Marriage certificate has its own importance in the eyes of the government. It only gives a couple of legal marital status in society but also gives freedom to certain rights – financial and legal. In some cases, one must hold a marriage certificate to get the process done such as husband and wife applying for a joint account, passport, changing the middle name, child custody, divorce, and more.
Even the Supreme Court in 2006 made this official that marriage registration is compulsory to protect the interests of women. Women must register their marriage immediately after the ceremony, as it establishes their legal claim as a wife. You must know this piece of information that in India, a marriage is registered under two acts. One is the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955. Other is the Special Marriage Act of 1954 to officially claim the bride and groom as a married couple.
But what if someone has not registered about their marriage at the time of ceremony? Or they have zero knowledge of Marriage certificate and its importance. Can they apply for a new marriage certificate later?
Yes, a couple can apply for a new certificate easily. The process is completely transparent and required some documents. After completing the legal proceedings, in a couple of days, you will get a new marriage document.
What documents are required to apply for a Marriage certificate?
To get your marriage registered officially, one must collect the following documents of the couple:
- ID Proof of couple. (For example Aadhaar Card)
- Copy of divorce decree(if filed for divorce)
- Residence Proof. (electricity bill or Passport)
- Date of birth certificate or document such as a passport
- Marriage Ceremony Photos and one family photo.
- Eye whiteness to marriage from both sides. (One witness must be bold relatives from both party) Also, passport size photograph, ID proof of all the marriage witnesses.
- Marriage hall receipt.
- Affidavits from the bride and groom.
Now, let’s understand the complete procedure to get a new marriage certificate.
How can I apply for a new marriage document after years of marriage?
One can apply for the marriage certificate, online and offline according to the choice. We will explain both the procedures.
Online Process
Go to an official website to get a new marriage document.
Next, register yourself.
Select your district and later enter husband details.
Choose Registration of Marriage Certificate’ and fill the given form.
Now, pick a date of appointment and click on Submit Application.
Please Note – You will get an acknowledgment about marriage certificate and also a link. Take a print out of the acknowledgment and wait for the proceedings.
Offline Process
Visit Sub-Divisional Magistrate on any working day in whose jurisdiction the husband or wife resides.
Fill the Application form duly signed by the couple.
Complete Verification of all the documents
All the eyewitnesses and family members (blood relations) must be present on that day.
