Marriage Certificate Application

A marriage certificate is an official document that confirms a legally recognised marriage in South Africa. It is required for updating personal records, applying for identity documents or passports, accessing benefits, and for other legal or administrative purposes.

The Department of Home Affairs registers marriages and issues marriage certificates for marriages solemnised in South Africa. Marriages must be registered with the department to be legally recognised.
Marriage certificates are issued after a marriage has been formally solemnised and registered by an authorised marriage officer.

Who can apply
You can apply if you are:
· A spouse applying for your own marriage certificate
· A person requesting a replacement or additional copy
· A person authorised to act on behalf of a spouse

Reasons to apply
You may need a marriage certificate if:
· You have recently been married and require proof of marriage
· Your original marriage certificate is lost, stolen, or damaged
· You need a copy for legal, financial, or administrative purposes
· You are updating personal records after marriage

How to apply
1.    Visit a Department of Home Affairs office or Thusong Service Centre offering Home Affairs services.
2.    Complete the required application form.
3.    Submit the supporting documents.
4.    Receive confirmation or a collection slip, if applicable.
Some services may be initiated online; however, most applications require in-person submission.
Tip: Always confirm office requirements before visiting, as documents and procedures may vary.

Registering a marriage
Marriages must be solemnised by an authorised marriage officer and registered with the Department of Home Affairs.
At the time of marriage registration, the following must be completed:
· Marriage register signed by both spouses, witnesses, and the marriage officer
· Submission of the marriage register to Home Affairs
Once registered, an abridged marriage certificate is issued.

Applying for a replacement or copy
You can request a replacement or additional copy if your marriage certificate is lost, stolen, damaged, or if another copy is required.
You must:
· Complete the relevant application form
· Provide valid identification
· Pay the applicable fee
Processing times may vary depending on the type of certificate requested.

Types of marriage certificates
Abridged marriage certificate
· Issued after marriage registration
· Contains basic marriage details
Unabridged marriage certificate
· Contains full details of both spouses
· Often required for passports, immigration, or legal matters
Vault copy
· Official archived copy stored by Home Affairs
· Used when marriage records must be verified

Documents required
The documents you must submit depend on the type of marriage certificate service requested.
For marriage registration
· Valid IDs or passports of both spouses
· Marriage register completed and signed by the marriage officer
· Divorce decree or death certificate (if previously married)

For replacement or additional copies
· Applicant’s ID or valid identification
· Completed application form
· Proof of payment

For unabridged or vault copies
· Applicant’s ID
· Marriage details (full names of spouses, date and place of marriage)
· Supporting documents if verification is required

Important: Requirements may vary depending on individual circumstances and office procedures. Always confirm with your nearest Home Affairs office before visiting.

Costs
Service | Cost
First abridged marriage certificate | Free
Additional abridged copies | ± R75
Unabridged marriage certificate | ± R75
Vault copy | ± R75
Fees may change. Confirm with Home Affairs before applying.
 

Contact information
Home Affairs Call Centre: 0800 60 11 90
Website: www.dha.gov.za 
 

The Department of Home Affairs provides services at Thusong Service Centres through scheduled monthly visits.