Everything you need to know about the marriage certificate

Answers to all your questions about the secret superstar of your marriage: The marriage certificate!

The marriage certificate is an important document. On the one hand, it may have sentimental value for you, as it documents the beginning of a new chapter in your lives. On the other hand, it is essential for many bureaucratic processes – both in Germany and abroad. It is not only important for registry offices and authorities, but also for you as a couple yourselves, for example, regarding pension or insurance matters.

But what happens if the marriage certificate is lost or you need a marriage certificate with a divorce endorsement? In this guide, we've compiled helpful tips and solutions to the most important questions surrounding marriage certificates. From application to translation – we'll help you understand and navigate the topic of marriage certificates.

What you will learn in the guide:

1. The basics: The most important questions about the marriage certificate
2. What a marriage certificate is and why you need it
3. Marriage certificate in the case of an international marriage
4. Solutions to problems related to the marriage certificate

 

1. The basics: The most important questions about the marriage certificate

Where and how can I apply for a marriage certificate?
To apply for your marriage certificate, you must contact the registry office where your marriage was registered. The application can usually be submitted in person, in writing, or online.

How much will the process cost you?
The cost of issuing a marriage certificate can vary depending on the federal state and registry office. However, fees typically range from approximately 10 to 15 euros.

What documents do I need to apply?
To apply for a marriage certificate, you will usually need the following documents:

• Identity card or passport
• Certified copy from the marriage register (if no longer available, a replacement certificate can be issued)
• Possibly a power of attorney if the application is submitted by another person.
• Birth certificates of spouses, if applicable.

How long will it take until I receive the marriage certificate?
The processing time for issuing a marriage certificate can vary depending on the registry office and its workload. Generally, however, it takes a few days to a few weeks until the certificate is issued and you can collect it.

How many certificates do I need?
Depending on what you need and for what purpose, you can request several copies. It's usually better to get at least two copies. You can keep one as the original and present the other to authorities or institutions.

 

2. What a marriage certificate is and why you need it

What is a marriage certificate?
A marriage certificate is an official document that confirms that two people have married. You receive it from the registry office. The certificate contains important information such as the names of the spouses, the date and place of the wedding, and other details.

What does a marriage certificate look like?
A marriage certificate usually has a standardized format. It is printed on special paper to prevent forgery. The certificate contains information about the marriage. A registrar signs it and affixes a seal. Here is an example image of a typical marriage certificate:

 

What is the difference between a marriage certificate, a wedding certificate, and a marriage license?
You can refer to the term marriage certificate simply as marriage certificate or wedding certificate . All three words mean the same thing!

The term "marriage certificate" is most commonly used to describe the official document that confirms a marriage. This is probably because "marriage certificate" is a widespread and easily understood term, the one most frequently used in everyday language. While "certificate of marriage" and "wedding certificate" mean the same thing, they are somewhat less common, perhaps because they more specifically emphasize the legal act or the celebratory aspect of the wedding.

Why do I need a marriage certificate?
You need the marriage certificate to officially prove your marriage. You might need it in various situations, for example, if you are applying for family reunification, changing your name, applying for insurance, or want to have foreign marriages recognized.

Therefore, you should always keep your marriage certificate safe. It is important and may be needed in various situations throughout your life.

To whom must the marriage certificate be presented?
You need to present your marriage certificate to various places. These can be government agencies, institutions, or employers. For example, you need it to:

• to take out a joint loan
• for the name change after the wedding
• to register your residence
• Applying for parental allowance
• to file a joint tax return
• to apply for joint health insurance
• to change the bank account to the joint name

and in many other cases.

Who needs the original marriage certificate?
Generally, both spouses need a certified copy of their marriage certificate. However, there may be situations where an original certificate is required, for example, when applying for a visa or settling an estate.

Why do I need a marriage certificate in the case of a birth and a death?
Sometimes you also need your marriage certificate when a child is born or when family members die. This is because it allows you to prove your legal parenthood or to settle inheritance matters.

 

3. Marriage certificate in the case of an international marriage

What is an international marriage certificate?
An international marriage certificate is a certified and translated version of a marriage certificate issued in another country. It is required when a marriage takes place between partners from different countries and the marriage certificate must be presented in that country.

Furthermore, there are other cases in which an international marriage certificate is required. For example:

• If you want to work in another country and your spouse wants to accompany you
• When applying for a spouse visa or a residence permit for your spouse abroad
• If you want to apply for foreign citizenship because of marriage

The exact requirements may vary depending on the country and specific request. Therefore, we recommend that you contact the relevant authorities or embassies to find out about their specific requirements.

What do I need to consider when applying for an international marriage certificate?

Within the EU, marriage certificates generally do not need to be authenticated or translated, as EU member states have certain agreements among themselves regarding the recognition of documents. However, a translation may be required if the marriage certificate was issued in a language other than the language of the country where it is presented.

Outside the EU, different requirements may apply depending on the country. It is advisable to check with the relevant authorities in the respective country to find out which documents and translations are required.

You can find everything you need to know about international marriage in our guides: Getting married in Germany and Getting married abroad .

How can I have them translated?
The translation of an international marriage certificate must be done by official, certified translators. It is important that the translation is certified to confirm its authenticity and accuracy. The certified translation should then be submitted along with the international marriage certificate. You can find more information about certified translations of your marriage certificate here .

 

Get your documents translated now – at Beglaubigung24:

4. Solutions to problems related to the marriage certificate

What do I do if I have lost my marriage certificate?
If you have lost your marriage certificate, you can apply for a new one. Simply go to the registry office that issued your original certificate and apply for a replacement. You may have to pay a fee. You may also need to provide proof of identity to receive the new certificate.

Can I get a marriage certificate without a birth certificate?
Normally, you need the birth certificate of one or both spouses to obtain a marriage certificate. If you don't have your birth certificate, you can go to the registry office that issued it and apply for a new one. Without a birth certificate, obtaining a marriage certificate may be more difficult or even impossible. Our guide "Getting Married in Germany" provides an overview of all the documents you need for an international wedding.

How can I apply for a marriage certificate with a divorce endorsement?
If you wish to apply for a marriage certificate with a divorce endorsement, you must contact the registry office that registered your marriage. There, you will usually need to submit an application and pay the applicable fee. You may also need to present the divorce decree to receive the marriage certificate with the divorce endorsement.

What happens to the marriage certificate after a divorce?
After a divorce, the marriage certificate remains with the registry office. However, we recommend requesting a certified copy of the marriage certificate, which also includes the divorce decree. This copy may be needed, for example, for pension or insurance matters. If you plan to remarry, you will need to apply for a new marriage certificate.

 

Who would have thought there was so much to consider and learn about a single document? We hope our guide has cleared up any questions you had.

Best of luck with all your future wedding plans!

Your Beglaubigung24 team