How to Get a Marriage Certificate from Home Affairs
A marriage certificate is the official record of your marriage, issued by the Department of Home Affairs. It is required for name changes, spousal visa applications, estate planning, and many other legal purposes. This guide explains how to obtain your marriage certificate in 2026.
All legally recognised marriages in South Africa, regardless of type, must be registered with Home Affairs. An unregistered marriage is not legally binding.
Types of Marriages Recognised by Home Affairs
- Civil marriage: Conducted by a Home Affairs marriage officer in terms of the Marriage Act
- Customary marriage: Registered under the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act
- Civil union: Same-sex and opposite-sex unions under the Civil Union Act
- Religious marriage: Conducted by a religious minister who is also an authorised marriage officer
How to Register Your Marriage
Civil marriages can be conducted at any Home Affairs office by a Home Affairs marriage officer. Religious marriages may be conducted at your place of worship if the officiant is a registered marriage officer.
You must give notice of your intended marriage at a Home Affairs office at least 3 months before the ceremony.
- Give notice of intended marriage at a Home Affairs office using the BI-130 form (at least 3 months before the wedding)
- Both parties must be present at the notice of marriage
- Appear at the Home Affairs office or approved venue on the wedding date
- The marriage officer completes the BI-27 register entry
- A marriage certificate is issued on the day of the marriage
Documents Required to Register a Marriage
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Smart ID or green barcoded ID book | Both parties must present original IDs |
| Birth certificates | May be required if ID is not available |
| Divorce order | Required if either party was previously married |
| Death certificate | Required if either party is widowed |
| Parental consent form (BI-31) | Required if either party is under 18 |
| Foreign passport | Required if either party is a foreign national |
| Work or study visa | Required for foreign nationals |
Obtaining a Marriage Certificate Copy
If you were already married but need a copy of your marriage certificate, you can apply for a reprint at any Home Affairs office or via eHomeAffairs.
Complete the BI-154 application form and specify that you need a marriage certificate. Processing takes 5 to 10 working days.
- Completed BI-154 application form
- Your South African Smart ID or ID book
- Your spouses South African ID or passport
- The date and place of marriage (if known)
- Payment of R75 application fee
Marriage Certificate Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home Affairs civil marriage ceremony | Free |
| Replacement or copy of marriage certificate | R75 |
| Registration of customary marriage | Free |
| Registration of foreign marriage (South African citizen) | R75 |
A foreign marriage certificate must be authenticated (apostilled) by the foreign country before it will be accepted by South African Home Affairs. Consult a legal advisor if you are unsure of the requirements.
Registering a Foreign Marriage
South African citizens who marry abroad must register their foreign marriage with Home Affairs upon returning to South Africa. This is done by submitting the original foreign marriage certificate with an official translation (if not in English) and the BI-130 form at a Home Affairs office.
Processing takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks.