Marriage Certificate

The Indian Supreme Court has ruled that getting a marriage licence and registering a marriage are essential and of utmost importance. In addition to making a marriage legally binding, marriage registration gives a couple access to numerous government programs and benefits as well as the ability to apply for important documents. Both online and offline marriage registration are available to anyone who visits their local registrar’s office.

marriage certificate

Marriage Registration

A marriage which has been solemnised can be registered either under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 or under the Special Marriage Act, 1954. The Hindu Marriage Act is applicable in cases where both husband and wife are Hindus, Buddhists, Jains or Sikhs or where they have converted into any of these religions. Where either of the husband or wife or both are not Hindus, Buddhists, Jains or Sikhs the marriage is registered under the Special Marriage Act, 1954.

What is a Marriage Certificate?

After getting married, a couple can get a marriage certificate, which is a legal document. The officiant issues the marriage certificate, and once the legal process is over, the couple receives the licence.

Reasons to Obtain a Marriage Certificate

The marriage certificate is essential while applying for a passport or opening a bank account with a new surname post-wedding. Also, in the case of foreign travel or visa processing, many embassies request a copy of the marriage certificate. Hence, a marriage certificate obliges couples to move abroad after the wedding.

Documents Required to Register Marriage in India

  1. Original document of: 
    1. Marriage certificate 
    2. Divorce certificate (if applicable)
    3. Death certificate (If applicable) 
    4. Birth certificate
  2. PAN card 
  3. Aadhar card 
  4. Copy of Passport  
  5. Driving license 
  6. Photo identity card 
  7. Voter ID card 
  8. Property documents 
  9. Income tax return  
  10. Utility bills: 
    1. Telephone bill 
    2. Mobile phone bill 
    3. Water bill 
    4. Electricity bill 
    5. Landline bill

Marriage Certificate Online

Step 1: Visit the official government website for the home state of the applicant

Step 2: Find the marriage registration form

Step 3: Fill in the details as required

Step 4: Submit the form

The marriage registrar will summon the applicants after submission of the form. Applicants need to visit the registrar’s office on the date and time mentioned along with the form and original documents.

Marriage Certificate Offline

Indian citizens can register their marriage through offline method by visiting either the Sub-divisional officer or the Marriage Registrar Office. Here are more details about this:

  • Through Marriage Registrar Office (MRO):

Government employees known as marriage registrars are chosen by local government bodies to maintain records of births, adoptions, divorces, and marriages. Candidates must come to the registrar’s office with the necessary paperwork and completed forms.

  • Through Sub-Divisional Officer

Sub-divisional officers chosen by the state government also maintain records of births, deaths, marriages, and divorces. In addition to carrying out several administrative tasks and enforcing the law, a subdivisional magistrate also grants marriage licences.

Why is it Important to Register Marriage in India?

  1. Filing tax returns 
  2. Applying visa 
  3. Obtain driving license 
  4. Open bank document 
  5. Avail pension and other government benefits 
  6. Purchasing insurance 
  7. Buying residential property 
  8. Availing educational and medical benefits 
  9. Appy for job 
  10. Admission in school or college 
  11. Apply for divorce 
  12. Required for adoption of minor 
  13. Registering child as an adult 
  14. Applying for passport under following conditions: 
    1. To travel abroad 
    2. Apply for passport of an individual born out of wedlock 
    3. Applying for passport with a different name 
    4. Apply for duplicate passport in case original passport is lost

FAQs

What is the rule of marriage registration in India?

If both parties meet the requirements, a marriage may be registered in India under the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955 or the Special Marriage Act of 1954.

Is marriage invalid without registration in India?

Yes, marriage is still rendered valid under Indian law, according to the new guidelines of the Supreme Court of India.

What will happen if marriage is not registered in India?

Under the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955 or the Special Marriage Act of 1954, marriage can be registered in India, if the individuals fulfill the eligibility criteria.

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