To obtain a marriage certificate in South Africa, couples must submit valid identification (barcoded ID books or Smart ID cards for South African citizens, or valid passports with entry stamps for foreign nationals), three recent passport photos, and completed Department of Home Affairs forms such as Form DHA-130. Additional documentation is required depending on individual circumstances, including stamped divorce decrees for previously married individuals, official death certificates for widowers or widows, and a Letter of No Impediment for foreign citizens. Marriages must be solemnised by a registered marriage officer in the presence of two adult witnesses and officially submitted to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) to update the couple’s marital status on the National Population Register.
Key Requirements for Obtaining a Marriage Certificate
Getting legally married and securing an official marriage certificate from the Department of Home Affairs involves fulfilling specific legal and administrative criteria set out under South African marriage legislation, including the Marriage Act 25 of 1961, the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act 120 of 1998, and the Civil Union Act 17 of 2006.
Standard Identification Documents
Both parties must supply clear copies and original versions of their legal identification:
- South African Citizens: A valid green barcoded ID book or Smart ID card (both sides copied).
- Foreign Citizens: A valid original passport containing a valid visa or entry stamp into South Africa.
- Passport Photos: Three clear, color passport-sized photographs for each spouse.
- Witness Identification: Clear copies of valid IDs or passports for two adult witnesses (21 years or older) who sign the marriage register during the ceremony.
Proof of Marital Status (Divorce or Widowed Documents)
If either spouse was previously married, official proof that the prior marriage has been dissolved is legally required:
- Divorced Spouses: An original or certified copy of the final Decree of Divorce stamped by the High Court that granted the dissolution.
- Widowed Spouses: An official Death Certificate of the deceased partner issued by Home Affairs or equivalent foreign authority.
Marital Status Confirmation & Biometrics
Recent Department of Home Affairs regulations require couples to verify their marital status prior to the wedding ceremony:
- Confirmation of Marital Status Form: Couples must visit a Home Affairs office (Marriage Section) before their wedding day so an official can check their status on the National Population Register, capture thumbprints biometrically, and issue a stamped confirmation document.
- Biometric Thumbprints: The marriage officer takes left thumbprints of both the bride and groom on the wedding day as part of mandatory registration requirements.
Antenuptial Contract (ANC) Verification
If a couple decides to marry out of community of property, they must consult an attorney (notary public) to draft an Antenuptial Contract (ANC) prior to the wedding day:
- A formal cover letter or confirmation certificate from the notary lawyer confirming that an ANC has been executed must be provided to the marriage officer.
- Default Regime: If no ANC is executed prior to the wedding, the marriage is automatically registered as “In Community of Property” under South African law.
Types of Marriage Certificates Issued in South Africa
The Department of Home Affairs issues different formats of marriage certificates depending on the stage of registration and the purpose for which the document is required.
| Certificate Type | Purpose & Description | Typical Issuance Timeline |
| Handwritten Certificate (BI-27 / DHA-1765) | Immediate proof of solemnisation given directly to the couple by the Marriage Officer after signing the marriage register. | Issued on the wedding day |
| Abridged Marriage Certificate | Official printed certificate confirming basic details (names, ID numbers, date of marriage) once registered on the National Population Register. | 1 to 2 weeks after register submission |
| Unabridged Marriage Certificate | Comprehensive certificate containing complete details of both spouses, location, prior marital status, and marriage officer information. Required for international use, visas, foreign passports, and dual citizenship. | Several weeks to months |
| Vault Copy | A certified copy of the original handwritten marriage register stored in the DHA central archives in Pretoria. Needed alongside an unabridged certificate for certain foreign embassies. | Extended processing time |
Requirements for Foreign Citizens Marrying in South Africa
South Africa permits foreign nationals to marry South African citizens or other foreign nationals within the country, subject to strict legal checks designed to prevent marriages of convenience.
Essential Documents for Foreign Nationals
In addition to standard identification, foreign citizens must supply:
- Letter of No Impediment: An official letter or certificate issued by the home government or embassy in South Africa confirming that the individual is single and legally free to marry.
- Sworn Affidavit / Notarized Oath: Required if the home country does not issue Letters of No Impediment (e.g., the United Kingdom).
- Official Translations: Any foreign document not written in English must be accompanied by a certified translation performed by a sworn translator.
- Form DHA-31: Declaration form completed for non-South African citizens.
Department of Home Affairs Interview Requirement
When a South African citizen marries a foreign national, an in-person interview with an official Home Affairs Immigration Officer is mandatory:
- Both partners must attend the scheduled interview together at a designated Home Affairs branch.
- The interview verifies the authenticity of the relationship and ensures both parties freely consent to the marriage.
- Approval from the immigration officer is required before the marriage officer can solemnise the wedding.
Step-by-Step Process to Register a Marriage and Request Certificates
- Pre-Marriage Verification: Gather all legal IDs, divorce decrees/death certificates, passport photos, and ANC notary letters. Visit a Home Affairs office to obtain a stamped Confirmation of Marital Status.
- Solemnisation: On the wedding day, the accredited marriage officer officiates the ceremony under the relevant Act. The couple and two witnesses sign the official Marriage Register (Form BI-30 / DHA-30), and thumbprints are captured.
- Receive Handwritten Certificate: The marriage officer issues the couple a handwritten registration certificate (BI-27 / DHA-1765) immediately following the ceremony.
- Register Submission: The marriage officer submits the original register and documentation to the local Department of Home Affairs office within 3 working days.
- System Registration: Home Affairs updates the National Population Register, changing both individuals’ legal marital status to “Married.”
- Apply for Printed Certificates: Visit any Home Affairs office with Form DHA-130, original IDs, and the handwritten certificate to apply for a printed Abridged or Unabridged Marriage Certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an abridged and an unabridged marriage certificate in South Africa?
An abridged marriage certificate contains basic personal information, including the names and ID numbers of both spouses and the marriage date. An unabridged marriage certificate contains full legal details, including full names, birthplaces, identity numbers, pre-marital status, location of marriage, and marriage officer details. Unabridged certificates are required for international legal transactions, immigration applications, foreign visas, and foreign passport updates.
How long does it take to get an unabridged marriage certificate from Home Affairs?
Processing times for an unabridged marriage certificate inside South Africa typically range from 4 to 8 weeks, depending on branch volume and archive retrieval. If applied for from abroad through a South African high commission or embassy, processing can take 6 to 12 months due to diplomatic dispatch and verification with Pretoria archives.
Can a foreign national legally marry a South African citizen in South Africa?
Yes, a foreign national can legally marry a South African citizen in South Africa. They must provide a valid passport, entry visa, Letter of No Impediment from their home country or embassy, divorce or death certificates if applicable, and complete a mandatory interview with a Department of Home Affairs immigration officer prior to solemnisation.
How much does a marriage certificate cost at Home Affairs?
The first abridged marriage certificate issued after the marriage register is submitted is free of charge. Subsequent copies, re-issues, or applications for an unabridged marriage certificate incur a nominal fee prescribed by the Department of Home Affairs (typically R75 within South Africa, subject to periodic fee adjustments).
How can I verify if my marriage is registered on the Home Affairs system?
You can verify your marital status on the South African National Population Register by sending an SMS with the letter “M” followed by your 13-digit South African ID number to 32551. Alternatively, you can call the Home Affairs toll-free contact centre at 0800 601 190 or visit any local Home Affairs branch.
What happens if you marry in South Africa without an Antenuptial Contract?
If a couple gets married in South Africa without executing an Antenuptial Contract (ANC) before a registered notary public prior to the wedding ceremony, the marriage is automatically registered “In Community of Property.” Under this legal regime, all assets and debts belonging to both partners before and during the marriage are merged into a single joint estate.