Proof of identity for marriage certificates

If you are applying for an official marriage certificate, the Registry must verify your identity before processing the application.

This is done by reviewing official identity documents, which you will need to provide. In some cases, a Letter of Authority will also be required if you are applying on behalf of someone else.

For information related to the use and storage of your personal information, see our privacy policy.

To apply for an official marriage certificate with the Registry you will need to provide at least three forms of current identification from the list below. 

If you cannot meet these requirements, please contact us for support. 

Accepted identification documents

• Australian passport (expired up to three years is still accepted)
• Australian driver licence
• Medicare card
• Australian birth certificate
• Centrelink card
• foreign passport visa
• aviation security identification card
• maritime security identification card
• New Zealand birth certificate
• New Zealand citizenship certificate and passport
• overseas passport
• proof of age/photo card
• TAFE or university identity card
• security/crowd control licence
• firearms licence  
• Department of Veterans’ Affairs card 

You can also select one document from below (documents must show your full name):

• utility bill from the last 3 months
• rates notice
• lease agreement
• other supporting documents e.g. an overseas issued driver licence or identity card. 

If you are submitting your official marriage certificate application via our online form you will enter your ID details during the application process.   

Entering your identification details via the online form is the fastest way to apply and allows for real-time verification of ID. Uploading copies of your ID will require manual verification from our staff. 

If you are completing a paper form, you must submit copies of your three forms of ID with your application. Never send original ID products.  

Please note: all ID documents you provide must be current. An Australian passport may be used if it has expired within the last three years, unless it has been replaced, reported lost, or stolen. 

In some cases, you may need to apply for an official marriage certificate for another person.

There are strict requirements on who can apply in these circumstances. You must check your eligibility before commencing an application. If eligible, applicants must provide three forms of their own ID, as well as three forms of ID for the person named on the certificate. Applicants may also need to provide a Letter of Authority.

When a Letter of Authority is required

A Letter of Authority (PDF 217.4KB) is a document in which the person named on the certificate grants permission for an authorised representative to apply for a certificate on their behalf.  

This is used when the person named on the certificate cannot apply for and/or collect a certificate themselves.  

As Registry records are confidential, certificates can only be issued to individuals who are eligible to apply under the Registry’s Access Policy.  

Check the marriage certificate page to see if you are eligible to apply for an official marriage certificate.

If you encounter issues completing your application, visit our online form help guides.