After the wedding celebrations, registration is easy to forget. But a marriage certificate is one of the most useful documents a couple can have. It is needed for passports, spouse visas, bank accounts, insurance, property and many government forms.
Here is how registration works in India.
Why register
- It is official proof of marriage.
- It is required for most spouse and family visas abroad.
- It helps with name changes on passports and bank accounts.
- It protects the rights of both partners, especially in case of disputes.
- Many states now make registration compulsory.
Which law applies
Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. For marriages between Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists that have already taken place with religious ceremonies. You register a marriage that has already happened.
Special Marriage Act, 1954. For couples of different religions, or any couple who wants a civil marriage without religious ceremonies. This requires a 30-day notice period before the marriage is registered.
Anand Marriage Act. Sikh couples can register their Anand Karaj under this Act in states that have notified rules for it.
Muslim and Christian marriages have their own personal laws and procedures.
Basic eligibility
- The groom must be at least 21 and the bride at least 18.
- Neither partner should have a living spouse.
- Both must consent freely.
Common documents
Requirements vary a little by state, but most offices ask for these.
- Application form signed by both partners
- Proof of age, such as a birth certificate, passport or school certificate
- Proof of address
- Passport-size photos of both partners
- A wedding photo and invitation card, for Hindu Marriage Act registration
- Affidavits on marital status and date of birth
- Witnesses, usually two or three, with their ID
- A divorce decree or death certificate of the former spouse, if either partner was married before
The steps
- Apply online on your state's registration portal or at the Sub-Registrar's office.
- Book an appointment.
- Visit the office with both partners, witnesses and original documents.
- Sign the register in front of the officer.
- Collect the certificate, often the same day or within a few days.
Under the Special Marriage Act, a public notice is displayed for 30 days before the marriage can be solemnised and registered.
Tips
- Register within a few weeks of the wedding while documents and witnesses are easy to arrange.
- Check that names match exactly across all documents.
- Keep several certified copies.
- NRI couples should register before the NRI partner leaves India.
A few hours at the registrar's office now can save months of trouble later.