Marriage Certificate in India - Apply, Download, and Verify Easily

Documents Needed for Marriage Registration

Depending on the state, the paperwork needed to register a marriage in India may differ slightly, but the essential requirements always hold true. It is imperative to remember that upon submission, every document needs to have the proper endorsement from a gazetted authority. Most states have a standard collection of documents that include:

1. Jointly signed application form by both parties, i.e., the groom and the bride.
2. A passport, birth certificate, or matriculation certificate would serve as proof of birth for both parties. According to the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955 and the Special Marriage Act of 1954, the male partner must be at least 21 years old, and the female partner must be at least 18 years old.
3. Residential proof for both parties, which may include an Election Voter ID, PAN Card, Aadhar Card, Ration Card, or electricity bill.
4. If the marriage occurred in a religious institution, a certificate from the institution confirming the marriage's solemnisation.
5. The district cashier must receive payment of Rs. 100 for registration under the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955 and Rs. 150 for registration under the Special Marriage Act of 1954. The application form must be sent with a copy of the payment receipt.

1. Two passport-size photographs of both parties, along with a marriage photograph if the marriage has already been solemnised.
2. Wedding invitation card if the marriage has been solemnised.
3. Affirmation from both parties confirming that they are not related in a manner prohibited by the Special Marriage Act, 1954 or the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955.
4. If either party is a divorcee, an attested copy of the divorce decree must be provided with the application form.
5. If either party is a widow or widower, the death certificate of the deceased spouse should be attached to the application form.
6. An affidavit detailing the place, date, and time of the marriage, and the marital status and nationality of both parties, must be attached to the application form.

1. Two witnesses from each side must be present at the sub-registrar's office during the meeting.
2. If the marriage has been solemnised, two witnesses who attended the wedding must also be present at the sub-registrar's office during the meeting.

Where to Register a Marriage in India

As was previously mentioned, there are offline and online methods in India for registering weddings. Major U.S. cities have access to online registration. The official website of the state where the marriage was consummated or where one of the partners has resided for more than six months must be accessed in order to start the online application process. Thereafter, you must fill out the online marriage registration form. Subsequently, the applicant will be called to the registrar's office to verify the couple's paperwork and witness accounts. The registrar will then complete the registration. For those who find the online procedure daunting, offline registration remains a viable option. As previously explained, individuals must visit the office of the sub-registrar within the jurisdiction where the marriage was solemnised. There, they must manually fill out the application, including signatures from both parties and submit the required documents. After a 30-day period with no objections, the marriage application is processed and registered.

It is important to remember that a marriage must be solemnised by a marriage officer if it is registered under the Special Marriage Act of 1954. In these cases, the registrar receives notification from the couple, which is then posted on the notice board for 30 days. As mentioned, marriage is formally registered if there are no objections raised during this time frame.

Procedure for Obtaining a Marriage Certificate in India

The detailed procedure for acquiring a marriage certificate in India is outlined below:

1. Eligibility Verification: Ensure that both partners meet the eligibility criteria set by the relevant authority. Typically, the groom should be at least 21 years old and at least 18 years old.
2. Collection of Document: Collect all the paperwork needed to receive the marriage licence. Common examples of these are paperwork proving one's age, identity, and address; proof of invitation or solemnization for marriage; passport-sized photos; and any other documentation required by the local government.
3. Submission of Application: Complete the application form provided by the local marriage registrar's office. Ensure that all required details are filled in clearly and accurately.
4. Submission of Document: Submit the duly filled application form along with the required documents to the registrar's office. Ensure that all documents are self-attested and adhere to the specified guidelines.
5. Verification and Processing: The marriage registrar's office will verify the documents submitted and process the application. This may involve verifying the provided information, authenticating documents, and conducting any necessary inquiries.
6. Fee Payment: Pay the prescribed fees for the registration of the marriage and issuance of the marriage certificate. The fee amount may vary depending on the state or union territory.
7. Marriage Registration: Once the documents are successfully verified and all formalities are completed, the marriage registrar will proceed to register the marriage and issue the marriage certificate.
8. Certificate Issuance: The marriage registrar's office will issue the certificate within the designated timeframe. This certificate serves as legal evidence of marriage and can be obtained either in physical or electronic format.

Step-by-step Guide to Registering a Marriage in India

An important legal document that formally acknowledges the union of two people is a marriage certificate. Marriages in India must be registered in accordance with the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955 or the Special Marriage Act of 1954. In order to guarantee legal recognition, the Indian Supreme Court made marriage registration necessary in 2006.

While many individuals understand the necessity of registering their marriage, they often lack clarity on the process, leading to either excessive fees paid to agents or unnecessary complications. Below is a comprehensive guide outlining both online and offline procedures for registering a marriage in India:

Online Registration for a Marriage Certificate

1. Step 1: Visit the official website of the respective state's government.
2. Step 2: Navigate through the website to locate the marriage registration form.
3. Step 3: Fill in the required personal details of both parties involved in the marriage as per the form's instructions.
4. Step 4: Submit the completed form through the website.
5. Step 5: Following submission, the marriage registrar will schedule an appointment for the applicants on a specified date and time.
6. Step 6: It is mandatory for both parties to be present at the marriage registrar's office at the appointed time, along with all necessary documents. Additionally, two witnesses from each side must accompany the parties during the marriage registration process.

It's important to note that the timeframe for the marriage ceremony, set by the marriage registrar, varies depending on the applicable law. Under the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955, the ceremony is typically scheduled within 15 days to 30 days after form submission. For marriages under the Special Marriage Act of 1954, the timeframe extends to approximately 60 days.

1. Offline Registration for a Marriage Certificate Under the Hindu Marriage Act 1955:

As was previously mentioned, the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955 or the Special Marriage Act of 1954 may be used to register a marriage in India. Regardless of their religious identity, all Indian citizens are covered by this law. Only those who identify as Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, or Buddhists are eligible to register their marriage, and couples who have already had their marriage formally sealed are also welcome to apply.

The sub-registrar in charge of the area where the marriage took place must be visited to start the registration procedure. Alternatively, either spouse may register at the sub-registrar's office in the jurisdiction where they have lived for at least six months. It is imperative that the Hindu marriage ceremony conforms to the traditions and ceremonies of one of the party included.

1. Offline Registration for a Marriage Certificate Under the Special Marriage Act of 1954:

The Special Marriage Act of 1954 provides an avenue for the registration of marriages for all Indian citizens, irrespective of their religious beliefs. Along with registration, the marriage officer officiates the solemnisation ceremony. Couples applying under this act must give a 30-day notice to the sub-registrar within the jurisdiction where either partner resides.

After that, the sub-registrar posts a notice inviting objections for 30 days. The marriage is legally registered if no objections are raised during this time. This notice is required to be kept on file by the sub-registrar. Marriage registration can be completed through this process without the need for religious celebrations. For those who cannot be registered under the Indian Hindu Marriage Act, there is an option available through the Special Marriage Act of 1954.

Note:

1. Online registration may not be fully digital in all states, necessitating physical attendance for some steps.
2. Have digital or scanned copies of all required documents ready for upload.
3. Ensure all details are accurately filled in to avoid rejection.

Appointment: For registration under the Hindu Marriage Act, appointments should be made within 15 days of online registration. However, under the Special Marriage Act, the process may take up to 60 days.

Witness: Any individual present at the marriage registration may serve as a witness, provided they possess a valid PAN Card and proof of residence address.

Why is it Important to Register a Marriage in India?

A marriage certificate is a vital document that helps in various official and government activities. This is a legal document that enables an individual to apply for various other documents. Here are reasons why a marriage certificate is important:

• Filing tax returns
• Applying for visa
• Obtain driving license
• Open bank document
• Avail of pension and other government benefits
• Purchasing insurance
• Buying residential property
• Availing educational and medical benefits
• Apply for job
• Admission to school or college
• Apply for divorce
• Required for the adoption of a minor
• Registering a child as an adult
• Applying for a passport under the following conditions:
  • To travel abroad
  • Apply for the passport of an individual born out of wedlock
  • Applying for a passport with a different name
  • Apply for a duplicate passport in case the original passport is lost

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