Applying for marriage and registered relationship certificates or information

The ‘applicant’ means the person applying to BDM, even if applying on behalf of someone else.

The ‘registered person’ means the person to whom the information or certificate relates. For example, the registered person is either of the spouses on a marriage certificate.

What information BDM might provide to you

The table below sets out the requirements that different types of applicants need to meet. However, access to information is still subject to the Registrar’s discretion. For more information see how The Registrar makes a decision about access to information.

The Registry of the Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria (BDM) can provide information relating to marriages or registered relationships in the following formats:

Legal certificates (can be used for all legal purposes including proof of identity)
Letters of verification (cannot be used as proof of identity)
Data
Historical certificate (cannot be used as proof of identity)
Commemorative Relationship Certificate (cannot be used as proof of identity)

Please refer to What information can be accessed for further information about these formats.

BDM will make every effort to assist you with your enquiry. If you are unable to meet all the requirements for a legal certificate, BDM might be able to provide you with a letter of verification.

Requirements for specific types of applicants

Types of applicants and how to apply
Type of access	Applicant	How to apply	Requirements	What BDM might provide you
Registered person access	Self - applying for your own marriage or registered relationship certificate	Go to: Get a marriage certificate Get a relationship certificate	Apply for a certificate including: Your proof of identity The relevant fee.	Legal marriage or relationship certificate Commemorative relationship certificate (For relationships only)
Family access	Next of kin Where both parties to the marriage/relationship are deceased	Go to: Get a marriage certificate Get a relationship certificate	Apply for a certificate including: Your proof of identity The relevant fee Proof of your status as next of kin Evidence of both parties' death (if not born or passed in Victoria).	Legal marriage or relationship certificate Commemorative relationship certificate (For relationships only)
Other agent	Other person Where at least one party to the marriage/relationship is still living	Go to: Get a marriage certificate Get a relationship certificate	Apply for a certificate including: Your proof of identity Permission (known as third party authority) from the registered person and the registered person's proof of identity The relevant fee.	Legal marriage or relationship certificate Commemorative relationship certificate (For relationships only)
Other agent	Power of attorney, court or tribunal appointed administrator or guardian for the registered person	Go to: Get a marriage certificate Get a relationship certificate	Apply for a certificate including: Your proof of identity Certified copy of the power of attorney, or guardianship or administrator order specifying the scope of the order's power The relevant fee. The Power of Attorney must be one of the following: Enduring power of attorney Enduring power of attorney (financial) Enduring power of guardianship.	Legal marriage or relationship certificate
Other agent	Primary carer (who does not have a guardianship order)	Go to: Get a marriage certificate Get a relationship certificate	Apply for a certificate including: Your proof of identity A signed statement from a registered medical practitioner stating that: You represent the registered person, who is unable to care for themselves To the best of their knowledge, no administration or guardianship order is in place The relevant fee. The statement must include the medical practitioner's registration number.	Legal marriage or relationship certificate
Other agent	Legal practitioner	Go to: Get a marriage certificate Get a relationship certificate	Apply for a certificate including: Your proof of identity Permission from your client in the form of either: A letter from your client specifying the information that you can access and your client's proof of identity OR A third party authority form and your client's proof of identity The relevant fee. The legal practitioner's client must be either: The registered person OR A person who has authority to apply on behalf of the registered person (e.g. parent of a registered person under 18, power of attorney). The Power of Attorney must be one of the following: Enduring power of attorney Enduring power of attorney (financial) Enduring power of guardianship.	Legal marriage or relationship certificate Letter of verification A certificate that cannot be used as proof of identity
Other agent	Search agent applying on behalf of a legal practitioner or trustee	Go to: Get a marriage certificate Get a relationship certificate	The requirements for legal practitioners (above) A written statement on letterhead from the legal practitioner authorising the agent to apply on their behalf.	Legal marriage or relationship certificate Letter of verification A certificate that cannot be used as proof of identity
Deceased estate matters	Executor, public trustees and trustee companies, legal practitioner, search agent applying on behalf of legal practitioner	Go to: Get a marriage certificate Get a relationship certificate	See requirements for relevant applicant in Applying for certificates or information about a person who is deceased.	Legal marriage or relationship certificate Letter of verification A certificate that cannot be used as proof of identity
Administrative or research access	Government, not-for-profit, research (e.g. universities) or commercial organisations	Go to Apply for registry data For more information, contact BDM using our contact us form and include 'data request' in your message.	A written request using the online data request form setting out: The information you need The reason for the request (e.g. explaining the administrative or research purpose for which you need the information) That you have the delegated authority to apply Human Research Ethics Committee approval (if applicable for research). Pay the relevant fee. Note: There may be additional requirements, depending on the nature of the request. BDM will advise you if this is the case.	Data
Statutory or government access	Any Australian government or statutory body requiring access. For example: Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (Victoria) Centrelink Department of Home Affairs Department of Veterans' Affairs Hospitals etc.	Go to: Get a marriage certificate Get a relationship certificate	Apply for a certificate including: A written request on letterhead signed by an authorised delegate setting out: The information you need The statutory authority to obtain the information If there is no statutory authority, provide permission (known as third party authority) and proof of identity from the registered person Certified proof of the authorised delegate's identity (staff identification card is sufficient) The relevant fee.	Legal marriage or relationship certificate Letter of verification A certificate that cannot be used as proof of identity
Statutory or government access	Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs)	Go to: Get a marriage certificate Get a relationship certificate	Apply for a certificate including: A written request on letterhead signed by an authorised delegate setting out: The statutory authority to obtain the information If there is no statutory authority, provide permission (known as third party authority) and proof of identity from the registered person The purpose for which the LEA seeks access The relevant fee. Note: If a legal certificate from BDM is required, in addition to the requirements above, the application must: State that the purpose for which the LEA seeks access is for court proceedings Include a subpoena.	A letter of verification Legal marriage or relationship certificate
Statutory or government access	Consulates (from the country the registered person was born in)	Go to: Get a marriage certificate Get a relationship certificate	Apply for a certificate including: A written request on letterhead setting out: The information you need Any statutory authority to obtain the information (including a copy of that statutory authority) The registered person's permission (known as third party authority) and their proof of identity If you cannot provide permission from the registered person provide a written statement setting out: Why you cannot obtain their permission The reason for seeking access to information The relevant fee. Any documents not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Learn more about the requirements for translated documents.	A letter of verification
Historical	Anyone (for information about marriages that occurred over 60 years ago)	Visit Search your family history	Visit Search your family history	Uncertified historical image of certificate Historical certificate

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Applying for marriage and registered relationship certificates or information

What information BDM might provide to you

Requirements for specific types of applicants

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