How To Get A Marriage Certificate In Delhi?

The marriage certificate is an official document that attests that a couple is married. This document is essential for legal and administrative purposes, like applying for several legal identity documents, like a PAN card, passport, visa, property rights, etc. In Delhi, marriage registration is governed by the Special Marriage Act, 1954 for interfaith and court marriages, along with personal laws such as the Hindu Marriage Act, of 1955, the Indian Christian Marriage Act, of 1872, the Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act, of 1936 and the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act of 1937, which regulate marriages under their respective communities.

The registration of marriages ensures legal security as well as protection against future disputes. For this reason, the government of Delhi has made provisions for easy performance of registrations.

In this blog, we will explore:

• Who qualifies for marriage registration?
• List of documents to be submitted
• Step-by-step application processes (online and offline)
• Details about fees and processing time
• Tatkal procedure for marriage certificate
• How to check/download an online marriage certificate
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

By the end, this blog will give the reader all the information on the complete process of marriage registration in Delhi so that anyone can confidently complete the steps with ease.

Who Can Apply For A Marriage Certificate In Delhi?

In order to register a marriage, two parties will have to fulfill certain criteria, which allow a marriage to be made valid and legally sanctioned under the applicable laws and these guidelines for the Issuance of Marriage Registration Certificate by the Delhi Revenue Department.

Age Requirements

• The groom must be at least 21 years old.
• The bride must be at least 18 years old.

Marital Status

• Neither partner should have a living spouse at the time of marriage registration, except under Muslim Personal Law, which permits a Muslim man to have up to four wives simultaneously.

Mental And Legal Capacity

• In order to enter into a valid marriage each party needs to have the mental capacity to go through the essential formalities and should be able to give free consent.

Residency Requirements

• At least one of the spouses must be a resident of Delhi, or the marriage must have been solemnized in Delhi’s jurisdiction.

Prohibited Relationships

• The couple must not fall within the prohibited degrees of relationship, barring customs that permit such marriage.

Religion And Applicable Laws

• The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955: Valid for Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains.
• Special Marriage Act, 1954: Marriages are allowed under this Act for inter-caste, inter-religion, court marriages, and marriages involving foreign nationals.
• Indian Christian Marriage Act, 1872: This act deals with marriages between Christians performed by a person licensed to do so or in a church.
• Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act, 1936: Marriages of Parsis are regulated under this act that require a priest and two witnesses.
• Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, 1937: The Act regulates Muslim marriages, which do constitute a civil contract and require offer (Ijab) and acceptance (Qubool) in the presence of witnesses. Additionally, Muslims can opt for registration as per the Special Marriage Act, 1954.

These eligibility criteria are outlined under Section 5 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, and Section 4 of the Special Marriage Act, 1954.

List Of Documents Required For A Marriage Certificate In Delhi

To register a marriage in Delhi and obtain a marriage certificate, the following documents are required:

For Bride And Groom

Identity And Address Proof For Both Spouses (Any One Document)

• Aadhaar Card
• Voter ID
• Passport
• Driving License
• PAN Card

Date Of Birth Proof (Any One Document)

• Birth Certificate
• School Leaving Certificate (10th/12th Mark Sheet)
• Passport

Proof Of Marriage

• Marriage invitation card
• Wedding photographs (including one with sindoor/mangal sutra/ varmala)
• Marriage ceremony certificate issued by the temple, mosque, gurudwara, or church (if applicable)

Passport-Size Photographs

• Two passport-size photos of both the bride and groom.

Notarized Affidavit

• Affidavit stating the marital status and nationality of both parties
• Affidavit stating place and date of marriage (on ₹10 non-judicial e-stamp paper)

Additional Documents (If Applicable)

• Divorce decree: if either spouse was previously married and divorced.
• Death certificate of a deceased spouse: if either applicant is a widow/widower.

For Witnesses

At least two witnesses for marriage under the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955 or three witnesses for marriage under the Special Marriage Act of 1954 must provide:

Identity Proof (Any One Document)

• Aadhaar Card
• PAN Card
• Voter ID Card
• Passport
• Driving License

Address Proof (Any One Document)

• Aadhaar Card
• Voter ID Card
• Passport
• Utility Bills (Electricity, Water, Gas, Telephone)
• Rent Agreement
• Bank Passbook

Passport-Size Photograph.

• 2 passport-sized photographs of each witness

How To Apply For A Marriage Certificate In Delhi

Online Application Process (via Delhi Govt. e-District Portal)

Step 1: Visit The E-District Portal

Open the official Delhi Government e-District website.

Step 2: Register/Login

If you are a new user, create an account using an Aadhaar-linked mobile number.

Log in with your credentials.

Step 3: Select Marriage Registration Services

Click on "Apply for Services" and select "Issuance of Marriage Certificate".

Select the act that applies, like the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 or the Special Marriage Act, 1954 or other personal laws, whichever is applicable.

Step 4: Fill In The Application Form

Enter Bride And Groom Details, Including:

• Full Name
• Date of Birth
• Address
• Contact details (phone number & email)

Provide The Marriage Details Such As:

• Date & Venue of the Marriage
• Name of the person solemnizing the marriage (if any).
• Details of the two witnesses

The Department of Revenue of Delhi have an Application Form for a Marriage Registration Certificate, which you can refer to for a clearer understanding.

Step 5: Upload Required Documents

Upload scanned copies of identity, age proof, address proof, and marriage proof documents of both partners and witnesses.

Step 6: Book An Appointment For Verification

Select the date and time for appearing for in-person verification at the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Office.

Step 7: Pay The Fees Online

Payment can be made by net banking/debit/credit card/UPI.

Step 8: Go To SDM Office For Verification

The partners and witnesses need to appear in person with the original documents for verification.

Step 9: Verification And Issuance Of Certificate

Upon verification, the online marriage certificate is issued within a few days.

Offline Process (SDM Office)

Step 1: Identify The Relevant SDM Office

The Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Office should be found according to either spouse's residential jurisdiction.

Step 2: Obtain The Application Form

• Get the Marriage Registration Form from the nearest SDM office. OR
• Get the Marriage Registration Form by downloading it directly from the Delhi Government e-District Portals

Step 3: Fill Out The Application Form

Enter both partner details such as:

• Full Name
• Date of Birth
• Residential Address
• Contact Details

Witness details,

• Full name,
• Address, and
• Identification details.

Note: If the bride’s name changes after marriage, mention the new name in the form.

Step 4: Attach Required Documents

Self-attested copies of identity, address, age proof, marriage evidence, and witness documents should be attached.

Step 5: Submit The Application & Pay Fees

• Submit the form along with the documents to the SDM office.
• Pay the registration fee (as per Delhi Government rules).

Step 6: Book An Appointment For Verification

The appointment date will be fixed when the documents are submitted for the process of verification.

Step 7: Visit The SDM Office For Verification

Both husband and wife along with the provided witnesses have to come on the given date at the SDM office.

Step 8: Marriage Certificate Issuance

If all documents are in order, the marriage certificate issued in a few working days, which can either be collected in person or downloaded online from the e-District portal.

How To Check Marriage Certificate Status Online In Delhi

1. Visit the e-District Delhi Portal.
2. Click on "Track Your Application."
3. Enter your application number or acknowledgment number.
4. Submit the details to view the current status.

How To Download A Marriage Certificate Online In Delhi

1. Visit the e-District Delhi Portal.
2. Navigate to "Download Your Certificate."
3. Enter the required details, including department, certificate type, certificate number, applicant’s date of birth, and captcha.
4. Click "Continue" to proceed.
5. Download the certificate in PDF format after verification.

Alternatively, you can check via the National Government Services Portal.

Applicable Fees For Obtaining A Marriage Certificate In Delhi

Timeline For Obtaining A Marriage Certificate

How To Obtain A Tatkal Marriage Certificate In Delhi

For couples needing urgent marriage registration, the Delhi government provides a Tatkal Marriage Certificate, ensuring issuance within 24 hours upon payment of an additional fee, which may vary from place to place. The process is expedited but follows the same fundamental steps as regular registration.

Steps To Apply:

1. Online/Offline Application: Get registered through the e-District Delhi portal or visit the SDM office.
2. Document Submission: Provide identity, age, and address proofs, along with wedding-related documents and affidavits.
3. SDM Office Visit: Verification must be done in person by both the parties and the witnesses.
4. Certificate Issuance on the Same Day: The marriage certificate can be issued within 24 hours of verification.

Sample Affidavit For Marriage Certificate In Delhi

Conclusion

Registration of marriage in Delhi is a very systematic and simple process that gives legal validation to the couple's union. Marriages may be registered under the Hindu Marriage Act or the Special Marriage Act or personal laws, depending on eligibility. The paramount requirement is that both the partners should fulfill the legal requirements for marriage and submit the requisite documents.

The Delhi e-District Portal simplifies the entire process: now, couples can register their marriages online with quick processing and verification. Those who would like to have an instant registration can avail the Tatkal service that offers certificate issuance in 24 hours with the additional fee.

A marriage certificate is a legal document required for obtaining passports, visas, and rights to property. If you face legal hurdles during registration, it is best to consult a lawyer, as this would simplify the process.

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FAQs

Q1. When should I apply for a marriage certificate?

We recommend that a marriage certificate be applied for within 30 days after the wedding. Otherwise, unnecessary delays or complications in getting registered might arise.

Q2. How can I get a marriage certificate in Delhi?

You may apply on the Delhi e-District Portal or go in person to the SDM office along with the requisite documents and witness to complete the registration.

Q3. What is the processing time for a marriage certificate in Delhi?

The processing time depends on the law under which the marriage is registered.Generally, under the Hindu Marriage Act, the marriages would be registered between 7 and 15 days, while the Special Marriage Act would take 30 days to 60 days owing to the notice period. A Tatkal Marriage Certificate can be issued on the same day for urgent cases, but in this case, an added fee is applicable.

Q4. Can I apply for a marriage certificate online in Delhi?

Yes, The complete process is very simple and easy as it is done entirely online through the Delhi e-District Portal; however, you will have to go to verify the presence of of witnesses in person.