शादी का रजिस्ट्रेशन: पहले हो चुके विवाह का पंजीकरण कैसे कराएँ
At a glance
- Law
- Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 (S. 8) · Special Marriage Act, 1954 (S. 15)
- Who
- Couples already married in any form
- Where
- District Sub-Registrar (Registrar of Marriages)
- Time
- Same day to a few days (HMA) · 30+ days (SMA)
What it is
Official registration of a marriage already performed by religious rites, such as a Hindu marriage with saptapadi. The marriage is valid without registration, but the Marriage Certificate is the accepted proof for passports, visas, bank and insurance nominations, and government records. The Supreme Court in Seema v. Ashwani Kumar (2006) 2 SCC 578 directed that marriages of all citizens be compulsorily registered.
Who can apply
- Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs married under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955: registration under Section 8 of that Act and the State's rules.
- Any couple, of any religion, already married in any form: registration under Section 15 of the Special Marriage Act, 1954.
Process: Hindu Marriage Act route
- 1
Application
Fill in the marriage registration application, signed by both husband and wife.
- 2
Submission
Submit it with documents to the Registrar of Marriages. In Bihar, this is ordinarily the District Sub-Registrar of the district where the marriage was solemnised or where either party resides.
- 3
Personal appearance
Both parties appear in person with witnesses on the date fixed.
- 4
Verification and entry
The Registrar verifies documents and the parties' statements, and enters the marriage in the Marriage Register.
- 5
Certificate
The Marriage Certificate is issued.
Process: Special Marriage Act, Section 15 route
- 1
ApplicationSection 15
The parties give an application to the Marriage Officer.
- 2
Public notice
The Marriage Officer issues a 30-day public notice inviting objections.
- 3
Entry in the Marriage Certificate Book
After hearing any objection, the marriage is entered in the Marriage Certificate Book.
Both parties must have lived in the district for at least 30 days before the application.
Documents required
Checklist · 8 items- Application signed by both parties
- Age proof of both: matriculation certificate, birth certificate or passport
- Address and identity proof of both
- Proof of the marriage ceremony: wedding invitation card, photographs of the ceremony, and a certificate from the priest or the place of marriage, where available
- Joint photographs and individual passport-size photographs
- Affidavits of both parties on date and place of marriage, age, and marital status at the time of marriage
- Two or three witnesses who attended the marriage, with ID and address proof
- If either party was earlier married: divorce decree or death certificate of the former spouse
Time usually taken
Same day to a few working days (HMA route)
Under the Hindu Marriage Act route, ordinarily the certificate is issued on the day of appearance or within a few working days. Under the Special Marriage Act, Section 15 route, at least 30 days because of the notice period.
Points to remember
- 01Registration does not create a marriage; it records a marriage that has already taken place.
- 02For use abroad, the certificate may need attestation or apostille by the Ministry of External Affairs.
- 03Muslim marriages are proved by the nikahnama. Where a registered certificate is needed, Section 15 of the Special Marriage Act is commonly used.
Frequently asked questions
Is a marriage valid without registration?
Yes. Registration does not create a marriage; it records one that has already taken place. The Marriage Certificate is, however, the accepted proof for passports, visas, nominations and government records, and the Supreme Court in Seema v. Ashwani Kumar (2006) directed that marriages of all citizens be compulsorily registered.
How long does it take to get a marriage certificate in Bihar?
Under the Hindu Marriage Act route, ordinarily on the day of appearance or within a few working days. Under Section 15 of the Special Marriage Act, at least 30 days because of the notice period.
Can a Muslim marriage be registered?
Muslim marriages are proved by the nikahnama. Where a registered certificate is needed, Section 15 of the Special Marriage Act is commonly used.
Does a marriage certificate need an apostille for use abroad?
For use abroad, the certificate may need attestation or apostille by the Ministry of External Affairs.
About the author
Advocate Vivekanand
Founder & Principal Advocate, Vivekanand Law Firm · MA (English), MBA, LL.B., Author. Full profile
Disclaimer. This publication is for general legal information and education only. It is not legal advice on any particular matter and does not create an advocate-client relationship. Procedures, fees and time limits change from time to time and may differ from office to office; verify the current position before acting.
यह प्रकाशन केवल सामान्य कानूनी जानकारी और शिक्षण के लिए है; यह किसी विशेष मामले में कानूनी सलाह नहीं है, और इससे अधिवक्ता-मुवक्किल संबंध नहीं बनता।
— Adv. Vivekanand, Motihari
Related practice
Matrimonial and Family Disputes