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UncategorizedCamden Alchanati

Can You Get Married Without Social Security Numbers?

At Get Married Today, we know love doesn’t wait—especially when life circumstances make paperwork complicated. A question we often receive is: “Can we get married without a Social Security number?” Whether due to immigration status, lost documents, or lack of U.S. citizenship, the short answer is: Yes, you can get legally married without a Social Security Number (SSN)—in many cases.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know: what your state might require, how to legally marry if you or your partner doesn’t have an SSN, and how Get Married Today can help expedite the entire process—often within a single day.

Table of Contents

  1. Why Social Security Numbers Are Requested
  2. Is a Social Security Number Legally Required for Marriage?
  3. Marrying Without a Social Security Number in California
  4. Other States’ Policies on SSNs and Marriage
  5. Common Scenarios Where SSNs Are Not Available
  6. Acceptable Identification Alternatives
  7. How Get Married Today Helps Couples Without SSNs
  8. Special Note for Undocumented Immigrants and Visitors
  9. What If You Lost Your SSN or Are Waiting for a Replacement?
  10. Confidential Marriage Licenses: A Legal Loophole?
  11. Religious vs. Civil Ceremonies and ID Requirements
  12. Do You Need an SSN to Apostille a Marriage Certificate?
  13. Can Same-Sex or Non-Citizen Couples Marry Without SSNs?
  14. Military Members, Visitors, and Foreign Fiance(e)s
  15. Tips for Getting Married Without Bureaucratic Delays
  16. FAQs
  17. Get Married Today—Even Without an SSN

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1. Why Social Security Numbers Are Requested

Most U.S. marriage license applications include a field for Social Security Numbers. The purpose is twofold:

  • To track legal name changes.
  • To enforce child support obligations through centralized reporting systems.

However, not having an SSN does not automatically disqualify you from getting married—especially if you explain your situation and provide alternative identification.

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2. Is a Social Security Number Legally Required for Marriage?

No, it is not a nationwide legal requirement. There is no federal law requiring you to have a Social Security Number to marry. Marriage is governed by state law, and many states—including California—provide workarounds or exceptions for individuals without SSNs.

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3. Marrying Without a Social Security Number in California

In California, individuals can apply for a Confidential Marriage License or a Public Marriage License, even if one or both parties lack an SSN.

According to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH):

“If a party does not have a Social Security Number, they must state that fact on the application form.”

That’s it—no penalty, no denial. You simply write “Not Applicable” or “None” when prompted.

How Get Married Today Helps:

  • We offer same-day license issuance with no court appearance required.
  • Our officiants are legally authorized to solemnize marriages in all counties of California.
  • We specialize in cases where partners lack U.S. ID or SSNs.

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4. Other States’ Policies on SSNs and Marriage

Here’s how some other states handle marriages without SSNs:

StateSSN Required?Alternatives Accepted
CaliforniaNoSimply state “Not Applicable”
NevadaNoPassport or foreign ID accepted
TexasYes*Must complete affidavit if no SSN
FloridaNoProvide valid foreign ID
New YorkNoLeave blank or mark N/A
IllinoisNoExplanation required on application

Note: Always verify with the specific county clerk where you plan to marry. Policies can vary by county.

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5. Common Scenarios Where SSNs Are Not Available

  1. Undocumented immigrants
  2. Foreign tourists visiting the U.S.
  3. DACA recipients or international students
  4. People waiting for SSN reissuance
  5. Foreign fiancés on K-1 visas or ESTA
  6. Asylees or those in pending status

We specialize in fast-tracking marriage licenses and ceremonies for all of the above cases.

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6. Acceptable Identification Alternatives

If you don’t have a Social Security Number, you will still need to provide:

  • Government-issued photo ID, such as:
    • Valid Passport (foreign or U.S.)
    • Consular ID (e.g., Matrícula Consular)
    • Driver’s License (U.S. or foreign)
    • State-issued ID
    • Military ID

The county clerk needs to confirm your identity and age (18+). That’s it.

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7. How Get Married Today Helps Couples Without SSNs

At Get Married Today, we:

  • Issue confidential marriage licenses without an SSN.
  • Come to your location—home, hospital, detention center, beach, or park.
  • Offer 24/7 legal marriage services even on weekends and holidays.
  • Help with certified copies and apostilles for international use.
  • Provide immediate proof of marriage for immigration, insurance, and travel needs.

We turn the impossible into “we do.”

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8. Special Note for Undocumented Immigrants and Visitors

If you’re undocumented or visiting the U.S., you can still get married legally in California. Our team is:

  • Discreet
  • Bilingual
  • Immigration-knowledgeable

We’ve helped thousands of couples tie the knot quickly and securely—even those without immigration status, visas, or U.S. documents.

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9. What If You Lost Your SSN or Are Waiting for a Replacement?

If you’ve lost your Social Security card or are waiting for a replacement, it’s typically not a deal-breaker. Most counties will accept:

  • An explanation in writing (e.g., “awaiting reissue of SSN card”)
  • Your SSN typed on the application if you remember it
  • Alternative documentation (pay stub, W-2, tax form)

When in doubt—let us help you contact the county clerk on your behalf to verify.

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10. Confidential Marriage Licenses: A Legal Loophole?

Yes—this is a game-changer.

A Confidential Marriage License:

  • Does not require a Social Security Number.
  • Requires both parties to live together (no proof needed).
  • Keeps your marriage record private—it’s not public record.
  • Can be issued without any court appearance.
  • Can be used for immigration and legal name changes.

We can issue and file this for you the same day—anywhere in California.

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11. Religious vs. Civil Ceremonies and ID Requirements

The ceremony itself—religious or civil—does not determine whether an SSN is needed. The marriage license is the legal part.

Once the license is issued and filed:

  • The ceremony can be traditional, spiritual, secular, or minimal.
  • It doesn’t matter if you’re in a chapel, backyard, or beach.
  • We provide the legal solemnization.

And again—no SSN is needed for the ceremony itself.

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12. Do You Need an SSN to Apostille a Marriage Certificate?

No. Apostilles are granted based on the document itself, not your SSN.

We help clients:

  • Apostille marriage certificates for use in countries like Mexico, Spain, Italy, Korea, and Brazil.
  • Translate and notarize documents as needed.
  • Work with California and federal agencies to complete the process.

Whether or not you have a Social Security Number, we can assist.

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13. Can Same-Sex or Non-Citizen Couples Marry Without SSNs?

Absolutely.

All couples—regardless of gender, citizenship, or documentation status—have the right to marry in California.

What we guarantee:

  • No discrimination
  • No delays
  • No complicated bureaucracy
  • Yes to your marriage license and ceremony—today.

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14. Military Members, Visitors, and Foreign Fiance(e)s

We serve:

  • Military couples needing same-day weddings to secure housing or benefits
  • Tourists marrying on vacation
  • Couples with fiancés on visas (K-1, tourist, student)

We handle:

  • The marriage license
  • The officiant
  • The legal paperwork
  • The certified copy and apostille (if needed)

You show up—we handle the rest.

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15. Tips for Getting Married Without Bureaucratic Delays

  1. Bring valid photo ID.
  2. Tell us in advance if you lack an SSN.
  3. Use our confidential marriage license service.
  4. Ask us to come to you.
  5. Avoid court or county clerks—let us do the work.
  6. Get extra certified copies for immigration or travel.
  7. Request an apostille if marrying a foreign citizen.

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16. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I just leave the SSN field blank on the application?

A: In most counties, yes. California allows this with a written explanation. We’ll guide you through it.

Q: What if my partner has an SSN but I don’t?

A: No problem. One party can leave it blank or write “Not Applicable.”

Q: Can we get legally married without immigration status?

A: Yes, you can. We’ve helped thousands of undocumented individuals get married legally in California.

Q: Will my marriage be valid in other states or countries?

A: Yes. Once your license is filed, your marriage is legally recognized in all 50 states and abroad—with apostille if needed.

Q: Can I still apply for a green card after marriage without an SSN?

A: Yes. Marriage is a separate legal status from immigration. We can help ensure your marriage documents are valid for USCIS.

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17. Get Married Today—Even Without an SSN

At Get Married Today, we believe in access, equality, and love without borders. Whether you’re:

  • A foreign visitor
  • An undocumented partner
  • A military couple in a hurry
  • A same-sex couple without U.S. documents
  • A fiancé in a mixed-status relationship

We are here to help you marry legally, quickly, and privately—no courthouse visit needed.

Ready to get married without a Social Security Number?

📍 We serve all of Southern California
📅 Available 24/7 — including holidays
📞 Call us or book now at https://getmarried.today