Applying for a Marriage Certificate
Types of Certificates
Standard Marriage Certificate
- Official, certified copy of marriage registration
- Includes full registration details
- Suitable for all legal and identity purposes
- Can be used as evidence for surname changes
Extract of Marriage
- Contains only names, date and place of marriage
- Limited information
- Not suitable for most identity purposes
Certificate of No Record
- Confirms no marriage record in Western Australia during specified period
- Sometimes called a single status certificate
- Required for some overseas marriages
- May need Department of Foreign Affairs Apostille stamp
- Only issued to the person named on certificate
Who Can Apply?
You can apply if you are:
- One of the married parties
- A child of the married couple
- An executor of their estate (must provide evidence)
- Administrator or trustee (must provide evidence)
- Someone with written authority or power of attorney (must provide evidence)
Note: Marriage records over 75 years old are publicly accessible.
How to Apply
Online
- Visit BDM WA online and begin the process there
In Person
- Visit the WA Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in Perth
- Bring required identification
- Pay applicable fees
By Post
- Download and print the marriage certificate application form from the BDM WA website
- Complete the form
- Include required identification and payment
- Mail to the address provided on the form
Processing Times
Standard Service
- Approximately 2 weeks
- May take longer during peak periods
Priority Service
- Priority processing available (additional fees apply)
- Applications received after 4:30pm (AWST) processed next business day
Priority Service Locations
Certificates can be collected at:
- Perth (BDM WA office)
For other locations, certificates will be sent by registered and/or express post.
Delivery
- All certificates sent via registered and/or express post
- Priority service available at additional cost
- Collection available at the Perth BDM WA office