A marriage certificate is a legitimate document that attests that a person is legally married to the other person. Therefore, it is an important document to be prepared after marriage. One can easily apply for a marriage certificate Bihar under the Special Marriage Act (1954) or the Hindu Marriage Act (1955) to get a certificate.

A marriage certificate legally stamps the married status between two persons. For example, in Bihar, one can get a marriage certificate issued by Marriage Registrar. It bears the seal of the Bihar State Government under the Special Marriage Act or the Hindu Marriage Act. Both of the acts are discussed as follows:

• The Hindu Marriage Act, of 1955- says that the marriage is already solemnized when the Husband and Wife are Hindus, Buddhists, Jain, or Sikhs, or when they are converted into any of these religions then, they would be regarded as married under this registration Act.

• The Special Marriage Act, 1954- Whereas this act laid forth the procedure for both solemnizing and registering a marriage certificate if either of the parties or both are not Hindus, Buddhists, Jain, or Sikhs, the law reads.

A couple can register for the marriage certificate knowing about both the acts and proceed accordingly. However, there are a few steps that you must follow to get your certificate. But before that, let’s understand the purpose behind a marriage certificate in any state. 

What Is the Significance of a Marriage Certificate? 

A Marriage registration certificate is an essential document in any state. It legally binds a couple as married and helps them avail of various services like health/life insurance, bank deposits, nomination service, pension benefits, and many more.

Some of them are as follows:

• To claim the services of passports, work permits, visas, etc.

A marriage certificate can make the process of a passport and visas relatively easy compared to applying without the certification. The applicant can even travel abroad using their spouse’s certificate. It also provides social stability and confidence to the married couple.

• To prevent child marriages.

Such certifications are essential to prevent child marriages. In addition, the documentation is cross-checked to ensure the correct age of both applicants. Hence, marriage certificates are mandatory for ensuring guidelines of the government.

• To open joint bank accounts.

A marriage certificate helps a couple to open a joint bank account. Moreover, in case of the death of a spouse, the nomination facility allows claiming the inheritance balances and procedures for widows. Not just that, one can be sure of retirement pension benefits to the nominee. 

• To claim the benefit of life/health insurance.

A marriage certificate to apply for life and health insurance policies quickly. In addition, the nomination facility enables the applicant to be sure of the claims and proceedings of insurance. In case of a spouse’s death, the inheritance claims are given to the nominee. 

• To use in divorce, legal separation, child custody, etc. 

Marriage certificates are crucial in cases of divorce and legal separations. It serves as proof of the marriage and is demanded by law for further proceedings. In child custody cases, such a certificate is crucial for the proper judgment and law proceedings.

What Are the Eligibility Criteria for Claiming a Marriage Certificate in Bihar?

Both acts have set specific guidelines to ensure that all criteria are followed. For example, in Bihar, a couple may apply for a marriage certificate if they qualify for the following criteria. 

• Firstly, the couple can apply for a certificate after the first month of the marriage.
• Secondly, the bride should be 18 years of age, and the groom must be 21 to qualify for a marriage certificate.
• Lastly, the couple must have resided in the district where the registration will take place for over a month.

What Are Some Required Documents for Registration?

The documentation for the registration is as necessary as applying for the certificate. Therefore, while applying for a marriage certificate in Bihar, the following documents must be kept handy to facilitate the procedure quickly.

• Marriage proof
• Address proof like voter id, passport, ration card, driving license, etc.
• Birth certificates of bride and groom
• Residence proof of bride and groom separately
• Passport-size photos of both the parties
• Wedding invitation card
• Marriage photographs of the couple.
• Three witnesses and their identity proofs

What Is the Fee Structure for the Application?

The fee structure for marriage certification in Bihar is as follows:

• Under the Hindu Marriage Act (1955), the certification registration fee is Rs.100/-
• Under the Special Marriage Act (1954), the registration fee is Rs.150/-Check Here to More about: https://serviceonline.bihar.gov.in/getServiceDesc.html?serviceId=8930002

What Is the Procedure for Registration?

In Bihar, marriage certificate registration can be done online and offline. The process is standard in both mediums. The applicant may fill out the form through a legal advisor or online. However, it is advised to consult a legal advisor before undertaking the registration process. An applicant may go through the following process and can get their marriage certificate quickly. 

Step 1: The applicant must visit the official website of the Bihar Government.

Step 2: Click on the home page’s option “Acts, rules, etc.”

Step 3: The applicant will soon access the form for marriage certificate online application in Bihar. 

Step 4: Fill in the necessary details in the form and attach the documents prescribed above.

Step 5: The applicant must submit the filled form to the concerned authority at the Bihar Registrar’s office for further proceedings.

Step 6: The applicant must request a receipt for the application from the relevant office.

Step 7: After the application is verified and confirmed, the applicant may receive the marriage certificate within seven days. The certificate will bear a seal from Bihar Government and holds the legal power to avail of all the services and benefits attached. 

Bottom Line

A marriage certificate gives legal status to a married couple. The document is crucial for the groom and bride, as it lets them avail themselves of various services and benefits. From availing of passport and visa benefits to the health and life insurance nominations, a marriage certificate is not just a formality but a necessity.

In Bihar, one can claim this certificate after one month of marriage. After that, they can apply online or contact legal service providers to smooth the process. Then, an application form is filled out along with the required documentation. The process takes around seven working days after application to complete the process. So, connect with a legal expert today to claim your marriage certificate under Bihar State. For more information about the Bihar marriage certification, contact the legal expert from Vakilsearch and register for the certification.