License
- Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
- Foreign national ID or consular ID
- Birth certificate + photo ID (like expired passport or school ID)
- Court-issued identity verification documents
- Signed and notarized affidavit from a family member or employer
If you lack all forms of valid ID, Get Married Today can help you prepare notarized statements or affidavits to strengthen your application.
What If Neither of You Has Valid ID?
Even in the toughest cases—such as undocumented individuals or international students—there are still options. Get Married Today can:
- Help you apply for a confidential license with alternative paperwork
- Issue a same-day license based on affidavits or third-party verification
- Assist with name change documents or secondary proof
- Offer mobile notary and document translation if needed
Can Non-U.S. Citizens Marry with Expired Foreign Passports?
Yes, in many cases—but it requires additional steps.
Foreign nationals with expired passports may still qualify to marry if they have:
- I-94 visa documentation
- Consular ID or national ID
- Valid foreign driver’s license
- Government letters or legal ID from their embassy
🔗 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services – Marriage Validity Requirements
Why “Get Married Today” Is the Right Choice for Couples in a Hurry
If you’re dealing with an expired passport and you’re worried about delays or legal roadblocks, here’s how Get Married Today makes your life easier:
✅ We issue legal marriage licenses on-site
✅ We perform ceremonies 24/7
✅ We accept alternative documentation
✅ We offer Spanish-speaking services
✅ We provide mobile notary and wedding officiants
✅ We handle apostilles for use abroad
Whether you’re preparing for immigration, traveling soon, or facing an urgent situation, we ensure you walk out legally married.
Expedited Solutions: Marriage + Apostille Services
Planning to use your marriage certificate internationally? You’ll likely need an apostille. We can:
- Order your official marriage certificate
- Apply for apostille certification through California or the U.S. Department of State
- Ship documents worldwide
🔗 Learn about apostille services through the California Secretary of State
How to Get Married Today—Even Without a Valid Passport
Follow these steps:
- Book an appointment at https://getmarried.today/
- Explain your documentation issue (expired passport, missing ID, etc.)
- Submit any supporting documents (expired passport, birth certificate, affidavits)
- Arrive with your partner—we’ll issue the license on the spot
- Get married the same day, with an optional ceremony at our location or yours
We’ll file everything with the County Clerk and can order your official certificate for you.
FAQs: Expired Passport and Marriage
Can I get married in California if my passport is expired?
Yes—especially with a confidential license or by working with Get Married Today.
Is a driver’s license required if I have a passport?
No. One valid government-issued ID is enough, though a second ID can help if one is expired.
Will an expired passport be accepted for a name change?
No—DMV and Social Security usually require valid, unexpired ID. However, we can help you navigate the process.
Can I get married in the U.S. without any ID?
Only in rare cases—but Get Married Today can help with sworn affidavits, notarized documents, and legal alternatives.
How fast can I get married if my ID is expired?
Same day. We issue licenses and perform legal weddings on the spot.
Final Thoughts: Love Doesn’t Expire—Why Should Your Wedding?
At Get Married Today, we believe legal hurdles shouldn’t stop true love. If you have an expired passport or no ID at all, our team will work with you to get married quickly and legally—with or without a courthouse visit.
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