What ID do you need to get married?
Each of you must prove your identity in person at your notice appointment, normally with a valid passport. If you do not have one, register offices can accept alternative evidence such as a UK birth certificate with supporting documents, but you must check what your own office accepts before attending.
Passports
A current passport is the standard evidence and is accepted everywhere. An expired passport is not automatically acceptable — ask your register office rather than assuming.
Without a passport
British citizens born in the UK can often use a birth certificate alongside other documents. Where nationality is relevant to immigration checks, offices will generally want a passport or official travel document.
Immigration documents
If either of you is subject to immigration control, bring evidence of your immigration status as well as identity. The registrar records it and may refer the notice.
What this means for you
- Renew a passport now if it expires anywhere near your notice or ceremony date.
- Ring the office if either of you cannot produce a passport — this is the single most council-specific rule.
Official sources
Last reviewed: 16 August 2026 · Next review due 16 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.