How to Get Your Marriage Certificate in India – Quick, Simple Steps

If you just got married or need proof of an old marriage, the marriage certificate is the official paper that shows your legal bond. It’s issued by the local Registrar of Marriages and works like a passport for your marital status. You’ll need it for a passport, bank account, property transfer, or any government form that asks for "marital status."

Don’t worry—getting it isn’t a maze. The process is the same across most states, and many places now let you apply online. Below we break down what you need, where to go, and how to make sure the certificate is correct.

What Documents Do You Need?

First, gather the basics. You’ll typically need:

• Proof of identity – Aadhar card, PAN, or passport for both spouses.
• Proof of address – Utility bill, rental agreement, or any government‑issued document showing where you live.
• Proof of marriage – A wedding invitation, photographs, or an affidavit if the ceremony was simple.
• Witness signatures – Two witnesses who attended the marriage and have ID themselves.

If you married under the Hindu Marriage Act, you’ll also need the marriage registration form signed by the registrar. For other religions, the same basics apply, but the exact form may differ.

Applying Online vs. Offline

Online method: Most state governments have a portal (often under the "e‑services" section). Create an account, fill in the details, upload scanned copies of the documents, and pay a nominal fee. You’ll get an acknowledgement receipt and can track the status. In many cases, the certificate is emailed as a PDF, which you can print with a digital signature.

Offline method: Visit the local Marriage Registrar office with the original documents and photocopies. Fill out the registration form, pay the fee, and the registrar will issue the certificate on the spot or within a few days.

Both routes require you to sign the application in person. If you’re abroad, you can apply through the Indian embassy or consulate—just bring the same set of documents and a notarized affidavit.

When the certificate arrives, check the spelling of names, date of marriage, and address. Any mistake can cause trouble later, especially for passport or property matters.

How to Verify or Correct Mistakes

Most states let you verify the certificate online using the registration number. Enter the number on the state portal and you’ll see a summary. If something’s wrong, you can file a correction request. For minor errors (like a typo), a simple affidavit signed by both spouses and the witnesses usually suffices. For bigger issues (wrong date or place), you may need a court order.

Keep a copy of the correction receipt. Once approved, the registrar will issue a revised certificate—often within a week.

Need a certified copy? Ask for a “hard copy” from the registrar office; they’ll stamp it and seal it, which most authorities accept as the official version.

That’s it—no hidden fees, no endless queues if you go online, and you’ll have a legal proof of marriage ready for any purpose.

Remember, a marriage certificate is more than a piece of paper. It opens doors to financial benefits, inheritance rights, and government schemes. So take a few minutes to get it right, and keep both the digital and printed versions safe.