Applying for a marriage certificate
Service description
The marriage certificate proves the marriage of two people and contains the first and last names at the time of the marriage and before, the place and date of birth of the spouses, the place and date of the marriage and the details of the religious community of the spouses.
You can obtain the marriage certificate in the following forms:
- Marriage certificate
- International marriage certificate
- Certified register printout from the marriage register
A certified printout from the marriage register (previously the family register) shows all the data entered by the registry office in connection with the marriage.
You will receive the certificate, including any marginal notes, either as
- new printout from the electronic register (if already held by your registry office) or
- Copy or verbatim copy of the marriage entry from the marriage register.
Legal basis
- §§ Sections 55 68 of the Civil Status Act (PStG)
- § Section 48 Ordinance on the Implementation of the Civil Status Act (Civil Status Ordinance (PStV))
- § Section 50 Ordinance on the Implementation of the Civil Status Act (Civil Status Ordinance PStV)
- General Administrative Fee Regulations (AVerwGebO NRW, tariff item 5b.4.5)
Required documents
To apply for a marriage certificate you need:
- Your identity card or passport (a certified copy if you apply in writing, online you must authenticate yourself electronically with the new identity card)
- if the application or collection is made by a representative: written authorization from the authorized person, their identity card or passport (original or certified copy) and the identity card or passport of the representative,
- for other persons or institutions proof of their legal interest
Prerequisite
Marriage certificates contain personal data, so their issue is subject to data protection restrictions.
Eligible applicants (minimum age 16 years):
- the spouse to whom the document relates
- the parents
- the direct ancestors and descendants of the person concerned (in the direct line)
- Siblings with a legitimate interest
Other persons, including close relatives such as aunts and uncles, only receive a certificate if they can credibly demonstrate a legal interest (e.g. by means of a letter from the probate court).
Procedure
Personal application:
The personal application is made as follows:
- An appointment may be required for a personal application.
- You must present your identity card or passport.
- You pay the fee directly at the registry office when you apply.
In addition to yourself, a person you trust may also order and collect the certificate on your behalf. In addition to a written power of attorney, they must present your identity card or passport (original or certified copy) and their own identity card or passport.
Application by post:
The written application is made as follows:
- Send an informal letter to the relevant registry office asking them to issue you with a marriage certificate.
- Your letter should contain the following information:
- Surname, first name
- Marriage date and place
- if known: Registry office and notarization number
- Enclose a certified copy of your identity card or passport with the letter.
- You will then receive a notification of fees.
- Once you have provided proof of payment of the fees (e.g. by sending another email with a copy of the bank statement), the marriage certificate will be sent to you immediately by post.
Online application:
You can also apply for a permit online.
What else should I know?
If the personal details of the spouse change, for example due to a change of name or a divorce, the marriage entry is supplemented by a subsequent certification. A new marriage certificate can be issued on request.