Lost your marriage certificate? Here's what to do

The Court needs a copy of your marriage certificate with the application. If you can't find it, don't worry: if you married in Australia we order a replacement from the relevant registry — Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria for Victorian marriages. Replacement marriage certificate from the registry - charged at the registry's fee, no mark-up. We will tell you the amount before we order it. It usually arrives within a couple of weeks. If you married overseas and can't obtain it, we prepare an affidavit explaining the marriage and why the certificate can't be produced.
Woman searching through an archive box of folders at home

Which certificate?

The official registry certificate — not the decorative one from the ceremony (though that can help as evidence). If you have the ceremony certificate only, upload it and we'll order the official one.

Married in Victoria

We apply to BDM Victoria on your authority. Standard processing is typically 1–3 weeks; priority is available.

Married interstate

Same process through that state's registry; timeframes vary.

Married overseas

We help you request it from the overseas registry, or from family who may hold it. If it's not obtainable, an affidavit can be accepted — we'll advise. Married overseas →

Don't wait to start

Everything else can proceed while the certificate is on its way; we file when it arrives (or on your earliest filing date, whichever is later).

or call 1800 976 214

Two minutes · no obligation · a lawyer confirms everything before anything is filed

Frequently asked questions