Marriage Certificates Application in South Africa

A marriage certificate is an official document issued by the Department of Home Affairs that legally verifies a marriage, essential for administrative and legal purposes.

Marriage Certificates South Africa 2025

Table of Contents

Overview

In South Africa, a marriage certificate is an official document issued by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) that legally verifies that two people are married. It’s a crucial document that proves the legal union and is required for various administrative and legal purposes.

Marriage certificates verify legal unions and come in abridged (for local use) and unabridged (for overseas, with full details) formats. Vault copies (certified original register) are also available.

Eligibility

  • Any person with a registered marriage in South Africa.
  • Includes civil, customary, and Muslim marriages (with specific registration notes).

Requirements

  • Full names, dates of birth, ID numbers of spouses.
  • Marriage date, place, and officer details.
  • For unabridged: State purpose.
  • Form BI-130/DHA-130 completed in block letters.

How to Apply

  1. Complete Form BI-130.
  2. Submit to DHA office or embassy (in person or post).
  3. Processing time: Varies, up to several months for unabridged.

Fees

  • First issue unabridged: Free.
  • Abridged: R20.
  • Unabridged: R75.

Types of Marriage Certificates

There are two main types of marriage certificates issued in South Africa:

  1. Abridged Marriage Certificate:
    • This is issued immediately after the solemnisation of the marriage.
    • It contains the basic details: names of the spouses, date of marriage, and place of marriage.
    • For many day-to-day purposes, this certificate is sufficient.
  2. Unabridged Marriage Certificate (also known as a “Full Marriage Certificate” or “CBI document”):
    • This certificate contains more comprehensive details, including the ID numbers of both spouses, their marital status prior to the current marriage, and details of the marriage officer.
    • It is often required for international travel (visa applications), immigration purposes, changing surnames on official documents (like passports), and certain legal or financial transactions.
    • You typically need to apply specifically for this certificate, and it takes longer to process.

The Marriage Process and Certificate Issuance

  1. Preparation Before the Marriage:
    • Notice of Intention to Marry: Both parties must give notice of their intention to marry to a marriage officer.
    • Identification: Both parties must present their South African ID books/cards (or valid passports and visas/permits if foreign nationals).
    • Consent (if applicable): If either party is a minor, consent from parents/guardians is required.
    • Antenuptial Contract (ANC): If you choose to marry out of community of property with the accrual system or without accrual, an ANC must be signed before a notary public before the marriage takes place. This will be registered at the Deeds Office.
  2. The Marriage Ceremony:
    • The marriage must be solemnised by a duly authorised marriage officer (e.g., a religious minister, magistrate, or a DHA official).
    • Two witnesses must be present.
    • The marriage register (DHA-27 form) is completed and signed by the couple, the two witnesses, and the marriage officer.
  3. Registration of Marriage:
    • The marriage officer is responsible for submitting the DHA-27 form (marriage register) to the nearest DHA office within three days of the marriage.
    • This officially registers the marriage with the Department of Home Affairs.
  4. Issuance of Certificates:
    • Abridged Certificate: The marriage officer should issue an abridged marriage certificate to the couple immediately after the ceremony.
    • Unabridged Certificate: If an unabridged certificate is required, one of the spouses (or a duly authorised person) must apply for it at any DHA office. You will need your IDs and a copy of the abridged certificate (if available). There is usually a fee for this. The processing time can vary from a few weeks to several months.

Documents Required for Applying for an Unabridged Marriage Certificate

  • Application Form (DHA-130)
  • Identity Documents (IDs) of both spouses.
  • The abridged marriage certificate (if available).
  • Proof of payment of the prescribed fee.

Why an Unabridged Certificate is Often Preferred

While the abridged certificate is fine for many local uses, the unabridged version is crucial for:

  • International travel and visa applications (especially for a spouse joining the other abroad).
  • Immigration processes.
  • Changing a surname on an ID book/card or passport.
  • Some banking or insurance claims.

It’s highly recommended to apply for an unabridged marriage certificate shortly after getting married, especially if you foresee needing it for international or complex administrative matters.