Marriage Certificate; Application

If you are married and need a new marriage certificate, you can apply for one at the registry office. Please contact the registry office where the marriage took place. The marriage certificate proves that you are married to your spouse. Among other things, it lists the names you use in the marriage. It also states the place and date of the marriage. You can obtain the marriage certificate in various forms:

• As a marriage certificate, possibly with a translation for use in European Union countries.
• As a multilingual marriage certificate valid in all countries that are signatories to the Convention of September 8, 1976, on the Issuance of Multilingual Extracts from Civil Status Registers. For more information, see Civil Status Law – Conventions – No. 16: Convention on the Issuance of Multilingual Extracts from Civil Status Registers.
• As a certified printout from the marriage registry. This printout contains all the data that the civil registry office entered at the time of the marriage.

If changes occur after the marriage—for example, due to a name change or a divorce—the entry in the registry is updated with a subsequent record. Upon request, the civil registry office can then issue you a new marriage certificate.

Addition to paragraph 6: Certified printouts and certified copies from civil status registers are reproductions of the respective entries, including subsequent registrations and notes regarding changes under family law as well as corrections.

The following individuals over the age of 16 may submit an application:

• The person to whom the entry in the registry refers.
• Ancestors and descendants, such as parents, children, or grandchildren (the family relationship must be explained and, if necessary, proven).
• Other individuals who can demonstrate a legal interest, for example, through a letter from the probate court, a court judgment, or an enforceable title.

You can request a marriage certificate from the registry office where the marriage took place in person (an appointment may be necessary), in writing, or electronically, if applicable.

In-person application:

• You may need to make an appointment to apply in person.
• Please bring your ID card or passport.
• You pay the fee directly at the registry office when you submit your request.
• A trusted person may also order and pick up the certificate on your behalf. This person will need a written power of attorney, as well as their own ID card or passport (original or copy) and your ID card or passport.

Written Application:

• Send an informal letter to the relevant civil registry office requesting the issuance of the marriage certificate.
• Your letter should include the following information:
  • Your last name and first name
  • Your registered address
  • The date and place of the marriage or, if applicable, the conversion of the civil partnership
  • If known, the registration number and the registry office
  • If available, additional supporting documents, such as proof of a legal interest or an exemption from fees.
• Please include a copy of your ID card or passport.

Submitting an application online:

• If the civil registry office offers an online option, visit the corresponding website.
• If necessary, log in using the online ID function on your ID card.
• Enter the required information and, if necessary, upload the required documents.
• Submit the application online.

Marriage certificates and certified copies of registry entries can only be requested from the civil registry office up to 80 years after the marriage was recorded in the marriage registry. For older entries, the archive of the municipality to which the civil registry office belongs is responsible.

On average, it takes the certificate office 2–3 weeks (including mailing time) to process an order. Of course, requests for certificates are processed as quickly as possible.

• Requesting a Marriage Certificate
  

  In-Person Application:

  • Please bring your ID card or passport.
  • You must explain your family relationship and, if necessary, provide proof of it.
  • An authorized representative must bring a written power of attorney, as well as the ID card or passport (original or copy) of the person granting the power of attorney and their own ID card or passport.

  Submitting an Application in Writing:

  • Include a copy of your ID card or passport.
  • You must explain your family relationship and, if necessary, provide proof of it.

• Fee for a marriage certificate: 12.00 EUR
• Fee for a certified copy: 12.00 EUR
• Fee for a multilingual marriage certificate: 12.00 EUR
• Fee for issuing a translation aid (multilingual form pursuant to Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No. 2016/1191): 12.00 EUR