Marriage certificate; application

If you have married and need a new marriage certificate, you can apply for one at the registry office. Please contact the registry office where the marriage took place. The marriage certificate proves that you are married to your spouse. Among other things, it contains the names you use in the marriage. It also states the place and date of the marriage. You can obtain the marriage certificate in various forms:

• As a marriage certificate, possibly with translation assistance for use in countries of the European Union.
• As a multilingual marriage certificate valid in all states that sign the Convention of September 8, 1976 on the issue of multilingual extracts from civil status records. For more information, see Civil status law - Convention - No. 16: Convention on the issue of multilingual extracts from civil status records.
• As a certified printout from the marriage register. This printout contains all the data entered by the registry office at the time of the marriage.

If changes occur after the marriage, for example due to a name change or divorce, the entry in the register is supplemented by a subsequent certification. If you wish, the registry office can then issue you with a new marriage certificate.

The following persons over the age of 16 can submit an application:

• The person to whom the entry in the register refers.
• Ancestors and descendants, e.g. parents, children or grandchildren (relationship must be explained and, if necessary, proven).
• Other persons who can prove a legal interest, for example by means of a letter from the probate court, a court judgment or an enforceable title.

Marriage certificates and certified register printouts can only be requested from the registry office up to 80 years after the marriage was recorded in the marriage register. The archive of the municipality to which the registry office belongs is responsible for older entries.

• Fee for a marriage certificate: EUR 12.00
• Fee for a certified printout: EUR 12.00
• Fee for a multilingual marriage certificate: EUR 12.00
• Fee for issuing a translation aid (multilingual form pursuant to Art. 7 Regulation (EU) No. 2016/1191): EUR 12.00

• §§ Sections 55 to 58 of the Civil Status Act (PStG)
• §§ Sections 48 to 50 of the Ordinance on Civil Status (PStV)
• §§ Sections 57, 61, 62 of the Civil Status Act (PStG)
• § Section 53 Ordinance on Civil Status (PStV)

• Information from the Federal Ministry of the Interior on civil status law
• Civil status law - Convention - No. 16: Convention on the issue of multilingual extracts from civil status records

You can request the marriage certificate from the registry office where the marriage took place in person (appointment may be necessary), in writing or electronically.

Application in person:

• An appointment may be necessary for a personal application.
• Bring your identity card or passport with you.
• You pay the fee directly at the registry office when you apply.
• A trusted person can also order and collect the certificate for you. This person will need a written power of attorney as well as your identity card or passport (original or copy) and your identity card or passport.

Written application:

• Send an informal letter to the relevant registry office asking for the marriage certificate to be issued.
• Your letter should contain the following information:
  • Your surname and first name
  • Your registration address
  • The date and place of the marriage or, if applicable, the conversion of the civil partnership
  • If known, the registration number and the registry office
  • If available, further proof, e.g. of legal interest or exemption from fees.
• Enclose a copy of your identity card or passport.

Electronic application:

• If the registry office offers an online option, go to the corresponding website.
• If necessary, log in using the online ID function of your ID card.
• Enter the required data and, if necessary, upload the required documents.
• Submit the application online.