Unabridged Marriage Certificate
3-4 Weeks
Processing
The Process
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Document Preparation
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Copies of both spouses’ South African IDs or passports
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Copy of an abridged marriage certificate and/or marriage register (if available)
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Completed DHA application form
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Submission to Home Affairs
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We lodge the application with DHA on your behalf.
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Verification
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DHA verifies the marriage details.
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Issuance of Certificate
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DHA prints and issues the Unabridged Marriage Certificate.
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Collection & Delivery
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We collect your certificate once finalised and arrange secure delivery locally or abroad.
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Processing Time
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Expected timeframe: 3–4 weeks (not taking into account any system shutdowns at DHA)
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With our assistance: We ensure applications are complete and follow up to minimise unnecessary waiting.
Unabridged Marriage Certificate
An Unabridged Marriage Certificate (also known as a Full Marriage Certificate) is an official document issued by the South African Department of Home Affairs (DHA). Unlike the abridged version, which only contains the couple’s names, the unabridged certificate provides detailed information about both spouses, including ID numbers, nationalities and marriage particulars.
You may require this document for:
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Visa and immigration applications
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Applying for foreign passports or spousal visas
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Emigration purposes
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Divorce or inheritance proceedings abroad
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Legal verification of marital status
We assist in expediting the entire process. From ensuring your application is completed correctly to tracking its progress with DHA, we aim to save you valuable time and effort.
With our support, you can avoid common delays caused by incomplete documentation or administrative backlogs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the difference between an abridged and an unabridged marriage certificate?
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An abridged marriage certificate only reflects the couple’s names and date of marriage.
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An unabridged marriage certificate (full version) provides full details of both spouses, including ID numbers, nationalities, and marriage particulars. It is required for most official and international purposes.
2. How long does it take to get an unabridged marriage certificate?
The Department of Home Affairs generally takes 8–12 weeks to issue the certificate, but delays are common. With our assistance, we ensure your application is properly managed and tracked to minimise waiting times.
3. Can I apply for an unabridged marriage certificate from abroad?
Yes. If you are outside South Africa, you may apply through a South African embassy or consulate. Alternatively, you can courier the required documents to us, and we will handle the process locally.
4. What documents are required to apply?
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Certified copies of both spouses’ IDs or passports
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Copy of abridged marriage certificate or marriage register (if available)
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Completed DHA application form
5. Is the unabridged marriage certificate valid for life?
Yes. Once issued, it is a permanent record of your marriage and does not expire. However, some authorities may require a recently issued copy (not older than 6 months).
6. Why do I need an unabridged marriage certificate for immigration or visas?
Foreign authorities often require proof of marriage that includes both spouses’ full details for immigration, visa, or citizenship applications. The abridged certificate is not sufficient in these cases.
7. Does the unabridged certificate need to be apostilled or legalised?
Yes, in many cases. If you intend to use the certificate abroad, it may need to be apostilled (for Hague Convention countries) or legalised (for non-Hague countries). We can assist with this additional step.
