What exactly is an unabridged marriage certificate?
An unbridged marriage certificate proves that two persons are legally married, and there is a valid binding contract of marriage in force. A unabridged marriage certificate further records the fact that two persons took part in a joint venture, and it also lists the place and marriage officer who solemnized the marriage.
Unbridged marriage certificates, on the other hand, are considered to serve dual purposes by some authorities. The unabridged marriage certificate provides the proof that marriage is permissible, it further, that the marriage was solemnized in the presence of eligible officials. An unabridged marriage certificate is also referred to as the Full Marriage Certificate or the Longform Marriage Certificate.
Who needs to obtain an unabridged marriage certificate?
Individuals who wish to travel internationally or apply for visas for certain countries will need to apply for unabridged marriage certificates before they can apply for other travel documentation. There can also be many other reasons for requiring the document – citizenship applications, adoptions, etc.
How long does it take to issue an unabridged marriage certificate?
The lead time to fast track the application for an unabridged marriage certificate is 15 – 20 working days. Keep in mind that the process may on occasion take longer, It all depends whether or not your records are unavailable from the home affairs archives or you can provide us with a marriage register on the date of application.
What is the difference between abridged and unabridged marriage certificates?
When you get married in South Africa, you’ll be issued with a handwritten marriage certificate (BI-27) at no cost. You automatically receive an abridged marriage certificate once the Department of Home Affairs is notified by your marriage officer.
This document will contain both your personal details (such as full name and ID number) as well as the date of the marriage and will be issued on the same day that it’s applied for.
An Unabridged marriage certificate (also known as a full marriage certificate) is issued upon request to persons who were married in the Republic of South Africa and whose marriages were duly registered at the Department of Home Affairs.
This legal document contains more detailed information that’s sometimes required by government and financial institutions. This is the official certificate that’s required should you ever plan to travel extensively, emigrate, or obtain a foreign passport.
Unabridged marriage certificates from the Department of Home Affairs in South Africa no longer have the heading UNABRIDGED on them. They only state MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE, but the extra details of the parties show that it is in fact unabridged.
You will definitely need the unabridged marriage certificate if you plan to emigrate or apply for a foreign passport. One of the biggest differences between abridged and unabridged marriage certificates is that the unabridged certificates have the details of the marriage officer who solemnized your marriage.
The unabridged marriage certificate contains more information than the abridged marriage certificate. Full marriage certificates (unabridged) offer more proof of the marriage and can be used in any legal processes. If the couple is later divorced, they can still apply for an “old” marriage certificate from the past, and although this is tricky.
What can we do to help?
If you need an urgent unabridged marriage certificate but do not wish to stand in queues at Home Affairs, we can take the stress out of the situation. We are expert agents who can swiftly do the entire process on your behalf. However to proceed with an unabridged marriage certificate, you will need to send the following to us:
• Your ID document in a clear PDF scan
• Copies of the ID of your spouse in a clear PDF scan
• Your marriage register (DHA-30) received on the day of marriage (usually has two photos and fingerprints on the right hand side)
• A completed form – filled in with black ink and PDF scanned to us.
We can assist you to obtain an unabridged marriage certificate. We take charge of the entire process. With more than 5 years in experience, We will make the process of getting your unabridged marriage certificates and letter of no impediment applications from Home Affairs South Africa processed much faster and hassle-free.