Applying for an official marriage certificate

An official marriage certificate proves your marriage and is used to change your surname. Learn about how to apply, costs and processing times.

Two grooms sign their marriage certificate with the Sydney Opera House in the background.
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What is an official marriage certificate

An official marriage certificate is different to the ceremonial marriage certificate you take home on your wedding day.  

You need an official marriage certificate to prove you are married. You can also use it if you choose to change your surname after marriage.

Who can apply for an official marriage certificate

You can apply for an official marriage certificate at any time after your wedding day, once the marriage has been registered by your celebrant.

Anyone can apply for a NSW official marriage certificate if the marriage took place in NSW, provided they are:

  • one of the people named in the marriage
  • a child of the marriage, if both individuals named in the marriage are deceased
  • the celebrant who officiated the marriage, applying within 2 months of the ceremony
  • an authorised representative of either person named in the marriage.

An authorised representative will need to:

  • show a letter of authority giving them permission to apply for the marriage certificate
  • show Power of Attorney for either person named in the marriage, or
  • be a solicitor acting for a person named on the certificate or needing the certificate for a legal purpose.

Commemorative certificates

When you apply for an official marriage certificate, you can add a Commemorative Marriage Certificate and choose a design from our commemorative marriage certificates collection.

The commemorative certificates have different processing times and no priority service is available.  

Commemorative marriage certificate designs

Applying for a new or replacement official marriage certificate

To apply for a new or replacement official marriage certificate, you will need to provide:

How to apply

Apply online

The fastest way to complete and lodge your application is online.  

Apply online for an official marriage certificate  

To resume an application you have already started, search your email to find your Online Reference Number (ORN) and go to Resume your saved form

Apply by post

Download and print the marriage certificate application form.

Post the form and required document copies to the address listed on the form.

Apply in person

Gather all the required documents to prove your eligibility and identity.  

Visit a Service NSW service centre with your required documents.

Proof of identity documents

The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages will need to verify your identity before processing the official marriage certificate application.

This is done by reviewing official identity documents, which you will need to provide, as proof of identity.

Fees and processing times

Processing times are estimates only, and do not include delivery. Please contact Australia Post to find out about current domestic and international delivery times.

Ensure your application is complete and correct, as this can cause delays.  

Official marriage certificate Standard service $67Priority service $99Collect - Priority fee + $31
Certificate for newlyweds 
(celebrants have 14 days to lodge)
Up to 4 weeksNot available Not available 
Online applicationUp to 2 weeksUp to 1 week Choose collection date within 2 weeks
Submitted by postUp to 4 weeksUp to 2 weeksNot available
In person at Service NSWUp to 4 weeksUp to 2 weeksNot available

All prices include $11 postage and handling. Add a further $9 for international post. 

Common questions about marriage certificates

How do I get a replacement marriage certificate

If you have lost your original marriage certificate, you can apply for a replacement using the process outlined on this page.  

How do I correct an error on my marriage certificate

You can apply to correct an error if you’ve received your marriage certificate and the details are incorrect.

This will be free if the registry made the error. There will be an additional cost if you supplied incorrect or incomplete information.  

You’ll need to:

  • return the original certificate by post or in person at a Service NSW centre
  • provide 3 proof of identity documents
  • send the correct information on the correct an entry form.

Learn how to correct an error on your marriage certificate.

How do I apply for a marriage certificate if I was married in another state or territory than NSW

If you were not married in NSW, you can apply for a marriage certificate in:

Victoria

If the couple are deceased, how do I obtain their marriage certificate

If you are a child of the marriage, the certificate can be issued to you if both parents are deceased.  

If you are not a child of the marriage, but need to establish your legal right or entitlement, e.g. under a Will, your application will be considered.  

If you DO meet the above criteria, you must provide:  

  • Three forms of your own ID (see Proof of Identity).  

If you DO NOT meet the above criteria, you must provide:

  • A Letter of Authority giving permission from either partner in the marriage, or if deceased, their next-of-kin. Include their address, phone number and signature.  
  • Three forms of ID from the person giving permission (see Proof of Identity).  
  • Three forms of your own ID (see Proof of Identity).  

If the couple were married over 50 years ago, how do I obtain their marriage certificate

If the couple in question were married more than 50 years ago, you can find records via Family History Search. You can then apply for a family history certificate through the Family History platform instead.

Can I arrange to collect an urgent certificate

You can choose to collect urgent certificates from the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages office in Pyrmont by appointment only.  

To select this option:

  • Apply online. 
  • Select ‘Collection’ option on the form. This incurs an additional $31 fee.
  • Pick up is not immediate. After submitting the online application, you will receive an email prompting you to choose a collection timeslot. Availability is limited.
  • Collection is from the Registry office in Pyrmont. 

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