Issue a marriage certificate

The personal data in the civil status register is subject to data protection. Marriage certificates can therefore only be issued

• for persons to whom the entry relates

and their

• spouse or spouses,
• civil partner (within the meaning of the Civil Partnership Act) as well as
• ancestors and descendants.

Other persons, including close relatives such as siblings, aunts and uncles, will only receive a marriage certificate if they can credibly demonstrate a legal interest (e.g. with a letter from the probate court, a court judgment or an enforceable title).

• § 55 Absatz 1 Nummer 4 Personenstandsgesetz (PStG)
• § 56 Personenstandsgesetz (PStG)
• § 57 Personenstandsgesetz (PStG)
• § 62 Personenstandsgesetz (PStG)
• § 48 Personenstandsverordnung (PStV)
• Nr. 16.6.1 Landesverordnung über die Gebühren der allgemeinen und inneren Verwaltung einschließlich der Polizeiverwaltung (Besonderes Gebührenverzeichnis)

The application can be made verbally, in writing or by fax. Many registry offices also have an electronic form on their website that can be used to order certificates.

Apply in person:

• Go to the relevant registry office.
• Present your identity card or passport to prove your identity.
• You usually pay the fee in advance when applying at the registry office.

A person you trust can apply for and collect the certificate on your behalf; your representative will present their own identity card or passport in addition to a written power of attorney and your identity card or passport or a certified copy thereof.

Application by post or fax

• Send an informal letter to the relevant registry office asking them to issue you with a marriage certificate. Depending on the city or municipality, you may also find application forms on the Internet.
• Your letter must contain the following information:
  • Surname, first name,
  • Date and place of birth,
  • Date of marriage,
  • Details of the spouse,
  • if known: Registry office and registration number.
• Enclose a certified copy of your identity card or passport with the letter.
• You will receive a notification of fees when the certificate is sent to you.

As proof of the marriage, you will receive a marriage certificate after the civil marriage. If you require further certificates at a later date (e.g. for pension matters), the registry office will issue you with additional copies on request at any time.

If you want the registry office to issue you with one or more marriage certificates at the same time as the marriage, please apply for this when registering the marriage.

The text was automatically translated based on the German content.