Uncategorized
UncategorizedCamden Alchanati

Can I Get Married Without My Birth Certificate?

For couples who need to get married urgently—whether for immigration reasons, military deployment, insurance, or simply to avoid courthouse delays—the question often arises: “Can I get married without my birth certificate?” The answer depends on the state and type of marriage license you’re applying for, but if you’re planning to marry in California, the good news is: yes, you can get married without your birth certificate, especially when you use our same-day services at Get Married Today.

This blog post will explain everything you need to know about marriage license requirements in California, including what documents you do and don’t need, how to get legally married even without a birth certificate, and how our team helps couples marry quickly, legally, and with all the necessary documentation—without the stress of going through the court system.

Why Some States Ask for a Birth Certificate

In some U.S. states, the county clerk or vital records office may require proof of age or citizenship in the form of a birth certificate to issue a marriage license. This is particularly common if either party doesn’t have a government-issued photo ID like a driver’s license or passport.

However, California does not require a birth certificate to issue a marriage license. The primary documentation requirement is valid government-issued photo identification. That means, as long as you have a driver’s license, passport, state ID, military ID, or another acceptable photo ID, you’re eligible to marry in California—no birth certificate required.

✅ California Department of Public Health – Marriage Licenses

Situations Where You May Not Have Your Birth Certificate

Here are common reasons couples worry about not having a birth certificate:

  1. Immigrants without access to original documents
  2. Military personnel deployed overseas
  3. Emergency wedding plans (illness, pregnancy, immigration interviews)
  4. Travelers or non-residents marrying in California
  5. Naturalized citizens with delays in obtaining vital records
  6. Couples getting married while their documents are being apostilled

Regardless of your situation, if you don’t have your birth certificate, you are still able to get legally married in California through Get Married Today, often within hours.

What Identification Do You Need Instead?

Instead of a birth certificate, California accepts the following forms of valid government-issued photo ID:

  • Driver’s license (U.S. or foreign)
  • State-issued ID card
  • U.S. or foreign passport
  • U.S. military ID
  • Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
  • Consular ID (for certain countries)
  • Tribal identification card

If your ID is expired, you may still qualify under certain conditions. See our guide:
📘 Can You Get Married With an Expired Passport?

Confidential Marriage Licenses Don’t Require Birth Certificates Either

California offers two types of marriage licenses:

  1. Public Marriage License
  2. Confidential Marriage License

With a confidential marriage license, there’s even more flexibility:

  • Only photo ID is needed—no birth certificate
  • No witnesses are required
  • The marriage record is not part of the public record
  • It can be issued and completed entirely through our licensed notaries

At Get Married Today, we specialize in issuing confidential marriage licenses on the same day.

📘 What’s the Difference Between a Public and Confidential Marriage License?

What If You Have No ID at All?

If you don’t have any form of photo identification, it becomes more complicated—but not impossible. In some cases, we can help you with:

  • Affidavits of identity for certain situations
  • Marriage with court authorization (rare but possible)
  • Referrals to legal name correction services if your ID documents are mismatched

For more details, read:
📘 Can You Marry Without an ID?

How We Help You Get Married Without a Birth Certificate

Here’s how Get Married Today helps:

  • We issue your marriage license directly—no need to visit the County Clerk
  • We perform your legal wedding ceremony on the same day
  • We provide witnesses (if needed)
  • We file all legal paperwork on your behalf
  • We can request certified copies of your marriage certificate
  • We offer apostille services for couples who need international recognition

🌐 Learn about our international apostille services

Marrying as a Non-U.S. Citizen Without a Birth Certificate

If you are from another country and visiting California, you do not need to show a birth certificate to get married. You simply need valid identification. We frequently help:

  • Tourists visiting California
  • Couples from other countries who need urgent documentation
  • International couples who need a legally binding U.S. marriage for immigration or visa purposes

📘 Can Tourists Get Married in California?

Do You Need a Birth Certificate for a Marriage Apostille?

If you’re planning to use your marriage certificate abroad (for immigration, dual citizenship, residency, etc.), you may need an apostille. This process does not require your birth certificate—it requires:

  • A certified copy of your marriage certificate
  • A notarized Sworn Statement (we help with this)
  • Authentication through the California Secretary of State or U.S. Department of State

✅ Orange County Apostille – Marriage Certificate Apostille

What If the Other Person Has No Birth Certificate?

If your spouse doesn’t have a birth certificate, the same rules apply—they only need a valid photo ID. We’ll handle everything else.

📘 How to Get Married in One Day in California

Common Myths About Birth Certificates and Marriage

Myth #1: You must prove your birthplace to get married
✅ Not true in California. You only need to prove your identity and age.

Myth #2: You can’t get married without U.S. documents
✅ False. We serve couples from all over the world.

Myth #3: A birth certificate is needed to request your marriage record
✅ Also false. Once married, we handle certified copies for you without needing your birth certificate.

📘 Can I Get a Copy of My Marriage Certificate Online?

What Happens After the Marriage?

After you’re legally married, we:

  • Submit your marriage license to the County Recorder
  • Provide a proof of marriage
  • Order certified copies of your official record
  • Offer apostille certification if needed

📘 Do I Need to Register My Marriage After the Wedding?

Urgent Cases We Serve (Without Birth Certificates)

At Get Married Today, we help people every day in situations like:

Same-Day Wedding Without a Birth Certificate: How It Works

  1. Book an appointment online or by phone
    📅 Schedule a Same-Day Marriage
  2. Bring your valid photo ID
    (passport, driver’s license, etc.)
  3. Meet us at your chosen location
    (home, hospital, park, beach, office—we come to you)
  4. Sign documents and get married
    We handle both license and officiant duties
  5. We file everything for you
    You’ll receive your proof and can request certified copies later

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a birth certificate to get married in California?

No. California does not require a birth certificate—only valid photo identification.

📘 Los Angeles County Marriage License Info

What if I’m getting married for immigration purposes?

We can still help you, even if you don’t have a birth certificate. Our legally binding marriages are recognized by USCIS and foreign consulates with proper apostille services.

📘 Marriage for Immigration Support

Can you issue the marriage license and perform the ceremony the same day?

Yes. We are authorized to issue confidential marriage licenses and perform your ceremony—all on the same day.

📘 What Is a Confidential Marriage License?

What if I’m not from the U.S.?

You can still get married here with valid foreign photo ID or passport. Birth certificates are not required.

📘 Can Foreigners Get Married in California?

Can you help with getting a certified marriage certificate and apostille?

Yes. We handle ordering certified copies and apostille authentication for international use.

📘 Marriage Certificate Apostille Services

Ready to Get Married Without the Stress?

Whether you’re missing your birth certificate or simply want to skip the delays and courthouse headaches, Get Married Today is here to help. We’ve helped thousands of couples get legally married on the same day—no birth certificate needed.

✅ Book a same-day marriage appointment now:
👉 https://getmarried.today/book

📞 Call or text us anytime at (949) 676-8568 for urgent weddings, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

25 Helpful Backlinks for Further Reading

  1. California Department of Public Health
  2. Los Angeles County Marriage License Info
  3. Orange County Clerk Recorder
  4. California Secretary of State – Apostilles
  5. U.S. Department of State – Apostille Services
  6. USCIS – Marriage-Based Green Cards
  7. Get Married Today – Book Now
  8. Get Married Today – Contact Page
  9. Marriage Apostille Guide – Orange County Apostille
  10. Get Married Today – Blog
  11. Orange County Apostille Services
  12. Military Marriage Services – Get Married Today
  13. Hospital Wedding Services – Get Married Today
  14. Skip the Courthouse – Marry Today
  15. Can You Get Married With an Expired Passport?
  16. Can You Marry Without ID?
  17. Marriage Without Ceremony
  18. Do You Need to Register Marriage After the Wedding?
  19. Proof of Marriage Letter
  20. Marriage Certificate Delivery Options
  21. Same-Day Marriage Holidays
  22. Weekend Legal Marriage Options
  23. What’s Required for a Legal Marriage?
  24. Immigration Marriage Support
  25. Apostille FAQs – Orange County Apostille