Can You Get Married Without Social Security Numbers?
Introduction
The short answer is yes, you can get married without a Social Security Number (SSN)—especially in California. This question often comes from non-citizens, international visitors, and undocumented immigrants who want to formalize their relationship but are unsure of their eligibility due to their legal status. At Get Married Today, we specialize in helping couples from all walks of life—including those without SSNs—get legally married in California quickly, conveniently, and without a courthouse visit.
Whether you’re a tourist, an undocumented immigrant, a refugee, or a partner of a U.S. citizen waiting for adjustment of status, you deserve the right to legally marry the person you love. This comprehensive guide walks you through how it all works—and how Get Married Today can make it happen smoothly and legally.
Section 1: What Is a Social Security Number and Why It’s Normally Requested
A Social Security Number (SSN) is issued by the U.S. Social Security Administration primarily for tracking earnings and determining benefits. However, it is also used across various government systems as a way to identify individuals for tax, legal, and benefit-related purposes.
When applying for a marriage license in the United States, many local forms ask for a Social Security Number to:
- Check for child support obligations
- Avoid duplicate marriage records
- Coordinate with federal databases
However, asking is not the same as requiring. States like California have procedures in place to accommodate those who do not have an SSN.
Section 2: Legal Framework – Federal vs. State Rules
There is no federal law requiring you to have a Social Security Number in order to get married. Marriage is regulated by state laws, and states can—and often do—issue marriage licenses to people who don’t have SSNs.
In California, if you don’t have a Social Security Number, you can still apply for a marriage license. You simply write “NONE” or “Not Applicable” in the section asking for an SSN. County clerks are not allowed to deny a license solely because an applicant does not have a Social Security Number.
This is particularly helpful for:
- Immigrants
- Visitors
- DACA recipients
- Undocumented persons
- Tourists
Section 3: Who Might Not Have an SSN
Many people legally present in the United States or in the process of legalizing their status may not yet have an SSN. Examples include:
- Foreign nationals on tourist or student visas
- Refugees or asylum seekers
- Undocumented immigrants
- People awaiting green cards
- Foreign nationals marrying U.S. citizens
- TPS (Temporary Protected Status) holders
- People who are not eligible to work in the U.S.
If you or your partner fall into any of these categories, don’t worry—you can still get legally married in California.
Section 4: How to Get Married Without a Social Security Number in California
Here is how you can successfully apply for a marriage license without a Social Security Number:
- Choose the Right Type of License:
- Confidential Marriage License (only available in California): Perfect for couples living together and wanting privacy. No SSN is required.
- Public Marriage License: Available to the public and also allows for marriage without an SSN.
- Write “NONE” or “Not Applicable”:
- On the marriage license form, if you are asked for an SSN and you don’t have one, write “NONE.” This is legally accepted in California.
- Present Valid Identification:
- Passport
- Consular ID
- National ID card
- Foreign driver’s license
- Refugee travel document
- Work With Get Married Today:
- We are authorized to issue marriage licenses in California.
- No need to go to the County Clerk.
- We help with all paperwork to avoid delays or errors.
Section 5: Examples of Valid Identification Without SSNs
If you don’t have a Social Security Number, you’ll need valid government-issued identification. Acceptable IDs include:
- Valid foreign passports
- Consular Identification Cards (such as the Mexican Matrícula Consular)
- National IDs from your country of origin
- Government-issued Refugee Travel Documents
- Foreign driver’s licenses
- Military identification cards from other countries
At Get Married Today, we will verify your ID and walk you through every step of the documentation process.
Section 6: County Clerk Offices That Allow Marriage Without SSNs
While California law allows marriage without an SSN, the interpretation may vary slightly between counties. The following counties are known to accommodate such marriages:
- Los Angeles County
- Orange County
- San Diego County
- Riverside County
- San Bernardino County
Our team at Get Married Today handles the legal paperwork with these counties regularly. Whether you need a public or confidential license, we’ll issue it correctly.
Section 7: How Get Married Today Makes It Easy
Get Married Today is your solution for fast, simple, and legal same-day marriages—with or without a Social Security Number.
We provide:
- Same-day marriage license issuance
- Legal wedding ceremonies on-site or at your location
- 24/7 availability (yes, weekends and holidays too!)
- No courthouse appointment needed
- Experience with international couples and those without SSNs
- Full documentation and filing with the County Recorder’s Office
Section 8: International Marriages and Apostilles
If you or your partner is from another country and you plan to use your marriage certificate internationally, you may need an apostille.
Get Married Today provides:
- Marriage license issuance
- Ceremony and legal officiation
- Apostille service for international use under the Hague Apostille Convention
Whether you are marrying a U.S. citizen for immigration purposes or want to register your marriage in your home country, we can help legalize your marriage documents properly.
Section 9: FAQs – Getting Married Without a Social Security Number
Can undocumented immigrants get married in California? Yes. California does not ask about immigration status. You only need valid identification, not a Social Security Number or proof of legal status.
Can I get married in the U.S. with a tourist visa? Yes. You can get married while visiting the U.S. on a tourist visa. Just make sure your documents are in order, and if needed, Get Married Today can assist with apostilles for international recognition.
Will getting married without an SSN affect my immigration case? No. Getting married without an SSN does not negatively impact your immigration status. In fact, legal marriage is often the first step to adjustment of status for many couples.
Can we get a marriage certificate for foreign use? Yes. We help you get the official certified copy of your marriage certificate and offer apostille services so you can use your certificate abroad.
Section 10: Real Stories From Couples We’ve Helped
We’ve helped:
- A couple from Mexico and El Salvador marry without SSNs and receive their certificate same-day.
- A tourist couple from Germany get married on a weekend with just their passports.
- An undocumented spouse and their U.S. citizen partner get legally married and later begin the green card process.
- Military personnel stationed in California marry their partner without needing a Social Security Number.
Section 11: What to Do After You’re Married Without an SSN
- Receive Your Proof of Marriage Immediately
- Wait 5–8 Weeks for the Official Certificate From the County
- Request an Apostille if Needed for International Use
- Use the Certificate for Immigration, Health, or Legal Processes
- Apply for a Social Security Number if Newly Eligible After Marriage
Section 12: Final Thoughts
Yes, you can absolutely get married without a Social Security Number in California. Thousands of couples do it each year. Whether you are undocumented, on a tourist visa, or simply without an SSN, Get Married Today is here to help you make it official—legally and quickly.
We offer:
- Same-day marriage licenses
- Wedding ceremonies with no courthouse
- Apostille certification for international use
- Support in English and Spanish
- Full confidentiality and legal compliance