Complete guide to applying for a marriage certificate in South Africa in 2026. Learn about requirements, application process, documents needed, fees, processing times, and when you need a marriage certificate.
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.
Marriage Certificate:
Contents:
Common Uses:
Standard Certificate:
Use Cases:
Full Certificate:
Use Cases:
Essential Documents:
If Applying After Marriage:
If Replacing Lost Certificate:
If One Spouse Cannot Apply:
If Divorced:
Before Applying:
Document Checklist:
Marriage Certificate Fees (2026):
Payment Methods:
Form Requirements:
Form Sections:
At the Office:
Application Submission:
Best Times:
Processing Times:
Tracking:
When Ready:
Collection:
If Just Married:
Registration:
If Certificate is Lost:
Replacement Process:
If Name Changed:
Marriage Certificate Fees (2026):
Additional Costs:
Processing Time:
Factors Affecting Time:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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Specializing in South African Home Affairs services, passports, IDs, and visa applications with extensive knowledge of marriage certificate applications and requirements.