Can you give notice of marriage without a passport?
You don't strictly need a passport to give notice of marriage, but you do need to prove your identity, and requirements vary between register offices. Contact your specific office in advance to find out which alternative documents it accepts, since assuming and turning up unprepared can delay your appointment.
Why a passport is the easiest route
A current passport is accepted everywhere and combines a photo, date of birth and nationality in one document, which is why register offices routinely ask for it first. If you have one, even an expiring one, it's worth using.
Alternatives if you don't have one
Councils can accept other forms of identity evidence, such as a full UK driving licence, a national identity card, a Home Office biometric residence permit, or a birth certificate combined with other confirming documents. Which combination is acceptable is set locally, not nationally.
Planning ahead
If you don't have a passport and don't want to apply for or renew one before your appointment, call your register office well in advance and ask exactly what it will accept. Bring more supporting documents than you think you need, since being over-prepared costs nothing but being turned away costs time.
What this means for you
- Don't assume your local register office follows the same rules as another — check directly.
- If your only photo ID is expired, ask whether it's still accepted alongside other proof rather than assuming it isn't.
- Applying for a replacement passport takes weeks, so start early if you decide that's the simpler route.
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.