How To Get Marriage Certificate In Kerala?

A marriage certificate is an official document legalized to prove a marriage. In Kerala, it is required for various legal and administrative purposes. This certificate is required in the change of name post-marriage and is often required during passport application. It is required in claiming insurance and other monetary benefits. The marriage certificate embodies the legal recognition of marriage and the protection of matrimonial rights.

This article will guide you through the process of obtaining a marriage certificate in Kerala.

What Is A Marriage Certificate?

The document of a marriage certificate is a legal document confirming the marriage of two people. The government of Kerala issues it as proof of this union. It consists of details such as the names of the spouses, date, and place of this marriage, and further information. It also carries the signatures of witnesses who attended the ceremony. A marriage certificate provides legal proof of the marriage. It is required for many official and personal purposes.

Why You Need A Marriage Certificate in Kerala?

• Changing your name: If you want to change your name due to marriage, you must furnish a valid marriage certificate as proof of the change in your marital status.
• Applying for a passport: Acquiring a passport for yourself or your spouse necessitates the provision of a marriage certificate.
• Claiming Insurance Benefits: Some insurance policies qualify married couples for benefits, and thus a marriage certificate is required.
• Legal and Financial matters: Marriage certificates are required for various legal and financial matters such as opening a joint account, availing a loan, or filing taxes.

Essential Element Of Marriage Certificate

The marriage certificate should contain the following elements:

• Names of the husband and wife
• Date of birth of the husband and wife
• Date of marriage
• Place of marriage
• Signatures of husband and wife
• Signatures of two witnesses
• Seal and stamp of the issuing authority.

Eligibility Criteria For Obtaining Marriage Certificate In Kerala

A person should follow all the criteria and have the necessary documents to obtain a marriage certificate in Kerala.

General Requirements

• Valid Marriage: It requires solemnization under the provisions of the Special Marriage Act, 1954, or the Kerala Registration of Marriages (Common) Rules, 2008.
• Residency: One of the parties to the marriage, either the bride or groom, must be a resident of Kerala.
• Age: The parties should be of marriageable age (i.e., 21 for Men and 18 for Women) as per the marriage law.
• Witnesses: Two witnesses who attended the marriage ceremony are required.
• Application within Timeframe: Registration must be made within a certain time after solemnization, even though late registrations can be allowed with certain procedures and fees.

No Objection Certificate (NOC)

• If either of the two parties is a foreigner or in case the marriage is solemnized out of Kerala, the No Objection Certificate from the respective embassy or authority may be required.
• In case one of the parties is a divorcee or a widow, the relevant documents shall be required.

Who Issues the Marriage Certificate in Kerala?

• The marriage certificate is issued to individuals by the local Registrar of Marriages. It is generally the municipal corporation office, panchayat office, or a relevant sub-district registrar office that provides such services.
• Registration occurs under Kerala Registration of Marriages (Common) Rules, 2008.

How To Get A Marriage Certificate In Kerala?

One can apply for a marriage certificate in Kerala via both online and offline modes.

How To Apply For A Marriage Certificate in Kerala Online?

• Visit the Kerala Government eSevanam portal to apply for a marriage certificate online.
• Create a new account or log in if you have already prepared one.
• Select the option of 'Marriage Registration'.
• Now, enter the necessary details like your name, date of birth, address, and date of marriage.

• Upload the required documents.
• Pay the registration fee online.
• Submit your application.
• You may download your marriage certificate from the portal once your application is approved.

How to Apply for a Marriage Certificate in Kerala Offline?

• To get the marriage registration form, visit the Sub-Registrar's Office.
• Fill out the application form by entering the required details.
• Then submit the duly filled application form along with the necessary documents to the Sub-Registrar's Office.
• Pay the registration fees.
• Upon approval of the application, the marriage certificate will be ready for collection from the office of the Sub-Registrar.

List of Essential Documents Required for Marriage Certificate in Kerala

• A birth certificate, school certificate, or passport will serve as proof of age.
• An Aadhaar card, voter ID, or passport will serve as proof of address.
• A marriage invitation card is optional.
• Two passport-size photos of the couple.
• Photos of the marriage ceremony.
• If available, present the Aadhaar cards of the couple.
• Witnesses: Two witnesses are required for the confirmation of marriage. They must provide valid proof of identity for registration.

Fees for Marriage Certificate in Kerala & Time Taken

How to Download a Marriage Certificate?

• After completing your marriage registration, the marriage certificate is available for download from the Sevana Kerala Government Civil Services online portal.
• To begin, you need to go to the Sevana website on the menu bar and click on 'Certificate Search'.
• Here, select the district, local body type, and local body, then submit these details to check the record status.
• Next, you will be required to enter the date of marriage, the name of the spouses, the place of marriage, registration number, and key number.
• Then, after the captcha verification, click on the search result, and the marriage certificate will appear on the screen for downloading.

Also Read : How To Download Marriage Certificate Online In Maharastra?

How to get a Duplicate Marriage Certificate in Kerala?

You can apply for a duplicate marriage certificate in Kerala via offline or online mode.

Offline Mode

• You will visit the relevant authority, i.e., the office of the Registrar of Marriages, either at the Municipal Corporation or the Panchayat office, where your marriage was originally registered.
• Submit an application. Go through a formal application process for requesting the duplicate marriage certificate by furnishing particulars concerning the original marriage registration.
• Include identification papers for both you and your spouse for proper identification verification.
• There will be a fee for issuing the duplicate certificate, which must be paid.
• After verification and processing, the duplicate marriage certificate will be given to you.

Online Mode

• Go to the website of the Kerala Government Registration Department.
• Click on ‘Application Status/Download.’
• Enter the details that you have received in your registration process. Also, enter the captcha and click ‘Check Status.’
• Your ‘Marriage Certificate’ appears on screen. Click ‘Download’ to download your duplicate certificate online.

Legal Advantage Of Marriage Certificate In Kerala

• Proof of Marriage: The marriage certificate is complete evidence of the legal validity of marriage for all official and legal purposes.
• Property Rights: It proves the rights of spouses in property, inheritance, and other things in case of quarrels or in the event of the death of the spouse.
• Claiming Benefits: For the claim of spousal benefits, like insurance claim payouts, pension benefits, and benefits under government welfare schemes.
• Visa and Immigration: The proof of marriage is also an essential requirement in the application for visas and for immigration procedures for the sponsoring spouse.
• Legal Protection: It also provides legal protection in the case of domestic strife, recognizing and upholding spousal rights.

Sample Format Of Marriage Certificate in Kerala

A sample format of a marriage certificate in Kerala:

Conclusion

Getting a marriage certificate in Kerala is a hassle-free process. This article outlines the steps you need to take to smoothly complete the application process. By following the steps mentioned, it will be easy to obtain a marriage certificate for yourself. This document ensures many legal and social benefits for you. With all the required documents in place, you may find the process quick and easy.

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FAQs

A few FAQs on marriage registration certificates in Kerala are:

Q1. How can I get a marriage certificate in Kerala?

You can obtain a marriage certificate in Kerala by applying online through the Kerala Government Civil Services online portal or by visiting the nearest Sub-Registrar's office.

Q2. What is the processing time for marriage certificates in Kerala?

The processing time for marriage certificates in Kerala usually takes around 7-15 working days.

Q3. Can I get a marriage certificate in one day?

No, it is not possible to get a marriage certificate in one day in Kerala. The process takes some time for verification and processing.

Q4. Can we check a marriage certificate online?

No, you cannot check a marriage certificate online. However, you can download your certificate from the Kerala Government Civil Services online portal once your application is approved.

Q5. What is the late fee for a Marriage Certificate?

The late fee for a marriage certificate in Kerala is ₹100 if the application is submitted after 45 days but within one year of the marriage. If submitted after one year, the late fee is ₹250.

Q6. What is the cost of a marriage certificate in Kerala?

The cost of a marriage certificate in Kerala is ₹120, which includes a registration fee of ₹100 and a certificate fee of ₹20.