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 any time after your marriage has been registered. Your marriage celebrant will submit the required documents on your behalf to enable registration.
Applications for a NSW marriage certificate can be submitted if the marriage occurred in NSW, provided the applicant is one of the following:
- a person applying for their own marriage certificate
- a child of the marriage, if both individuals named in the marriage are deceased
- a marriage celebrant applying through eRegistry, at the time of registering a marriage
- an authorised representative of either person named in the marriage. This may include:
- next of kin
- a person with Power of Attorney (POA)
- a solicitor
If you do not fall into any of the above categories, you can learn more about your options in our Access to information policy.
Applying for a new or replacement marriage certificate
To apply for a new or replacement official marriage certificate, you will need to provide:
- details of the marriage and each spouse
- personal and contact information
- proof of identity documents
- payment.
When extra documents may be required
In some circumstances we may need further documentation in order to assess a certificate request.
See below for what additional documentation may be required for applicants who:
- are a child of a marriage where both parents are now deceased
- an authorised representative, or
- a solicitor applying for a certificate on behalf of a client.
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.
After reviewing your application, we will send a secure payment link to the email address provided in your application for payment processing.
Apply in person
Gather all the required documents to prove your eligibility and identity.
Visit a Service NSW service centre with your required documents.
After reviewing your application, we will send a secure payment link to the email address provided in your application for payment processing.
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.
The quickest way to receive your certificate is for your celebrant to register your marriage online. Marriage celebrants have up to 14 days to register your marriage.
| Standard marriage certificate Fees include $11 postage and handling | Standard service $68 | Priority service $101 |
| Certificate for newlyweds (celebrants have 14 days to lodge) | Up to 3 weeks | Not available |
| Online application | Up to 3 weeks | Up to 2 weeks |
| Postal application | Up to 5 weeks | Up to 4 weeks |
| Via Service NSW | Up to 4 weeks | Up to 3 weeks |
| Fee to send a copy of a certificate to a passport office | $49 |
The listed processing times do not include postage delivery times. Please allow 5 to 7 days for delivery of the certificate.
Common questions about marriage certificates
What’s on an official marriage certificate
A marriage certificate is an official copy of the information given to us to register the marriage, including details such as:
full names and birth details of the couple, date and place of marriage
witnesses’ names and marriage celebrant details
certificate number, date of registration and registration number.
Please note that your provided postal address will appear on the back of the official certificate to ensure it is sent to your nominated address. This section is not considered part of the legal certificate.
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 (PDF 343.63KB).
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:
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.
You will need to provide 3 forms of personal identity documents and a copy of their death certificates.
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.
If you are applying for a certificate as an authorised representative
If you are an authorised representative, you must provide:
- a Letter of Authority giving permission to apply and at least 3 forms of identification from either spouse, as well as your own identification, or
- a Power of Attorney or Guardianship Orders relating to either spouse.
If you are a solicitor applying for a certificate on behalf of a client
If you are a solicitor applying for a certificate on behalf of your client, you must provide:
- a letter on company letterhead that shows the address of your law firm, stating:
- the reason the certificate is required ('legal' is not sufficient – a specific reason is needed, such as Probate, Estate Administration, immigration)
- the name of the person you are acting for, and in what capacity
- the link between your client and the person whose name appears on the marriage certificate
- a copy of your identification card issued by the Law Society or practising certificate.