A marriage Certificate is mandatory in Bihar to avail of any family schemes of the Government. It is compulsory to produce the certificate issued by the Government of Bihar to claim any compensation on behalf of the spouse or to file a divorce in a court of law.

A marriage certificate is a legal document of proof confirming that you are married to a particular individual. Registration is made under the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955 or the Special marriage act of 1954. The certificate is issued by the Registrar of Marriage under the seal of the state Government of Bihar. The main aim of the marriage certificate was to stop child marriages. The Government took initiative measures in the form of mandatory marriage certificates to stop the menace of child marriage in Bihar state. Without a marriage certificate, a person cannot get any benefit from various family welfare schemes of the Bihar Government. It is a compulsory document for applying for an Aadhaar card, ration card, and national employment card.

If the widow or the widower needs to apply for a refund EPF, gratuity fund, pending salaries, or any other compensation in the event of the death of the Government employee, marriage certificate is very much compulsory.

The certificate enables one to claim inheritance in the property of the spouse.

The certificate is necessary to apply for a visa if the couple intend to travel abroad.

It is regulatory to show proof of marriage in the form of a legal certificate from the Government to take claims on insurance, bank deposits, and other bank savings in the event of the spouse’s death.

It is required to submit the marriage certificate to add the spouse’s name in government documents like passport, ration card, health care, employees state insurance card, and aadhaar card.

To apply for the Marriage certificate, Bihar Government has set specific rules and regulations to be followed.

• The married couple can apply for marriage registration after a minimum of one month from the date of marriage.
• The boy should have attained the age of 21 years, and the girl must have reached the age of 18 on or before the date of marriage.
• A certificate must be applied in the district where the marriage has occurred.
• The couple must have lived in the district where marriage is to be registered for a minimum of one month.
• A minimum of two witnesses must be produced in person to apply and receive the certificate. The witnesses must be the same people mentioned on the application form.

Purpose of Marriage Certificate

Marriage registration certificate in Bihar serves several essential purposes, such as securing:

• Inheritance rights for widows
• Spouse visa for travel abroad
• Prevention of child marriages
• Tax and financial benefits

Eligibility Criteria for Marriage certificate in Bihar

In Bihar, couples can obtain a marriage certificate if they meet the following criteria:

• The application must be made one month after the marriage ceremony
• The groom must be at least 21 years old, and the bride should be a minimum of 18 years old
• The either of the partners must have resided in the district where they intend to register their marriage for at least one month

Documents Required for Bihar Marriage Certificate

When applying for a marriage certificate, the following documents must be provided:

• Evidence of the marriage.
• Proof of address, which can either be a Voter ID, Ration Card, Passport or Driving License
• Proof of the bride and groom’s date of birth
• Residence proof of the bride and groom
• Photographs of both parties
• Marriage invitation card
• Photographs of the couple during the marriage ceremony

Fee Applicable for Bihar Marriage certificate

1. The fee for marriage registration under the Hindu Marriage Act is  Rs.100.
2. The fee for marriage registration under the Special Marriage Act is Rs.150.

Offline procedures for applying for the marriage certificate.

Application forms are available in the marriage registrar’s office in the couple’s local district.

The following details must be filled in the form in the relevant spaces carefully, correctly, and legibly.

• Enter the name of the boy and girl, and it should match as per the identity and address proof even a spelling mistake will lead to rejection of the application.
• Enter the father’s names of the boy and girl, which must be the same as the identity and address proof. 
• The mother’s names of the boy and girl.
• The status of the boy and the girl at the time of marriage, whether unmarried, widow, divorcee, or married.
• The exact address of the boy and girl should be entered. It should match the address proof documents provided along with the application.

 An application form duly filled has to be submitted in the office of the district’s Marriage Registrar with the documents below.

• Two Rs. 100/- affidavits stamped and signed by the notary public with 2 witnesses’ signatures and photos of the couple.
• Proof of marriage like photographs taken on the date of marriage, videos, or any physical document to prove that the couple has been married on the said date.
• Address proof of the boy can be an Aadhaar card, passport, driving license, or ration card.
• Proof of address of the girl can be either of the documents like passport, driving license, ration card, or Aadhaar card.
• Photographs of the boy and girl’s passport sizes are separately attached to the form.
• Proof of the date of birth of the boy and the girl has to be a legal document like a birth certificate issued by the relevant state authorities, a school-certified copy, or any other Government document mentioning the date of birth.
• Marriage invitation card one copy.
• Marriage photograph of the couple.
• Two witnesses with signatures on the application form.
• A fee of Rs. 100/- for marriage registration under the Hindu Marriage Act and Rs. 150/- in case of marriage registration online under the Special Marriage Act by the applicant.

Get the acknowledged receipt from the concerned authority in the office of the Registrar of Marriage. The marriage certificate will be issued after 7 days of submission.

The online marriage certificate registration process has not yet started for the Bihar Marriage Certificate. However, one can download the application from the official site of the Bihar Government.

The procedures are as follows.

• The applicant has to visit the official website of The Bihar Government.
• When you open the home page, on the top right side, you will find a more options tab. Click the option you will be directed to a drop-down option. 
• Click on the forms.
• A page opens in a new window showing different forms of the Government.
• Select the marriage certificate form, go to view on the right side, and click
• A pdf format form will be displayed. Download the form.
• Fill in the required details carefully, correctly, and legibly.
• Submit the filled application form with documents as prescribed for offline submission.

Though there is no compulsion for the registration of marriages in India. The Central Government must make provisions to register all marriages taking place in whatever form in the State and Union Territories. Marriage should be registered to secure women from harassment and trafficking.

Moreover, marriage depends on mutual consent and understanding of each other. As long as the morality of the relationship is maintained, there will be no issues. Once this is not there, and couples seek court intervention on breaking marriage, nothing holds good other than the marriage certificate. It is the only legal document to prove the couple’s marital status in the eyes of society and the law. 

FAQ’s

What documents are required to obtain a marriage certificate in Bihar?

The documents required to obtain a marriage certificate in Bihar include a duly filled application form along with proof of age, proof of residence and proof of marriage.

What are the fees associated with registering a marriage and obtaining a certificate in Bihar?

The fees associated with registering a marriage and obtaining a certificate in Bihar are Rs. 100 for registration under the Hindu Marriage Act and Rs. 150 for registration under the Special Marriage Act.

Where are marriage registration offices located in Bihar?

Marriage registration offices are located in various districts of Bihar. An applicant can visit the official website of the Bihar government to locate the nearest office.

Can non-residents of Bihar register their marriage in the state?

Yes, non-residents of Bihar can register their marriage in the state provided they fulfil all other eligibility criteria.

In the case of inter-religious marriages in Bihar, are there any special provisions or processes?

In the case of inter-religious marriages in Bihar, the Special Marriage Act applies, and the couple needs to provide a notice of 30 days to the authorities.

What are the consequences of not registering a marriage in Bihar?

Not registering a marriage in Bihar may lead to legal complications and difficulties in availing of government schemes and services.

How do couples obtain a duplicate marriage certificate in Bihar in case the original is lost?

Couples can obtain a duplicate marriage certificate in Bihar by submitting an application along with the required documents and fees.

Can a marriage certificate from Bihar be used as a valid document for processes and applications outside India?

Yes, a marriage certificate from Bihar can be used as a valid document for processes and applications outside India.

Is there an online portal for checking the status or verification of a marriage certificate issued in Bihar?

Yes, you can use Vakilsearch’s online portal to check the status or verification of a marriage certificate issued in Bihar. To know more, reach out to our experts right away!

What is the difference between a traditional marriage certificate and a court marriage certificate in Bihar?

A traditional marriage certificate is issued under the Hindu Marriage Act, while a court marriage certificate is issued under the Special Marriage Act.

How are divorce or annulment records integrated with the marriage registration system in Bihar?

Divorce or annulment records are integrated with the marriage registration system in Bihar to ensure that the records are updated and accurate.

Are there any special schemes or incentives provided by the Bihar government for registered marriages?

Yes, the Bihar government provides various schemes and incentives for registered marriages, such as financial assistance and tax benefits.

What is the process to correct errors or discrepancies in the marriage certificate issued in Bihar?

The process to correct errors or discrepancies in the marriage certificate issued in Bihar involves submitting an application along with the required documents and fees to the concerned authorities.

Conclusion

Registering and taking the certificate is essential as it is the crucial evidence and proof of marriage. Then, in case of any dispute or mishap, the spouse or the surviving partner can claim their eligible rights as per law.  

It may seem a tedious process for registration, but you can seek help and advice from legal platforms like Vakilsearch to assist you.