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Marriage registration

Which documents do you need?

Choose the category that describes you. Official document names are retained so that you know exactly what to request and provide.

Learn how marriage registration in South Africa works →

01

A South African citizen marries a South African citizen

This category applies when both prospective spouses are South African citizens with South African ID numbers.

Basic documents

  • Clear coloured copy of each person's South African Identity Document.
  • Three coloured passport photographs of the bridal couple.
  • Clear coloured copy of each witness's South African Identity Document. A driver's licence or passport is not accepted as a substitute.

Where applicable

  • Final Decree of Divorce with a clear official Court stamp.
  • Death Certificate of the previous spouse if widowed.
  • Letter from the Attorney/Notary confirming the Ante-Nuptial Contract (ANC).
If either person was previously married, we strongly recommend checking the marital status with Home Affairs before the wedding. Wed By Jaco & Team can check the status at R100 per South African ID number. If the system still reflects MARRIED, the person must personally attend Home Affairs and complete the required biometric process.

Official client guide · Version 1.0 · August 2026

Download the English PDF guide ↓
02

A South African citizen marries a non-South African citizen

These marriages require South African documents as well as foreign passport and immigration documents. A Home Affairs or Immigration interview may be required.

South African citizen

  • Coloured copy of the South African Identity Document.
  • Three coloured passport photographs of the bridal couple.
  • Identity Document copies for two witnesses.
  • Final Decree of Divorce, Death Certificate and ANC letter where applicable.

Non-South African citizen

  • Passport page showing the photograph and personal details.
  • Current Visa, Permit or Entry Stamp page, where applicable.
  • Letter of No Impediment or No Trace Letter, where applicable.
  • DHA-31 - Affidavit for the Purpose of Marriage by a Person Without South African Identity Document, where required.
Both prospective spouses may be required to attend an interview or verification process. Confirm the exact procedure with the Marriage Officer and the relevant Home Affairs office.

Read our South African and foreign-national marriage overview →

Official client guide · Version 1.0 · August 2026

Download the English PDF guide ↓
03

A non-South African citizen marries a non-South African citizen

This category applies when neither prospective spouse is a South African citizen and neither has a South African ID number.

Documents for both parties

  • Passport page showing the photograph and personal details.
  • Visa, Permit or Entry Stamp page, where applicable.
  • Passport photographs, where required.
  • Final Decree of Divorce or Death Certificate, where applicable.

Additional verification

  • Letter of No Impediment or No Trace Letter for each foreign national, where applicable.
  • DHA-31, where required.
  • Translation, legalisation or authentication of documents, where applicable.
  • Additional requirements for refugees or asylum seekers.
Allow sufficient time for identity, marital-status and immigration verification. Foreign-national requirements differ according to citizenship, documents and the Home Affairs office handling the registration.

Official client guide · Version 1.0 · August 2026

Download the English PDF guide ↓
04

Home Affairs resource

DHA-130 – Application for Marriage Certificate

A computer-fillable preparation copy of the DHA-130 Application for Marriage Certificate. Complete the form electronically so that your information is clear and easy to read before printing.

Important: Requirements may differ between Home Affairs offices. Some offices may require an original government-issued form. This downloadable version is therefore provided as a preparation aid and does not guarantee that a particular DHA office will accept it in place of an original DHA-printed form.

PDF · Computer-fillable / Rekenaar-invulbaar

DOWNLOAD FILLABLE DHA-130 ↓

Need help with a Home Affairs or DIRCO application?

Contact Wed By Jaco & Team for practical guidance by email, WhatsApp or telephone.

jaco@wedbyjaco.co.zaWhatsApp: +27 83 414 5405Tel: +27 83 414 5405
Important
Important: Home Affairs offices may apply requirements differently. A procedure accepted by one office may not be accepted by another. Always confirm the requirements with your Marriage Officer.
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