How to replace a marriage certificate

If you registered your marriage in Hong Kong and want a certified copy of your marriage certificate, you can apply for a search of the record and collect a certified copy.

We explain how and where to apply for the record, how long processing takes, what it costs and how to collect it.

Documents needed to replace a marriage certificate

Decide which service you need before you apply. The identity proof required depends on how you apply:

• In person: show your Hong Kong identity card or a valid travel document when you submit the application.
• Online: show your Hong Kong identity card or a valid travel document when you collect the result or record.
• By post: provide a copy of your Hong Kong identity card or valid travel document.

If you hold the written consent of the data subject or relevant person, you must also show a copy of that person's Hong Kong identity card or valid travel document.

• Data subject: for a marriage record, the groom or bride named in the record.
• Relevant person: the parent or lawful guardian of a data subject under 18.

If you are not the data subject, a relevant person or someone holding their consent, you must submit supplementary information and any supporting documents to back your request.

Supplementary information includes:

• Your relationship to the data subject
• Why you want the record searched and/or obtained
• The result of the search and what you intend to use the record for

These applicants can submit a request in person or by post. The online service is not available. The supplementary information needed depends on the facts of each case.

Example: dealing with an estate

If you need a search of your parents' Hong Kong marriage record and a certified copy of it to deal with an estate, you must submit this supplementary information:

• The death certificate of the deceased parent
• Proof of your relationship to the deceased parent, such as a birth certificate
• Any other information you believe supports your application

If one parent is still living and cannot give consent, you must also submit the following supplementary information:

• The reason why consent cannot be given
• Documents from the relevant official body proving that the record and certified copy must be obtained, and explaining the purpose and use of the record

Not sure what supplementary information to submit?

You are welcome to check your situation and the documents you need with us.

WhatsApp us Call 6790 7050

How long does it take to replace a marriage certificate?

Searching Hong Kong marriage records and issuing a certified copy of a marriage certificate takes 7 working days (working days are Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays).

How to replace a marriage certificate, and the fees

The fees for replacing a marriage certificate are as follows. Doing it yourself costs less:

In person

• The prescribed fee for searching Hong Kong marriage records is paid when you submit the application. The fee for a certified copy of a marriage certificate is collected when you collect the document.
• You can pay in Hong Kong dollars by cash, EPS, Octopus, FPS, a crossed cheque or a cashier's order made payable to “The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region”. Post-dated cheques are not accepted.

Applying by post

• The prescribed fee for searching Hong Kong marriage records must be sent with the application form.
• If a marriage record is found, you will be told to pay the prescribed fee for the certified copy and airmail postage (if applicable). The certified copy is sent by post once you have paid.
• Local applicants can pay by crossed cheque or cashier's order in Hong Kong dollars. Overseas applicants can pay by bank draft in Hong Kong dollars. Make it payable to “The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region”.
• Post-dated cheques are not accepted. You can also choose to pay online. Never send cash with your application.

• Replacing a divorce certificate | Replacing a marriage certificate

Not sure about the fees and how to pay?

You are welcome to ask about the procedure and fees for replacing a marriage certificate.

WhatsApp us Call 6790 7050

How a search of Hong Kong marriage records is handled, and authorisation

When handling a request to search Hong Kong marriage records, the Registrar considers the supplementary information and any supporting documents you provide.

According to the Immigration Department website, Hong Kong marriage records are kept under the Marriage Ordinance (Cap. 181) in order to:

• Enable the Registrars of Marriages to keep all Hong Kong marriage records, so that they can carry out their statutory duties under the Marriage Ordinance and its subsidiary legislation
• Where lawful, verify a person's identity, age, family relationships, marital status and so on, or serve other lawful purposes required, authorised or permitted by law

After considering your request, if the Registrar is satisfied that it is consistent with the purpose for which Hong Kong marriage records are kept, you will be notified to collect the search result and/or certified copy.

Authorising someone to apply for a certificate of no marriage record for you

You can authorise someone in writing to submit the completed application form at any Marriage Registry. The arrangements are:

• When it applies: you are outside Hong Kong, or you are in Hong Kong and can show evidence that you cannot submit the application in person.
• Documents needed: the authorised person must also show the required evidence, the letter of authorisation, a copy of your Hong Kong identity card, and a copy of your travel document showing your personal details and signature.
• Signature: the signature on the application form and the letter of authorisation must match the signature on the travel document.
• If the travel document was issued outside Hong Kong, the copy must be certified with a notary public's signature.

Addresses for replacing a divorce certificate or marriage certificate

A divorce certificate must be collected from the Family Court in Wanchai. A certified copy of a marriage certificate is collected from a Marriage Registry. Addresses and opening hours are:

Not sure which registry to go to?

You are welcome to check your situation and the replacement procedure with us.

WhatsApp us Call 6790 7050