Thousands of couples in Mumbai never registered their marriage, and only discover they need a certificate when applying for a visa, a passport in the married name, a joint home loan, or a spouse’s insurance claim. A marriage is not invalid merely because it was not registered, but registration is the easiest proof. Late registration is possible. This guide explains how.
The 90-day rule
Under Section 6 of the Maharashtra Regulation of Marriage Bureaus and Registration of Marriages Act, 1998, the husband is responsible for presenting a memorandum of marriage to the Registrar within 90 days of the marriage. The parties and three witnesses appear in person. Registration after 90 days is still allowed, with a penalty: up to Rs 100 within one year of the marriage and up to Rs 500 after one year. For long delays the Registrar may ask for an explanation and additional proof of the marriage.
In Seema v. Ashwani Kumar (2006), the Supreme Court directed that marriages of all citizens be compulsorily registered, which is why registration has become standard in practice.
Which route applies
| Your situation | Route |
|---|---|
| Hindu, Muslim, Jain, Sikh or Buddhist marriage solemnised by religious ceremony in Mumbai | BMC marriage registration under the 1998 Act, at the ward office, with late fee if after 90 days |
| Inter-faith marriage solemnised by a religious ceremony without conversion, or a case the 1998 Act registrar will not accept | Registration of an existing marriage under Section 15 of the Special Marriage Act, 1954 |
| Christian, Parsi or Jewish marriage | Under the respective marriage law and its registration system |
| Marriage solemnised abroad | Registration as per the law of the place of marriage, or under the Foreign Marriage Act where applicable |
Section 15 of the Special Marriage Act
Section 15 allows a marriage already celebrated in another form to be registered under the Special Marriage Act, if, among other conditions, a ceremony of marriage was performed and the parties have been living together as husband and wife since, neither has a living spouse, both have completed 21 years of age, neither is of unsound mind, and both have lived in the Marriage Officer’s district for at least 30 days before applying, and they are not within prohibited degrees of relationship. A public notice is given, and objections, if any, are heard before registration. See court marriage under the Special Marriage Act.
Documents usually required
- Memorandum or application in the prescribed form, signed by both parties and three witnesses;
- proof of age and identity of both parties (birth certificate, school leaving certificate, passport, Aadhaar);
- proof of residence within the ward;
- wedding invitation card and photographs of the ceremony;
- certificate or letter from the priest, qazi or person who solemnised the marriage, where available;
- identity and address proof of the three witnesses;
- for a long delay, an affidavit explaining it, and supporting documents showing the couple has lived together (joint documents, children’s birth certificates).
Certificates for visas and use abroad
Embassies often require the marriage certificate to be attested by the State authority and then apostilled by the Ministry of External Affairs. Check the destination country’s list before applying, so the certificate shows names exactly as in your passports.
Frequently asked questions
Is my marriage invalid because it was never registered?
No. A marriage solemnised validly under personal law is valid without registration. Registration is evidence of the marriage, and it is now required in practice for most purposes.
Can we register if the priest or witnesses are no longer available?
Fresh witnesses who can identify the parties can usually sign the memorandum. Photographs, the invitation card and joint documents help where the priest’s certificate is unavailable.
We married 15 years ago. Will the Registrar accept it?
Late registration is possible, but long delays attract closer scrutiny. Section 15 of the Special Marriage Act is an alternative for long-standing marriages.
See also: marriage registration in Mumbai, nikah registration and name change after marriage.
Consultations are by appointment. To fix a time, telephone +91 99301 50560 or send a message on WhatsApp.
This guide describes general law and procedure as understood in October 2026. It is not legal advice; check the current BMC procedure and fees before applying.
Related guides
- Correcting a Mistake in Your Marriage Certificate
- Duplicate or Certified Copy of a BMC Marriage Certificate
- Marrying a Foreign National or NRI in Mumbai