Marriage Certificate
Register a marriage under Hindu Marriage Act or Special Marriage Act
Information last verified: September 2026 · Always verify on the official portal before payment.
Real government fee
Varies widely by state (e.g. Delhi HMA Rs.100; UP Rs.10–20; MP Rs.30; Karnataka Rs.5; Haryana free). SMA notice process adds no extra fee. Verify on your state portal.
How many days
15-30 days (HMA). 60 days minimum (SMA, due to 30-day public notice).
Who can apply
Any couple married in India (spouses aged 21/18 for groom/bride).
Best time to apply
Register within 30 days of marriage — some states charge late fee after.
Documents you need
- Both spouses' Aadhaar cards
- Age proof (birth certificate / 10th marksheet / passport)
- Marriage invitation card OR temple/religious priest's certificate
- Wedding photographs (2-3)
- Witnesses' Aadhaar — 3 for SMA, 2 for HMA in Delhi (check your state; must be 18+)
- Affidavit stating date and place of marriage
- Divorce decree / spouse death certificate (if applicable); gazetted-officer attested photos, conversion or embassy certificate where the state asks
Important warnings
- • Marriage certificate is required for spouse visa, passport, bank joint accounts, and insurance.
- • Under Special Marriage Act, at least one spouse must reside in that district for 30 days.
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Step by step
- 1
Apply online on your state's marriage registration portal (e.g., edistrict).
- 2
Fill Form II (HMA) OR Form III (SMA).
- 3
Upload documents and photos.
- 4
Pay the fee online.
- 5
For HMA: visit Sub-Registrar office on the given date with both spouses + witnesses (3 for SMA, 2 for Delhi HMA — check state rule). Sign in front of the officer.
- 6
For SMA: officer publishes a 30-day public notice. If no objection, marriage is registered.
- 7
Collect / download the digital certificate.
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Frequently Asked Questions
HMA vs SMA — kaunsa mere liye? / Hindu Marriage Act or Special Marriage Act?
HMA (1955): both spouses Hindu/Buddhist/Jain/Sikh, registration often same day to ~15 days. SMA (1954): any religion/inter-faith or civil ceremony, needs a 30-day public notice, total ~60 days.
30-day notice kya hota hai? / What is the SMA public notice?
The officer displays your intended marriage publicly for 30 days so objections can be filed. If none, registration proceeds. At least one spouse must reside in that district for 30 days.
Witness ka rule kya hai? / Who can be a witness?
SMA: 3 adult witnesses. HMA (e.g. Delhi): 2 adult witnesses. All present physically with Aadhaar before the officer on the fixed date — check your state's exact rule.
Passport/visa ke liye kaam karega? / Is it valid for passport and visa?
Yes — the registered certificate is the accepted proof for spouse visa, passport spouse-name addition, joint bank accounts and insurance nomination.
Shaadi ke kitne din baad register karein? / Is late registration allowed?
Register within 30 days ideally; late registration is allowed with extra affidavit in most states but may attract a late fee — check your state portal.