Marriage Certificate Application Guide
A marriage certificate is an official document that proves you are legally married. Whether you need a copy of your existing marriage certificate or are applying after getting married, understanding the application process helps ensure you get the document you need. This comprehensive 2026 guide covers everything you need to know about applying for a marriage certificate in South Africa.
What Is a Marriage Certificate?
Overview
Marriage Certificate:
- Official proof of marriage
- Legal document
- Issued by Home Affairs
- Required for various purposes
- Proof of marital status
Contents:
- Names of both spouses
- Date of marriage
- Place of marriage
- Marriage officer details
- Registration number
- Other marriage details
When You Need It
Common Uses:
- Name change applications
- Passport applications (name change)
- ID applications (name change)
- Legal proceedings
- Insurance purposes
- Banking and financial services
- Immigration purposes
- Other official requirements
Types of Marriage Certificates
Abridged Marriage Certificate
Standard Certificate:
- Basic marriage certificate
- Contains essential information
- Names, date, place of marriage
- Standard format
- Most common type
Use Cases:
- General identification
- Name change applications
- Basic documentation
- Standard purposes
- Most common use
Unabridged Marriage Certificate
Full Certificate:
- Complete marriage certificate
- Contains all information
- Full details of both spouses
- More comprehensive
- Required for some purposes
Use Cases:
- Immigration purposes
- International use
- Some legal matters
- Visa applications
- Other official requirements
Application Requirements
Required Documents
Essential Documents:
- ID Documents: Both spouses' IDs (Smart ID or green barcoded ID)
- Completed Application Form: BI-130 form (marriage certificate application)
- Proof of Payment: Receipt for R75 fee
- Additional Documentation: As required
If Applying After Marriage:
- Marriage Register: Entry from marriage register (if available)
- Marriage Officer Details: Information about marriage officer
- Date and Place: Marriage date and location
- Other Information: As required
If Replacing Lost Certificate:
- ID Documents: Both spouses' IDs
- Application Form: Completed form
- Proof of Payment: Receipt for fee
- Additional Information: Marriage details if known
Special Circumstances
If One Spouse Cannot Apply:
- Authorization: Written authorization from spouse
- ID of Both: Both spouses' IDs needed
- Special Circumstances: Death certificate if spouse deceased
- Legal Documentation: As required
- Follow Instructions: From Home Affairs
If Divorced:
- Divorce Decree: May be needed for some purposes
- Marriage Certificate: Still available if needed
- Check Requirements: For specific purpose
- Provide Documentation: As required
Application Process
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before Applying:
- Ensure both spouses' IDs are valid
- Prepare application form
- Pay application fee
- Gather additional documents
- Prepare information
Document Checklist:
- ✓ Both spouses' ID documents
- ✓ Completed application form
- ✓ Proof of payment
- ✓ Additional documents (if needed)
- ✓ Marriage details (if known)
Step 2: Pay Application Fee
Marriage Certificate Fees (2026):
- Abridged Certificate: R75
- Unabridged Certificate: R75
- Replacement: R75
- Same fee: For all types
- Non-refundable: Even if not issued
Payment Methods:
- Bank deposit (most common)
- Online payment (if available)
- Cash at some offices (limited)
- Use ID number as reference
- Keep proof of payment
Step 3: Complete Application Form
Form Requirements:
- Form Type: BI-130 (marriage certificate application)
- Completion: Fill all sections accurately
- Information: Must match ID documents
- Both Spouses: Information for both
- Signature: Must be signed by applicant
Form Sections:
- Applicant information
- Spouse information
- Marriage details
- Contact information
- Declaration and signature
Step 4: Visit Home Affairs Office
At the Office:
- Book appointment (if possible)
- Bring all documents
- Both spouses should attend (if possible)
- Submit application form
- Provide required documents
Application Submission:
- Document verification
- Information verification
- Application logged
- Receipt issued
- Reference number provided
Best Times:
- Early morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM)
- Mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday)
- Avoid month-end
- Avoid public holidays
- Book in advance
Step 5: Wait for Processing
Processing Times:
- Standard Processing: 6-8 weeks
- May vary: By office and circumstances
- Longer for older records: If marriage not registered
- Track application: Use reference number
- Be patient: Processing takes time
Tracking:
- SMS updates (if registered)
- Online status check
- Phone inquiry
- Office visit
- Reference number needed
Step 6: Collect Marriage Certificate
When Ready:
- Receive notification
- Bring ID document
- Bring application receipt
- Collect in person
- Verify certificate details
Collection:
- Applicant can collect
- May need both spouses' IDs
- Verify information
- Check certificate details
- Keep certificate safe
Special Circumstances
After Getting Married
If Just Married:
- Marriage should be registered
- Certificate available after registration
- Apply at Home Affairs
- Provide marriage details
- Follow registration process
Registration:
- Marriage officer registers marriage
- Entry made in marriage register
- Certificate can be issued
- Apply for certificate
- Get official document
Lost or Stolen Certificate
If Certificate is Lost:
- Apply for replacement
- Provide marriage details
- Both spouses' IDs needed
- Pay replacement fee (R75)
- Same process as new application
Replacement Process:
- Same as new application
- Provide available information
- Both spouses' IDs required
- Standard fee applies
- Standard processing time
Name Changes
If Name Changed:
- Marriage certificate shows original names
- Use certificate for name change
- Apply for name change on ID/passport
- Provide marriage certificate
- Follow name change process
Fees and Costs
Application Fees
Marriage Certificate Fees (2026):
- Abridged Certificate: R75
- Unabridged Certificate: R75
- Replacement: R75
- Same fee: For all types
- Non-refundable: Even if not issued
Additional Costs:
- Certified copies (if needed)
- Travel to office
- Courier (if available, extra)
- Other expenses
Processing Times
Standard Processing
Processing Time:
- Standard: 6-8 weeks
- May vary: By office and circumstances
- Longer for older records: If marriage not registered
- Be patient: Processing takes time
- Track application: Use reference number
Factors Affecting Time:
- Office workload
- Record availability
- Application complexity
- Late registration
- System availability
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for a marriage certificate?
To apply for a marriage certificate, gather required documents (both spouses' IDs, completed application form), pay the R75 fee, visit a Home Affairs office to submit your application, and wait 6-8 weeks for processing. Both spouses should ideally attend, or provide authorization if one cannot attend.
How much does a marriage certificate cost?
A marriage certificate costs R75 for all types (abridged, unabridged, or replacement). The fee is non-refundable and must be paid before your application appointment, typically via bank deposit.
How long does it take to get a marriage certificate?
Marriage certificate processing takes 6-8 weeks from application submission to certificate being ready for collection. Processing times may be longer for older marriages or if additional verification is needed.
What documents do I need to apply for a marriage certificate?
You need both spouses' ID documents (Smart ID or green barcoded ID), completed application form (BI-130), and proof of payment for the R75 fee. Additional documents may be needed depending on your circumstances.
Can I apply for a marriage certificate online?
While you may be able to start the process online or book an appointment online, you typically need to visit a Home Affairs office in person to complete the application and submit required documents. Check the Home Affairs website for online options.
Do both spouses need to be present to apply?
Ideally, both spouses should be present when applying for a marriage certificate, but if one spouse cannot attend, written authorization may be accepted. Check with Home Affairs about requirements for your specific situation.
What is the difference between abridged and unabridged marriage certificates?
An abridged marriage certificate contains basic information (names, date, place of marriage), while an unabridged certificate contains complete information including full details of both spouses. Unabridged certificates are often required for immigration and international purposes.
Can I get a marriage certificate if I'm divorced?
Yes, you can still obtain a copy of your marriage certificate even if you're divorced. The certificate shows that you were married, which may be needed for legal or other purposes. You may also need your divorce decree for some purposes.
What if I lost my marriage certificate?
If you lost your marriage certificate, you can apply for a replacement at Home Affairs. You'll need both spouses' IDs, completed application form, proof of payment for the R75 fee, and any available marriage details. The replacement process is the same as a new application.
Can someone else collect my marriage certificate for me?
Generally, the applicant or one of the spouses can collect the marriage certificate. You'll need to present your ID document and application receipt when collecting. Check with Home Affairs about collection requirements for your specific situation.
Conclusion
Applying for a marriage certificate involves gathering required documents (both spouses' IDs, completed application form), paying the R75 fee, visiting a Home Affairs office to submit your application, and waiting 6-8 weeks for processing. Both spouses should ideally attend the application, though authorization may be accepted if one cannot attend. Choose between abridged (basic) or unabridged (complete) certificates based on your needs. Prepare all documents in advance and book your appointment early for a smooth application process.
For more information about birth certificates, death certificates, or Home Affairs services, explore our other comprehensive Home Affairs guides.
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