Simply MarriedEngland & Wales

Using a driving licence as ID for your marriage notice

A photocard driving licence can support your identity, but it does not confirm nationality or immigration status, so most register offices will not accept it on its own. It is normally used as one piece of evidence alongside a passport or, if you have no passport, alongside other documents such as a birth certificate.

What a driving licence does and doesn't prove

A UK photocard licence is a reliable way to confirm your name, date of birth and current address, which is useful for the residency side of your notice appointment.

It does not, however, prove your nationality or immigration status, which registrars are legally required to check. That is the main reason it cannot stand in for a passport.

When it is useful

If you do not hold a passport, a driving licence can form part of a combination of documents your register office accepts, alongside things like a birth certificate or other government-issued paperwork.

It is also commonly used simply as supporting proof of address, since it shows your name against a current address if it has been updated.

Provisional licences

A provisional licence carries the same photo and address details as a full licence and is generally treated the same way for identity purposes, but always confirm with your own register office rather than assuming.

What this means for you

  • Do not rely on a driving licence alone — bring a passport if you have one.
  • If you have no passport, ask your register office in advance exactly which combination of documents they will accept.

Official sources

Last reviewed: 17 August 2026 · Next review due 17 November 2026

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Simply Married is an independent planning service, not a register office or government department. Confirm current requirements and fees with your own register office and on GOV.UK.