Documents Required for Marriage Registration in India: Complete Checklist (2026)

The single biggest reason marriage registration applications get delayed or rejected is incomplete or mismatched documentation. Whether you register under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 (HMA) or the Special Marriage Act, 1954 (SMA), the registrar expects a specific set of documents proving the identity, age, address, and marital status of both spouses, along with the identities of three witnesses. This complete checklist covers every document you need, the acceptable alternatives, witness requirements, and the state-specific variations you should know before visiting the registrar.

Core Documents for Both Spouses

1. Age Proof

The law requires the groom to be at least 21 years old and the bride at least 18 at the time of marriage. Any one of the following serves as age proof:

• Birth certificate issued by the municipal corporation or registrar of births
• School leaving certificate or 10th standard mark sheet showing date of birth
• PAN card (shows date of birth)
• Passport (shows date of birth)
• Government-issued photo ID with date of birth

2. Address Proof

Both spouses must prove residence in the jurisdiction of the registrar. Acceptable address proof includes:

• Aadhaar card (most commonly accepted)
• Voter ID (EPIC)
• Passport
• Driving licence
• Utility bill (electricity, water, or gas) not older than 3 months, in the applicant's or a family member's name with a relationship affidavit
• Bank statement or passbook with address

3. Identity Proof

A photo identity document for each spouse. PAN card, Aadhaar, passport, or voter ID all qualify. The name on the ID should match the name used in the application and the marriage invitation.

4. Photographs

• 4 to 6 passport-size photographs of each spouse (exact count varies by state)
• One joint photograph of the couple (often a wedding photo)
• Marriage photograph showing the ceremony (garland exchange, pheras, or signing)

5. Proof of Marriage

Under the HMA you must show that the marriage was solemnised. Acceptable proof:

• Marriage invitation card
• Marriage photograph (as above)
• Affidavit of marriage executed by both spouses (format prescribed by the state)
• Receipt or certificate from the temple or priest where the ceremony was conducted

Witness Requirements

Three witnesses are mandatory under both the HMA and SMA. The witnesses must be adults (18+), of sound mind, and present in person at the registrar's office with original photo ID and address proof. Witnesses can be relatives, friends, or neighbours. Each witness needs:

• Aadhaar card or PAN card (photo ID)
• Address proof (Aadhaar, passport, voter ID)
• One passport-size photograph
• A signed declaration on the application form attesting to the marriage

Additional Documents under the Special Marriage Act

The SMA requires a few extra documents because it is a civil, notice-based process:

• Notice of intended marriage (in the prescribed form)
• Proof that at least one party has resided in the district for 30+ days before filing
• Affidavit declaring marital status (unmarried, divorced, or widowed) and that neither party is within prohibited degrees of relationship
• Divorce decree or death certificate (if either party was previously married)
• No-objection certificate or clearance from the embassy (for foreign nationals)

State-Specific Variations

While the central statutes set the framework, each state prescribes its own rules, forms, and fee structure. Some key variations:

• West Bengal: Online appointment booking is available through the state marriage registration portal; an affidavit of marriage in the prescribed format is required.
• Delhi: The SDM handles registration; couples can apply online and must bring original documents for verification.
• Maharashtra: Requires the marriage to be registered within 90 days to avoid a late fee; a notarised affidavit is mandatory.
• Karnataka: Compulsory online registration; biometric verification of both spouses and witnesses.
• Tamil Nadu: Tamil Marriage Act applies to Hindus in addition to the HMA; special forms are used.

If you are registering in Kolkata, Durgapur, or any West Bengal city, our team keeps the current state-specific forms and affidavit formats ready.

Documents for NRI and Foreign Spouses

If either spouse is an NRI or foreign national, additional documents apply:

• Passport with valid visa of the foreign or NRI spouse
• No-objection certificate or single-status affidavit attested by the embassy of the foreign spouse
• Apostilled or attested documents from the country of residence
• Proof of residence in India for at least 30 days (for SMA filing)

Read our detailed NRI marriage registration guide for the apostille and embassy steps.

Tips to Avoid Document Rejection

• Match names exactly: Ensure the spelling on Aadhaar, PAN, passport, and the marriage invitation is identical. Even a single-letter mismatch can cause rejection.
• Carry originals plus photocopies: The registrar verifies originals and keeps photocopies; bring at least two sets of self-attested copies.
• Use recent photographs: Photographs should be recent and consistent across documents.
• Get affidavits notarised: Any affidavit must be on stamp paper and notarised before submission.
• Update address proof: If you moved recently, update your Aadhaar or bring a utility bill less than 3 months old.

Having the right documents ready before you visit the registrar saves time and avoids repeat trips. Our consultants verify every document against the current West Bengal requirements before your appointment. See how we can help or read the full registration process guide.