Can You Get Married Without a Social Security Number?
For many couples, getting married marks one of life’s most meaningful milestones. But for others—especially non-U.S. citizens, immigrants, visiting tourists, or those in urgent legal situations—a big question looms:
Can you get married in the United States without a Social Security Number (SSN)?
The answer is YES—in California, you can get legally married even if one or both partners do not have a Social Security Number.
At Get Married Today, we specialize in helping couples get legally married—fast, easily, and with or without a Social Security Number. Whether you’re marrying for immigration purposes, military benefits, or simply need urgent official documentation, we provide the complete legal marriage solution, including issuing your marriage license and performing the ceremony on the same day.
Need to get married today without a Social Security Number? Book your appointment now at GetMarried.Today.
Understanding the Legal Requirements for Marriage in California
Let’s break down what you actually need to get legally married in California.
Unlike other states that may ask for proof of residency, employment, or SSNs, California is one of the most accessible states for couples of all backgrounds to get legally married.
What You Do Need:
- A valid government-issued photo ID (passport, driver’s license, or state ID)
- Both parties must be at least 18 years old (minors require court approval)
- You must apply for a marriage license
- You must agree to the marriage and sign the license
- The marriage must be performed by a legally authorized officiant
What You Do NOT Need:
- You do not need to be a U.S. citizen
- You do not need to be a California resident
- You do not need a Social Security Number (in specific cases)
- You do not need witnesses (if applying for a confidential marriage license)
Learn more about California marriage laws at California Department of Public Health.
Who Might Not Have a Social Security Number?
There are many legitimate reasons why one or both partners may not have an SSN:
- You’re a non-U.S. citizen visiting on a tourist or student visa
- You’re in the process of applying for U.S. residency
- You are an undocumented immigrant
- You are a foreign military member or international diplomat
- You simply never applied for or qualified for an SSN
These are very common scenarios, and California makes accommodations for these couples.
Read about marriage and immigration requirements at USCIS.
How to Get Married in California Without a Social Security Number
When applying for a marriage license, if either person does not have a Social Security Number, California allows you to write “None” in that section of the application.
Here’s how it works:
- When applying for the marriage license, leave the SSN field blank or write “None.”
- Sign an affidavit (if requested) affirming you don’t have an SSN.
- Provide valid photo identification (passport, foreign ID, etc.)
- Complete the rest of the license application.
That’s it!
Orange County residents can learn more at Orange County Clerk-Recorder.
What Is a Confidential Marriage License?
One great option for couples without an SSN is the Confidential Marriage License.
Benefits of a Confidential Marriage License:
- No witnesses required
- No public record—your marriage information stays private
- Valid for U.S. citizens and non-citizens
- Ideal for urgent or discreet marriages
This is a perfect choice for:
- Immigration applicants
- Tourists or visitors
- Couples seeking privacy
- People in high-profile careers
Learn more about confidential marriage licenses at US Marriage Laws.
Why Couples Need Urgent Official Documentation
Many couples who come to Get Married Today need to get legally married quickly in order to:
Meet immigration filing deadlines
Secure military spousal benefits
Update legal documents, including name changes
Add a spouse to insurance plans or housing agreements
Begin green card applications
Our services are designed to help couples:
- Get legally married within hours of their appointment
- Receive a valid marriage certificate
- Start the apostille process for international document recognition
Learn about apostilles at The Hague Conference on Private International Law.
Same-Day Marriage with No SSN: How We Make It Easy
Here’s what you can expect when you book a same-day marriage with Get Married Today:
Step 1: Book Your Appointment
Schedule your ceremony at GetMarried.Today. We’re open 24/7, including weekends and holidays.
Step 2: We Issue Your Marriage License
We handle everything on-site—no need to visit the courthouse.
For ID requirements, visit California Department of Motor Vehicles.
Step 3: Ceremony Anywhere You Like
Our traveling officiants can perform your ceremony:
- At your home
- On the beach
- In a hotel room or Airbnb
- At a park or scenic outdoor location
Browse beautiful elopement locations at Visit California.
Step 4: Get Legally Married
Our officiants complete your license and file it with the appropriate county office.
Step 5: Receive Your Marriage Certificate
We’ll assist you in requesting certified copies and starting the apostille process through our trusted partners at Orange County Apostille.
International Couples: Make Your Marriage Valid Abroad
Couples from countries like the UK, Germany, Australia, and Mexico often need a marriage certificate with an apostille to ensure it’s valid in their home country.
We’ve helped couples:
- Get legally married in California without a Social Security Number
- Apostille their documents
- Submit marriage certificates for immigration or legal use abroad
Visit Orange County Apostille at https://orangecountyapostille.org/ to learn more about their services.
Why Choose Get Married Today?
We issue your marriage license on-site
We perform the ceremony wherever you choose
Same-day services available
We assist with apostilles
No SSN required for legal marriage
Available 24/7
Trusted by:
- International travelers
- Immigration attorneys
- Military couples
- Eloping couples
- LGBTQ+ couples
Get tips for a small, meaningful wedding at Brides.
Real Couples. Real Results.
“We flew in from Germany and got married the same day. No SSN? No problem. Get Married Today handled everything—even our apostille!”
— Claudia & Jens
“As an Australian tourist, I didn’t expect to get legally married so quickly in California. But Get Married Today made it happen in one day.”
— Mia & James
“My fiancée and I needed to get married before his deployment. We had no time for paperwork delays or SSNs. They got it done fast.”
— Natalie & Daniel
Find more real wedding stories at Wedding Wire.
Book Your Same-Day Marriage Without a Social Security Number
If you’ve been told you can’t get married without a Social Security Number—think again. With Get Married Today, you can have a fast, private, and legally valid wedding in California, even without an SSN.
Book your wedding now at https://getmarried.today
Legal. Affordable. Same-day. No SSN required.
Recommended Resources
Here are 25 trusted links for more info:
- GetMarried.Today
- California Department of Public Health
- US Marriage Laws
- Orange County Clerk-Recorder
- VitalChek
- The Knot – Budget Wedding Tips
- Brides – Elopement Planning
- Zola – Stress-Free Wedding Tips
- USCIS – Marriage-Based Immigration
- Military.com – Spousal Benefits
- National Park Service – Wedding Permits
- Visit California
- The Hague Apostille Conference
- Orange County Apostille
- SSA – Social Security Administration
- California DMV – Name Change
- Travel.State.Gov – Passport Name Change
- Wedding Spot – California Venues
- Wedding Wire – Real Wedding Stories
- Brides – Vow Ideas
- The Knot – Name Change Checklist
- County of Los Angeles – Registrar Recorder
- San Diego Recorder/County Clerk
- Marin County Clerk
- Alameda County Marriage Services
Conclusion:
You can get married in California without a Social Security Number, and at Get Married Today, we make it easier than ever. We handle everything—marriage license, ceremony, legal filing, and apostille—so you can focus on what really matters: celebrating your love.
Book your same-day wedding now at https://getmarried.today !