How To Check If Someone Is Married In South Africa

Below is How To Check If Someone Is Married In South Africa

Documents required to enter into a marriage In South Africa

On the day of the marriage a couple must present the following documents to the person officiating at the wedding:

Identity documents(for each person getting married)

If a foreign national is marrying a South African citizen, they should both present their valid passports as well as a completed BI-31 Form (Declaration for the Purpose of Marriage, Letter of no impediment)

If the wedding is for a minor (a person under the age of 18 years), the written consent of both parents/ legal guardian or the Commissioner of Child Welfare or a judge should be submitted on Form DHA-32 as well. If the minors getting married are under the ages of 18 for boys or 15 for girls, the written consent from the Minister of Home Affairs will also be required

If any of the persons getting married are divorced, then the final decree of divorce should be furnished

If any of the persons getting married are widowed, the deceased spouse’s death certificate must be submitted.

Conducting a marriage

Only marriage officers authorized in terms of Act No. 25 of 1961 to perform marriages may do so. Presently civil marriages are solemnized at offices of the Department of Home Affairs and at churches (by authorized marriage officers). 

A marriage must be conducted in the presence of at least two witnesses in:

a church or another building used for religious services

in a public office or private house, with open doors

in the case of serious illness or injuries, the marriage may take place in a hospital or any concerned facility.

Can I check my marriage status online in South Africa?

If you are a South African citizen, you can check your marital status by logging onto the Department of Home Affairs website and submitting your ID number. You can also visit your local Home Affairs office to check your status or you can query the status via SMS.