SSN to get Married?

[Jason & Sheri 5]

Do I need to apply for my SSN before we apply for our marriage license? I looked up the requirements for a marriage license in Minnesota and it says to bring ID and SSN (plus there's a 5 day waiting period). I've noticed a lot of people arrive on their K1 visa and get married shortly after. Do you not need a SSN to get married or does it vary from state to state. Anyone know how that works? Will we have to wait to get our marriage license after I apply and receive my SSN? We wanted to get married as soon as we could after I get there so my Mom and sister (they're helping me move) can be there for the ceremony instead of having to go home then travel back in a few weeks.

[YuAndDan 153]

The main reason a K-1 can get SSN, and the other K-Visas (K-2,3 and 4) cannot get SSN is the reason you indicated, some states require SSN before they will issue a marriage license.

So yes if MN requires SSN, then go to SSA and apply for a number, and then when you have the card, get a marriage license.

Moving topic.

[Brother Hesekiel 2,235]

I am having a problem believing that MN requires a SSN to get married. That would prevent any tourist to get married in MN. I know in the U.K. you need a special visa in order to get married, but I haven't heard that from any US State. Would be interesting to know for sure.

That aside, I would definitely get a SSN as soon as possible, which typically is about 10 to 14 days after arrival in the US.

[Peace.... 281]

Hi, I live in Ohio and it also said bring I.D. such as passport and SS. However, today we applied for our marriage license and my fiance had his passport and SS card and all they needed to see was his passport she said.

[SisJ 13]

I got married in North Carolina, and since i didn't have a SSN then, i had to sign a waiver stating i didn't have one. check with your local SS office, they may have something similar there.

[Mal and Meg 12]

This is why i reckon a trip to vegas would be a grand idea as you only need your passport there and your good to go haha plus you can have your honeymoon there

[Saddle Bronc 124]

Solution simple--marry in a state other than MN (Pras and I married in MI, which doesn't).

[Canadiandggal 49]

I would give the court house where you will be going to get the license a call or email. All the places i checked in Maryland said that I would require a ssn but when i emailed them they said that SSN are only required IF you are a US citizen.

[amykathleen2005 441]

I am almost positive they cannot require you to have a SSN number to get married, this is a more recent change. Even if they say they require it they will not need it for someone who doesn't have one. So if you have one provide it, if not don't.

[Jason & Sheri 5]

Thank you so much for all your replies. I will definitely be calling to find out. Thanks again!!

[YuAndDan 153]

Been reported in the news often.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - A federal law that requires people to supply their Social Security number when applying for a marriage license has forced thousands of couples around the country, particularly illegal immigrants, to put their wedding plans on hold.

The law has been on the books for about a decade and was intended to make it easier to collect child support payments. But in some places it has prevented even legal immigrants and some American citizens from getting married.

Some couples are traveling to other states or other counties willing to issue them marriage licenses.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1865107/posts

Under federal law 42 USC Chapter 7, Subchapter IV, Part D, Sec. 666(a)(13), enacted in 1996 to improve child support compliance.

(13) Recording of social security numbers in certain family matters.— Procedures requiring that the social security number of—

(A) any applicant for a professional license, driver’s license, occupational license, recreational license, or marriage license be recorded on the application;

http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/42/usc_sec_42_00000666----000-.html

Many states take that law literally and REQUIRE SSN from any applicant for any "License" be it for marriage, fishing, driving, etc...

Again this IS why K-1 is allowed to get SSN within the 90 days of entry on the visa. K-2 and K-4 are children and are not getting married, and K-3 is already married so do not need SSN.

Edited December 21, 2010 by YuAndDan

[keka 1]

I apply in Norwood MA for our marry certificate and i need my SSN for this i find the information online

[stevenjohn 0]

as a permanent resident you will need a SSN. and you are definitely eligible to get one!what you need to get married is different from state to state.just go and get a marriage license. once you get the license you have to get married within the next 90 days.

[Nimaan 27]

I would recommend you to try to get a SSN before you get married. A lot of K-1's are complaining about not being able to get a SSN after they get married because the SSA denies them and the K-1 ends up having to wait until AOS paperwork is approved to be able to get a SSN.

[SunDrop 59]

When gathering information online, please remember that the vast majority of people they are advising are USC or LPRs. They cannot possibly provide information for every given scenario, especially when you consider how tiny the number of K-1 visa entrants are compared to other visa holders.

I happened to already have a SSN but still asked at the courthouse, if people didn't have one, were they allowed to apply for a marriage license. The answer was if you have one, you legally have to use it but anyone can get married with proof of ID alone.