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How to Get an Indian Marriage Certificate in the US

Hand signing on marriage certification

When an Indian couple gets married, it is customary for them to register their marriage in both India and the United States. The couple must apply for a marriage registration certificate from the government of India. After they have received the registration certificate, they can then apply for a US Embassy marriage certificate. Understand the process for obtaining a US Embassy marriage certificate and an overview of obtaining an Indian marriage certificate from the US Embassy in New Delhi.

What is an Indian Marriage Certificate?

An Indian Marriage Certificate, also known as a Community Certificate, is a document that proves that a marriage has taken place between two people. It is issued by the government of India and is often required for official purposes, such as applying for a passport or visa. To get an Indian Marriage Certificate in the USA, you will need to follow certain steps. The process can be complex and may vary depending on your situation. 

What Documents are Needed for an Indian Marriage Certificate in the USA?

To get an Indian marriage certificate in the USA, you will need to provide certain documents. The most important of these are;

  1. Passport,
  2. Spouse’s Passport, and
  3. Marriage Certificate

Other documents that may be required include proof of residency, proof of date of birth, proof of nationality, and divorce papers (if applicable). Make sure to contact the Indian consulate in your area for a full list of requirements, as these may vary depending on your case.

Requirements for Obtaining an Indian Marriage Certificate

To obtain an Indian Marriage Certificate in the USA, the following requirements must be met:

  • Both parties must be present to apply.
  • The couple must provide a valid passport and visa (if applicable).
  • A valid marriage certificate from India, or a NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the Indian Embassy/Consulate in the USA, is required.
  • A copy of the couple’s birth certificates and divorce decrees (if applicable) must be provided.
  • Two passport-sized photographs of both parties are required.

How to Apply for an Indian Marriage Certificate in the USA?

For couples who want to get a marriage certificate from India but currently live in the United States, the process is relatively straightforward. 

  1. The couple must complete and submit an application form provided by the Indian Embassy or Consulate. This form needs to include both spouses’ full names, residential addresses, passport details, and marriage information. 
  2. The applicant must also attach a copy of their wedding card, photographs of the wedding ceremony, and any other documents that may be necessary depending on their marital status. 
  3. Once all the documents have been prepared, they must be sent to the Indian Embassy or Consulate in the US with applicable fees. 

After completion of all formalities, applicants will be issued an Indian marriage certificate that is valid within India.

Where to Get an Indian Marriage Certificate in the USA?

The next step in obtaining an Indian Marriage Certificate in the USA is to determine where to get it. The easiest way is to fill out an application form directly with the Embassy of India in Washington, D.C. The embassy will process and issue a certified copy of the marriage certificate. Alternatively, a legalization service provider can help you obtain the certificate from the Indian Embassy and provide documents that are properly authenticated and legalized for use in India or other countries.

For those looking for a more convenient option, there are online services available that can help you authenticate and legalize your documents for use abroad. Not only do these services provide a secure way to access official documents from different countries, but they also simplify the process by providing all required forms, making sure all documents are properly authenticated and legalized, and managing all communication with foreign governments on your behalf.

How Much Does it Cost to Get an Indian Marriage Certificate in the USA?

The cost of obtaining an Indian Marriage Certificate in the USA will vary depending on the individual state’s requirements. It is not an expensive process and most couples will be able to complete the process for a few hundred dollars. Depending on the state, there may also be additional fees for translations, documents, or courier services. If you are unsure of how much it will cost to obtain a marriage certificate, it is best to contact your local county office for more information.

Where can I Find More Information on Getting an Indian Marriage Certificate in the USA?

For those who are looking for more information on getting an Indian Marriage Certificate in the USA, there are several resources available. The Indian embassy in the USA is a great place to start, as they will have all the latest information on the necessary paperwork and processes that individuals will need to complete. Furthermore, speaking with a lawyer or legal advisor who has experience with Indian marriage certificates can provide insight into any specific legal questions you might have regarding the process.

Who Recognizes the Indian Marriage Certificate in the US?

It’s important to note that the Indian Marriage Certificate is recognized across the United States. The certificate is typically accepted by state, federal, and local government entities, including courts of law, colleges, banks, and the Internal Revenue Service. Some non-governmental organizations may also recognize the marriage certificate. However, you should always check with the individual organization before assuming it does.

For those who travel to India, it’s important to note that many Indian embassies and consulates in other countries will accept an original copy of your Indian Marriage Certificate when signing documents. Additionally, copies of the original certificate are often acceptable when applying for visas or passports in other countries.

Is There a Fee for the Certificate?

Once you have all the required documents, you will need to pay the registration fee for your Indian Marriage Certificate. The fee is currently set at $15 and can be paid using a credit card or money order. It should be noted that passport fees and other applicable taxes may also be charged in some cases. After payment has been completed, the certificate will be issued and sent to you via mail or email.

FAQs About Getting an Indian Marriage Certificate in the USA

Questions about marriage certificates are common for those seeking to get one in the United States, and specifically for those seeking an Indian marriage certificate. To provide a helpful resource, here are a few frequently asked questions:

  • Q: How much does an Indian Marriage Certificate cost?
  • A: The cost of the marriage certificate will vary depending on the state where it is obtained. Generally, it can range from around $20 to $100.
  • Q: How long does it take to get an Indian Marriage Certificate?
  • A: The amount of time required to receive an Indian Marriage Certificate varies state by state. Generally, it can take anywhere from one week to six months or more.
  • Q: What kind of documents do I need to apply for an Indian Marriage Certificate?
  • A: You will need a valid ID and proof of marriage such as your marriage license or proof of religious ceremony (if applicable). In addition, you may need other documents such as a birth certificate or other identification.

Obtaining an Indian Marriage Certificate in the US is a straightforward process that involves gathering the necessary documents and filing them with the Indian Embassy or Consulate in the US. The applicant will be required to provide proof of citizenship and residence, as well as marriage documents such as an affidavit for marriage, license for marriage registration (which may be issued by the State Government), photographs of both parties to the marriage, and a notarized copy of the marriage certificate. After processing, the Indian Marriage Certificate will be sent to the applicant’s address. These steps are the most effective way to get an Indian marriage certificate without any issues.