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If you are willing to solemnize marriage or have been married and want to register it, this blog is going to be extremely helpful for you. Just read it and find out how easy it is to get it online.
Let’s start with an introduction to a marriage certificate.
Defining a Marriage Certificate
A legal document that proves a marriage is held and a bride-groom has tied the knot is a marriage certificate. This certificate ensures the proper registration of a marriage. The applicant can use it for different purposes, such as obtaining a PAN, passport, and visa from government agencies.
The Importance of a Marriage Certificate
This document is a legal certificate that clearly states that a marriage is being held legally. Recently, a report stated that retired justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, who is also the Chairman of the Law Commission, emphasized the need for central legislation to address matrimony-related concerns involving NRIs and foreign citizens of Indian origin.
Cases of deceptive marriages are on the rise, which affect Indian spouses (especially women). So, the legislation should be applied to NRIs and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) under the Citizenship Act, 1955. Overall, NRI marriage registration is a must.
Besides, the very same commission proposed changes in the Passport Act, 1967, which favor the declaration of marital status, linking spouses’ passports, and mentioning the marriage registration number on both spouses’ passports.
Overall, this registration can be helpful in avoiding and preventing deceptive marriages and claiming legal rights for diverse purposes.
A Comprehensive Guide to How to Register a Marriage
There are multiple ways to register a marriage. The most common one is to visit the office of a registrar physically. The most advanced method is online registration. The concern here is visiting the website. Every state in India has its own way and online facilities. Here, you can explore the online methods in Karnataka and Delhi. Likewise, you can find the website of the state government for registering your marriage online.
This procedure is for those who are likely to get their marriage registered under the Hindu Marriage Act of 1952. For those who want to get it registered under the Special Marriage Act, 1960, send a notice a month prior, and then mark your physical presence before the sub-registrar for a face-to-face verification.
Step 1. You can select the link for your state and get registered with the website. Registration can be a long process, wherein you may have to fill out your Aadhaar number, date of birth, and other credentials.
Step 2. Now, log in with the login credentials. You will receive an OTP, which consists of your password and user ID. Use them to log in.
Step 3. Complete the details of your husband, and then select “Registration of Marriage Certificate.”.
Step 4: Online, fill out the certificate form.
Step 5: Schedule an appointment with the registrar or district magistrate.
Step 6. Then, click on the submit button.
Step 7. As you submit, an acknowledgement page with all the particulars of your appointment and further guidelines will pop up.
Step 8. Click the link to a fully filled-out form on the website.
Step 9. Bring out the hard copy of its acknowledgement.
Step 10. In a few cases, as in Karnataka, the Kaveri.karnataka.gov.in website will allow the applicant to complete the entire procedure. And then, the sub-registrar will approve after verification.
Finally, the certificate will be available online with a QR code and a digital signature. You may download it once it is approved.
Ideal Candidate to Apply/Requirement
- Any boy over 21 years of age
- Any girl over 18 years of age
- Affidavits of the bride and groom
- Video recording, a wedding card, or photographs of the wedding wherein the bride and the groom should be clearly visible together.
- Two witnesses (in the case of the Special Marriage Act). The witnesses must have their own Aadhaar card, PAN card, or something equivalent to provide as acceptable proof. These witnesses should not be from the blood relationship, but some other individuals who witnessed the marriage.
Documents Required for Marriage Registration
It is noteworthy that the registration will be disapproved without presenting an Aadhaar card. So, ensure that both spouses have it before marriage registration.
Here is the checklist of the documents that need to be enclosed for verification with the sub-registrar.
1.Identity proof of both the bride and groom
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Ration Card with Photograph
- Voter ID Card
- Passport
- Driving License
- Any other government-recognized doc
2.Date of birth proof of both the bride and groom
- Aadhaar Card (verified DOB)
- Passport
- Driving License
- NABC
- Nursing Home/HHospital Report
- Birth Certificate
- Certificate from School signed by Principal on School Letter Head
- CMO/DDoctor Report
3.Address Proof Before Marriage of Both Bride and Groom
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID Card
- Driving License
- Passport
- Ration Card
- Electricity Bill
- Water Bill
- Gas Bill
- Telephone Bill
- Rent Agreement
- Bank Passbook
- Any other government-issued document
4.Address Proof After Marriage of Both Bride and Groom
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID Card
- Driving License
- Passport
- Ration Card
- Electricity Bill
- Water Bill
- Gas Bill
- Telephone Bill
- Rent Agreement
- Bank Passbook
- Any other government-issued document
5.Identity Proof of Witness
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Ration Card with Photograph
- Voter ID Card
- Passport
- Driving License
- Any other government-recognized document
6.Permanent Resident Proof of Witness
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID Card
- Driving License
- Passport
- Ration Card
- Electricity Bill
- Water Bill
- Gas Bill
- Telephone Bill
- Rent Agreement
- Bank Passbook
- Any other government-issued document
Processing Fee
Certainly, there will be a processing fee. In Delhi, it is INR 100 for marriage registration under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1952. And INR 150 is charged for the same purpose, but under the Special Marriage Act of 1960. The fee structure may vary as per state in India.
And for those who need it urgently, they must pay INR 10,000 or above to get it immediately.
This is how the applicants can procure their marriage certificate.
Conclusion
Marriage registration certificates can be obtained under two categories: the Hindu Marriage Act, 1952, and the Special Marriage Act, 1960. Both procedures are different. Registration under the first act can be done online. But the Special Marriage Act requires applicants to be present in front of the sub-registrar. Both methods can help in procuring a marriage certificate in India. The processing fee may be different in each state.
