Proof of identity for marriage certificates
Learn what documents are accepted by the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages to prove your identity.
How we prove your identity
If you are applying for an official marriage certificate, the Registry must verify your identity before processing the application.
This is done by reviewing official identity documents, which you will need to provide. In some cases, a Letter of Authority will also be required if you are applying on behalf of someone else.
For information related to the use and storage of your personal information, see our privacy policy.
Accepted proof of identity documents
- To apply for an official marriage certificate with the Registry you will need to provide at least three forms of current identity documents from each of categories 1, 2 and 3.
- If you cannot provide proof of identity documents from categories 1 and 2, you must still provide at least three forms of identity. Two must be from category 3 and one from category 4.
If you cannot meet these requirements, contact the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages.
Categories for accepted documents
Category 1
- an Australian birth certificate (if born in Australia); or
- Record of immigration status:
- citizenship certificate
- New Zealand citizenship certificate together with passport; or
- New Zealand birth certificate.
Category 2
- Australian driver licence
- Australian passport
- firearms licence
- foreign passport
- proof of age card.
Category 3
- Medicare card
- Centrelink or Department of Veterans' Affairs card
- security or crowd control licence
- tertiary education institution identity card.
Category 4
- recent utility account with a current residential address (issued within the last 3 months).
How to supply documents
If you are submitting your official marriage certificate application via our online form you will submit these as attachments during your application.
If you are completing a paper form, you must submit copies of your three forms of ID with your application. Never send original ID products.
All documents except foreign passports must be current.
If you are applying for someone else
In some cases, you may need to apply for an official marriage certificate for another person.
There are strict requirements on who can apply in these circumstances. You must check your eligibility before commencing an application. If eligible, applicants must provide three forms of their own ID, as well as three forms of ID for the person named on the certificate. Applicants may also need to provide a Letter of Authority.
When a Letter of Authority is required
A Letter of Authority (PDF 217.4KB) is a document in which the person named on the certificate grants permission for their Authorised Agent to apply for a certificate on their behalf.
This is used when the person named on the certificate cannot apply for and/or collect a certificate themselves.
As registry records are confidential, certificates can only be issued to individuals who are entitled to apply under the Registry’s Access Policy.
Check the marriage certificate page to see if you are eligible to apply for an official marriage certificate.
Help completing your application
If you encounter issues completing your application, visit our online form help guides.
Contact us
For other enquiries or support email us and we will happily assist you.