How can I check my marriage status online in South Africa? Here’s a detailed guide on the acquisition of your document after your wedding.
South Africa, with its diverse landscapes and rich cultural tapestry, has become a sought-after destination for multicultural weddings.
Amidst the breathtaking beauty, there lies an essential aspect that encapsulates the very essence of matrimony—the marriage certificate.
In this guide, we embark on a journey to explore the significance of this document, why it is imperative for couples tying the knot in South Africa, the requirements for applying, the cost, and the steps to check and ensure its proper acquisition.
The Essence of a Marriage Certificate
Before delving into the intricacies of checking for a marriage certificate, let’s illuminate the essence of this pivotal document.
In the intricate dance of love, a marriage certificate in South Africa is not just a piece of paper; it is a key that unlocks a myriad of benefits for newlyweds.
The document serves as the formal recognition of the union—a tangible testament to the commitment shared between two individuals. This ensures that the marriage is officially acknowledged under South African law.
For those seeking to build a life together in South Africa, the marriage certificate is a requisite for spousal immigration applications. It paves the way for the foreign spouse to legally reside in the country.
Financial institutions often require a marriage certificate for joint accounts, loans, or other shared financial endeavors.
For those seeking to build a life together in South Africa, the marriage certificate is a requisite for spousal immigration applications. It paves the way for the foreign spouse to legally reside in the country.
Types of marriage certificates in South Africa
Per the official South African Government website, three types of marriages are recognised under South African law: civil marriages, customary marriages, and civil unions. Couples who choose any of the types of marriage are entitled to a marriage certificate.
In South Africa, there are two types of marriage certificates: abridged marriage certificates and unabridged marriage certificates. The type of marriage certificate depends on the status of your nationality and the type of marriage you entered into, per Certificate SA.
Under the South African Marriage Act, couples must receive a marriage certificate immediately after the ceremony. Marriage certificates require two witnesses and the marriage officer. These witnesses must be over the age of 18 and have the legal capacity to witness a marriage.
Abridged marriage certificate
An abridged marriage certificate is a shorter version of the marriage certificate and contains essential information about the marriage. This type of marriage certificate contains both your details (such as your full name and ID number) as well as the date of the marriage, DOCASSIST reports.
Couples receive abridged marriage certificates from the Home Affairs department when applying for marriage certificates. It is common for couples to receive their certificates immediately after they get married.
If one of you is a South African and lives in South Africa, this is the only certificate you require.
Unabridged marriage certificate
The unabridged marriage certificate is a more comprehensive version and includes additional details. Unabridged marriage certificates, which receive an apostille at the Cape Town High Court, let you register your marriage in your country of residence.
This type of marriage certificate in SA is issued to non-South African couples, couples in which one partner is not South African, and couples that are not living in South Africa. You should also apply for an unabridged marriage certificate if you plan to be out of the country for an extended period shortly after marriage.
Apply for a marriage certificate in South Africa
To start the process, you must first register your intention to marry with the Department of Home Affairs and apply for a marriage certificate. Couples must apply for a Department of Home Affairs marriage certificate at least three months before the wedding date.
Home affairs marriage forms are available on request, per Expatica. Submit the forms along with the relevant supporting documentation. These include:
- Notice of Intention to Marry: Couples must submit a Notice of Intention to Marry to the nearest Department of Home Affairs office at least three months before the wedding date. This includes the completion of the BI-31 form, which declares that you may legally marry.
- Proof of Identity: Both parties must present valid identification documents, such as South African ID cards or passports. Both passports, if one partner is not South African
- Age: Minors under the age of 18 must present written consent from both parents and/or Form DHA-32. For boys under the age of 18 and girls under the age of 15, consent from the Minister of Home Affairs is also necessary.
- Proof of Residence: Providing proof of residence, such as utility bills or a rental agreement, is typically required.
- Details of the Marriage Officer: Couples must secure the services of a registered marriage officer and provide their details for documentation.
- Official divorce decree, stamped by the court, if one partner has previously been married
- Death certificate, if one partner has been widowed
The Online Application Process
The Department of Home Affairs has streamlined processes in the digital age, allowing couples to apply for a marriage certificate online. This modern convenience expedites the application process and reduces the need for physical visits to Home Affairs offices. The online application process generally involves the following steps:
- Visit the Home Affairs website: Navigate to the official website of the Department of Home Affairs to access the online application portal.
- Complete the online form: Fill in the required information accurately on the online form, ensuring all details align with the documents submitted.
- Upload Supporting Documents: Attach scanned copies of necessary documents, including the Notice of Intention to Marry, identification documents, and proof of residence.
- Payment of Fees: Pay the applicable fees securely through the online portal, utilizing the specified payment methods.
- Submission and Confirmation: Submit the completed application online and await confirmation of receipt, along with any additional instructions.
Cost of Marriage Certificates in South Africa
One of the initial considerations when embarking on the journey of obtaining a marriage certificate is the associated cost. In South Africa, the price of a marriage certificate is relatively nominal, aligning with the ethos of accessibility to essential legal documents.
As of the latest information, the fee for a marriage certificate is determined by the Department of Home Affairs and is subject to change.
Marriage ceremonies taking place at a Home Affairs office are FREE OF CHARGE and entitled under the Civil Union Act 2006 for both heterosexual and same-sex couples, per Local Truth.
It is right to know that, despite marriage certificates coming at no cost, they are for first-time abridged applicants only; subsequent copies may require a small fee. Unabridged marriage certificates, however, require charges such as R75.
Some private organisations, like Certificates RSA, may charge you as much as R1300,00–R3900,00 to make the process of obtaining your unabridged and abridged marriage certificate in South Africa faster and more hassle-free.
If one partner has passed away and you need to prove that you have been married, an unabridged marriage certificate will be issued.
It’s advisable to check the current fee structure, which is often updated to reflect administrative costs.
Duration for a marriage certificate in South Africa
Once your marriage officer notifies the Department of Home Affairs, you will automatically receive an abridged certificate. An abridged certificate will be issued on the same day that it’s applied for. However, Western Cape reports that an application for an unabridged certificate takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks to process.
Checking for a Marriage Certificate
With the significance of the marriage certificate established, let’s navigate the process of checking for its validity.
- Contacting the Department of Home Affairs:
- The Department of Home Affairs in South Africa is the custodian of marriage records. Contact them to confirm the status of your marriage certificate.
- Online Verification:
- Some provinces provide online verification services, allowing you to check the status of your marriage certificate conveniently.
- Local Home Affairs Office:
- Visit your local Home Affairs office in person to verify and obtain a copy of your marriage certificate if needed.
How can I check my marriage status online in South Africa? You can check your marital status online via SMS:
Type the letter M and your ID number (e.g., M 5001010050080) and SMS it to 32551.
You can also use the SMS line to do the following checks:
• For your ID document application status, type ID, then your ID number (e.g., ID 5001010050080).
• For your passport application status, type the letter P and then your ID number (e.g., P 5001010050080).
• For your living status (whether official government records have you listed as either dead or alive): type the letter L and then your ID number (e.g., L 5001010050080).
• For a duplicate ID number, type the letter D followed by your ID number (e.g., D 5001010050080).
You’ll receive the status directly on your cellphone via SMS.
Conclusion
As you embark on the exciting journey of marriage against the enchanting backdrop of South Africa, don’t underestimate the importance of the marriage certificate. It is not just a legal requirement but a cherished keepsake that symbolizes the beginning of a shared life. By understanding its essence and navigating the process of checking for its validity, you ensure that your union is officially recognized, laying the groundwork for a thriving partnership in the Rainbow Nation.
