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Can You Marry Without an ID?

For many couples, love knows no boundaries. But when it comes to the legal side of marriage—especially in the United States—proof of identity is typically required. However, life isn’t always neat. Maybe you lost your ID, just moved from another country, or are navigating complex immigration, military, or emergency situations. So the big question is: Can you marry without an ID?

At Get Married Today, we help couples get legally married quickly and affordably—even in special situations. While most jurisdictions do require a valid government-issued photo ID, there are creative, legal, and expedited ways to work around missing documentation depending on your case.

In this blog post, we’ll explain:

  • When an ID is required
  • What types of IDs are accepted
  • What happens if one or both parties don’t have an ID
  • Alternative options if you’ve lost your ID
  • How Get Married Today helps couples marry same-day—even without traditional ID
  • Apostille services for international recognition
  • How military, immigrant, or emergency situations can affect ID requirements

What Are the Standard ID Requirements for Marriage?

In the State of California and most other U.S. states, a valid government-issued photo ID is required to obtain a marriage license. This includes:

  • Driver’s license
  • State ID
  • Passport
  • Military ID
  • Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
  • Foreign government-issued passport (if in English or accompanied by translation)

Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder requires both parties to present a valid photo ID to issue a marriage license. Similarly, Orange County Clerk-Recorder requires proper identification before the license is issued.

Can You Get Married Without an ID in California?

Generally, no, you cannot get a marriage license without valid identification. However, there are exceptions, workarounds, and time-sensitive solutions.

Some counties may allow the use of alternative forms of ID or supporting documents in urgent or exceptional situations—such as:

  • Hospitalized individuals
  • Military deployment
  • Immigration time constraints
  • Foreign nationals in transition
  • Loss or theft of ID

In these cases, Get Married Today can help provide alternate verification options and assist in expediting your marriage license and ceremony—sometimes even the same day.

I Lost My ID — Can I Still Get Married?

Yes, but you need to take immediate steps:

  1. File a police report if your ID was stolen.
  2. Visit your local DMV to request a temporary license or ID.
  3. Bring supporting documentation such as a birth certificate, social security card, green card, or passport application receipt.
  4. Work with an authorized marriage license issuer like Get Married Today, who may help expedite or verify your identity through alternative methods.

If you were born in California, you can request a copy of your birth certificate from the California Department of Public Health.

Can I Use a Passport Instead of a Driver’s License?

Absolutely. U.S. passports and valid foreign passports (with proper translation if necessary) are accepted across California counties.

According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), passports are a strong form of government-issued ID and are suitable for legal documentation including marriage.

If your passport is expired, you may still be able to get married under certain circumstances, which Get Married Today can help you navigate.

Can I Use a Green Card or Military ID?

Yes. A valid Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) or Military ID can be used in place of a driver’s license or state ID when applying for a marriage license.

Camp Pendleton South and Camp Pendleton North military members can benefit from our 24/7 marriage services, which include license issuance and same-day weddings.

Can I Get Married While Awaiting Immigration Documents?

Yes—with support. Many immigrants find themselves between documentation phases while their USCIS case is pending. If you lack current photo ID due to recent immigration changes, Get Married Today can help validate identity through:

  • Alien Registration Number (A-Number)
  • Expired passport with I-94 or immigration record
  • USCIS notices or Employment Authorization Documents (EAD)

We also offer apostille certification for couples who need their marriage legally recognized abroad.

Can I Use a Temporary Paper ID?

In many cases, yes. A temporary DMV paper ID may be accepted if accompanied by other valid supporting documents such as:

  • Birth certificate
  • Social Security card
  • Previous photo ID copy
  • USCIS-issued EAD or immigration papers

Always check directly with the County Clerk where you plan to marry or work with a private service like Get Married Today to navigate your options.

Can I Marry Without an ID if I Use a Confidential Marriage License?

Confidential marriage licenses still require government-issued identification. However, they offer additional privacy and fewer witnesses—a great option for undocumented immigrants or couples who want to keep their marriage discreet.

Learn more at the California Courts website or speak to our team to issue your confidential license the same day.

What If I’m in the Hospital or Incarcerated?

California allows marriage by proxy or hospital bedside marriages in special circumstances. Our team at Get Married Today can:

  • Arrange for a notary to verify ID via medical chart or wristband
  • Help process required documents through the county
  • Perform the wedding onsite—even within hospitals or care homes

This service is often used when a partner is seriously ill, terminal, or preparing for surgery. We’ve helped clients marry legally from UCI Medical Center and Hoag Hospital under compassionate circumstances.

What About Refugees or Undocumented Immigrants?

California does not require proof of legal residency to marry. This means undocumented immigrants and asylum seekers can still get legally married—as long as they can establish identity.

If you’re in this situation, contact Get Married Today for personalized assistance. We’re experienced with:

  • ICE detainment timelines
  • Proof of identity via consulates
  • Working with immigration attorneys

I’m Getting Married for Immigration Purposes — Can I Start Without an ID?

Yes, but timing is critical. Many couples marry to begin the green card through marriage process. If your fiancé is overseas or your ID is pending, we can:

  • Begin the marriage license paperwork
  • Schedule your ceremony for the day you receive ID
  • Provide expedited wedding services for I-130 petitions

See our immigration marriage guide to begin now.

Can I Bring a Witness Who Vouches for My Identity?

Unfortunately, most counties do not allow third-party affidavits in place of ID. However, witnesses are helpful for the ceremony itself if you’re not using a confidential license.

Some counties may allow a secondary form of identification with witness support in extraordinary circumstances, especially if you’re working with a recognized marriage service provider like Get Married Today.

How Get Married Today Can Help

At Get Married Today, we are authorized to issue marriage licenses, officiate weddings, and even assist with apostille certification for couples without traditional documentation. We’ve helped clients get legally married in as little as one hour with:

  • Missing ID
  • Expired passport
  • No Social Security number
  • Immigration delays
  • Emergency situations

We service all of Southern California, including:

Same-Day Apostille for International Recognition

If you plan to use your marriage certificate in another country, you will need it apostilled through the California Secretary of State.

Our apostille services include:

We handle everything so your marriage is recognized in countries like:

  • Mexico
  • Colombia
  • Italy
  • The Philippines
  • Spain
  • Brazil

Final Thoughts: Can You Marry Without an ID?

Yes—with professional help and the right strategy. While California law does require valid ID to issue a marriage license, special cases allow for alternative documentation, hospital weddings, or notary verification.

If you’re struggling with missing identification, immigration delays, or urgent family situations, reach out to us at Get Married Today.

We’ll help you get legally married—quickly, affordably, and with respect to your unique situation.

25 Helpful Resources & Backlinks

  1. California Marriage License Requirements
  2. Los Angeles County Marriage Services
  3. Orange County Clerk-Recorder
  4. California Courts: Marriage Laws
  5. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
  6. UCI Medical Center
  7. Hoag Hospital
  8. California Secretary of State Apostille
  9. Social Security Card Replacement
  10. DMV ID Replacement
  11. Get Married Today – Services Overview
  12. Get Married Today – Apostille Help
  13. Get Married Today – Hospital Marriages
  14. Get Married Today – Military Marriages
  15. Get Married Today – Immigration Marriages
  16. Get Married Today – Confidential License
  17. Get Married Today – Contact Page
  18. Get Married Today – Same Day Marriage LA
  19. Get Married Today – Same Day OC
  20. Get Married Today – Same Day Riverside
  21. Get Married Today – Apostille Service Partner
  22. California Department of Public Health
  23. Santa Clara Marriage License Info
  24. Marriage Green Card Overview
  25. ICE – Immigration Enforcement