The list below explains the most common documents required when preparing your marriage paperwork in Australia. If anything is unclear, please call our office on (03) 9820 1119 and our team will happily guide you through the process.
The documentation required may vary depending on whether you were born in Australia or overseas, and whether either partner has been previously married.
You must provide proof of your identity and date of birth, which can include:
• A passport (an expired passport may be accepted if it has not been cancelled)
OR
• An original or certified copy of your birth certificate
PLUS one of the following:
• Driver’s licence
• Proof of age card
If you are unsure which documents are acceptable, please contact our team and we will be happy to assist.
You will need to provide:
• An original or certified copy of your passport
OR
• An original or certified copy of your birth certificate
PLUS one of the following:
• Driver’s licence
• Proof of age card
If either partner has previously been married, you must provide documentation showing how the last marriage ended.
You only need to provide documentation for your most recent marriage, although you may still need to list earlier marriages on the NOIM form.
Acceptable documents include:
• Divorce certificate, decree absolute, or nullity order
If the divorce took place in Australia and you no longer have the paperwork, you can request a copy from the Family Law Courts.
OR
• Death certificate of the former spouse
Marriage under the age of 18 requires additional legal approval. The following must be provided:
• A court order from a judge or magistrate granting permission to marry
• Written consent from both living parents
Copies of documents must be certified as true copies of the original. Certification can usually be completed by:
• A police officer
• A Justice of the Peace
Many couples find the easiest option is to visit their local police station to have documents certified.
In rare cases where a person cannot obtain proof of their birth (for example, some refugees), a statutory declaration confirming place of birth may be accepted.
If this applies to you, please contact our team and we can provide guidance on preparing this document.
If your NOIM is being lodged from overseas, photocopies of your identity documents must be certified by:
• An Australian Consulate or Embassy official, or
• A Notary Public
If any of your identity documents are in another language, you must provide an official English translation from an accredited translator.
Approved translators can be found through the NAATI website:
www.naati.com.au