Registry offices closed - expect delays
Due to the current COVID-19 outbreak, we have closed our Registry offices and there will be a delay in our regular processing times. If you need a certificate urgently, use our online services and select ‘priority’.
We’re working hard to support our customers during this challenging time and thank you for your patience.
We hope to reopen Friday 30 July.
Order a marriage certificate
You can only order a marriage certificate from us if the marriage took place and was registered in NSW.
If you recently married, confirm the celebrant has submitted the registration paperwork before applying for a certificate.
If you need a marriage certificate as part of a family research project, find out more about family history research.
Important: Do not laminate your certificates. Identity documents must be kept in their original state to be accepted by Government agencies.
Order a commemorative certificate
For something special, you can choose from our range of designs and purchase a commemorative certificate to frame as a gift or keep it yourself.
You can apply to us for a marriage certificate if the marriage occurred in NSW.
If you are either person named in the marriage, the certificate can be issued to you.
If you are a child of the marriage, the certificate can be issued to you if the married couple are deceased. You must provide at least three forms of identification.
A certificate can be issued to you as an authorised representative of either of the persons named in the marriage if you satisfy one of the following conditions:
- provide a Letter of authority (PDF, 627.26 KB) (PDF, 627.26 KB) giving you permission to apply and at least three forms of ID from either person named in the marriage, and your own ID
- show Power of Attorney relating to either person named in the marriage or
- be a solicitor acting for the person named on the certificate or require the certificate for a legal purpose. See the information for solicitors applying for certificates.
You must provide a least 3 forms of current identity, one of each from Categories 1, 2 and 3.
- If you cannot provide proof of identity from Categories 1 and 2, you must still provide at least 3 forms of identity. At least two of these must be from Category 3.
- If cannot meet these requirements, please contact us for further advice.
|
Category |
Documents |
|
1 |
If born in Australia:
Record of immigration status:
|
|
2 |
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|
3 |
|
|
4 |
|
|
Certificate request |
Standard |
Priority |
|
Standard marriage certificate |
$60 |
$88 |
|
Standard and Commemorative marriage certificate |
$87 |
$115 |
| Commemorative marriage certificate only | $41 | Not available |
All prices include postage & handling. Add $9 for international post.
If you're eligible to apply and the marriage has been registered in NSW, to apply for a marriage certificate you must provide:
- details of the marriage
- personal and contact information
- proof of identity documents that have been saved to your phone or computer
- a debit or credit card to pay for the certificate.
You can also apply for a marriage certificate:
- by printing a marriage certificate application form and sending the completed form to us by post
- in person at a Service NSW service centre.
If there are errors on the certificate:
- return the original certificate to us by post
- provide 3 proof of identity documents and
- send us the correct information on the correct an entry form.
Processing times
Processing of a marriage certificate begins when we have received your complete and correct application.
- If your celebrant registers your marriage online, this can reduce the processing time.
- Certificates are delivered by registered post and we have allowed a week for this in the times below. Estimated times may vary slightly.
- When you apply online you can Click & Collect urgent certificates from our Registry offices in Chippendale and Parramatta.
- Australia Post advises customers to anticipate delays with international post.
|
Standard marriage certificate |
Standard service |
Priority service |
|
Certificate for newlyweds |
up to 16 weeks |
Not available |
|
Online application |
up to 4 weeks |
up to 2 week |
|
Submitted by post |
up to 10 weeks |
up to 7 weeks |
|
Registry agent (Service NSW) |
up to 7 weeks |
up to 3 weeks |
|
Commemorative marriage certificate |
Standard service |
Priority service |
|
Online application |
up to 5 weeks |
Not available |
|
Submitted by post |
up to 8 weeks |
Not available |
|
Registry agent (Service NSW) |
up to 8 weeks |
Not available |