Applying for Your Marriage Certificate in Victoria

Types of Certificates

Standard Marriage Certificate

Official, legally recognised copy of marriage registration
Includes full registration details
Suitable for all legal and identity purposes
Required for changing name on official documents
Includes security features to prevent fraud
Recognised by all Australian government departments

Commemorative Marriage Certificate

Decorative certificate for display purposes
Not legally valid for official purposes
Available in various designs
Can be purchased with standard certificate
Makes a beautiful keepsake

Single Status Certificate

Confirms no record of marriage in Victoria
May be required for overseas marriages
Also known as a ‘Certificate of No Record’
Can be authenticated by DFAT if required
Only issued to the person named on certificate
Valid for international use when authenticated

Who Can Apply?

You can apply if you are:

One of the married parties
A child of the married couple
The executor of their estate (must provide evidence)
Administrator or trustee (must provide evidence)
Someone with written authority or power of attorney
Legal representative with written authority

Note: Marriage records over 75 years old are publicly accessible through the Public Record Office Victoria.

How to Apply

Online

Visit the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria website
Create a my.gov account if you don’t have one
Complete the online application form
Upload required identification documents
Pay the certificate fee
Track your application online

In Person

Visit a Justice Service Centre in Victoria
Bring required identification documents
Pay the applicable fees
Same-day service may be available
Available at selected locations only

By Post

Download the marriage certificate application form from BDM Victoria website
Complete all required sections
Include certified copies of your identification
Include payment details
Mail to: Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria GPO Box 4332 Melbourne VIC 3001

Processing Times

Standard Service

5-10 working days from receipt of complete application
Additional time for postal delivery
Processing times may vary during peak periods
Track application status online

Priority Service

2 business day processing available
Additional fee applies
Must meet eligibility criteria
Not available for all application types
Order before 2pm for fastest processing

Required Identification

You must provide at least three forms of ID:

One from each category, or
Two from Category 1 and one from Category 2
All copies must be certified
Documents in other languages must be translated by NAATI translator

Category 1

Australian passport
Foreign passport
Australian driver licence
Firearms licence
Australian birth certificate

Category 2

Medicare card
Credit or debit card
Centrelink or Department of Veterans Affairs card
Security guard/crowd control licence
Student or tertiary identity card

Category 3

Utility bills
Rental agreement
Rate notice
Bank statement
Current school report or letter

Delivery Options

Standard Post

Included in certificate fee
Delivered to Australian addresses
Tracking number provided
Allow extra time for delivery

Express Post

Additional fee applies
Next business day delivery to most areas
Tracking number provided
Must be signed for on delivery

International Delivery

Additional fees apply
Registered post only
Tracking available
Delivery times vary by destination

Additional Services

Certificate Authentication

Available for international use
Processed by Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Additional fees apply
Allow extra processing time

Urgent Applications

Must demonstrate urgent need
Additional documentation required
Higher fees apply
Subject to approval

Need Help?

Contact the Registry:

Phone: 1300 369 367 (within Australia)
+61 3 9603 7599 (international)
Email: [email protected]
Visit: justice.vic.gov.au/bdm

Note: Current fees are listed on the BDM Victoria website and are subject to change. Please check the website for the most up-to-date pricing.