Understanding the Marriage Certificate Application Form in Western Australia
The Marriage Certificate Application Form issued by the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages WA (form code BDM3) is an official document designed for individuals seeking an official copy of a marriage registered in Western Australia. This form plays a crucial role for those who need certified proof of marriage for legal, personal, or administrative purposes. Whether for estate settlement, legal proceedings, or family history research, understanding how to correctly complete and submit this form is essential.
Who Should Use This Form?
The form is exclusively for persons who are named in the marriage registration or those authorized to request the certificate. This includes:
- The married couple themselves
- Legal representatives or persons with written consent from the couple
- Individuals needing the certificate for specific reasons such as estate settlement, legal divorce, or family history research
It is important to note that the marriage must have been registered in Western Australia for the application to be valid.
How to Fill Out the Application Form
The form is divided into sections requiring specific information:
Marriage Details
- Place of marriage: The location where the marriage took place
- Date of marriage: The day, month, and year the marriage was registered
- Parties' details: Surnames (at the time of marriage), maiden surnames, and given names of both individuals
Applicant Details
- Full name: Your complete name as it appears on your identification
- Postal address: Your current mailing address
- Relationship to the person named on the certificate: e.g., self, partner, legal representative
- Contact details: Phone number and email address
Reason for Request
Indicate why you need the marriage certificate, such as estate settlement, legal proceedings, or family history.
Consent and Identification
You must complete the 'Consent to verification' section, authorizing the Registry to verify your identity through third-party systems. Additionally, you will need to provide proof of identity, which may include certified copies of documents such as a driver’s license, passport, or birth certificate, depending on whether you apply in person or by post.
Payment and Submission Instructions
Fees vary depending on the type of certificate and delivery method:
- Standard certificate: $60, including regular post
- Priority certificate: $104, which includes express post
- Reduced fee: $39 for marriages over 75 years ago
Payment can be made via MasterCard or Visa, or by money order payable to the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Do not send cash. For multiple certificates, only complete payment details on one form.
Where and How to Submit Your Application
By Post
Complete the form, attach clear copies of your identification documents, and mail to:
Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages PO Box 7720 Cloisters Square Perth WA 6850
In Person
Visit the Registry at Level 10/141 St Georges Terrace, Perth, between 9.00 am and 4.00 pm, Monday to Friday. You must bring original identification documents and the completed form.
Fill in your form directly online
No printing: type your details into the boxes of the official form, tick, then download the PDF ready to send.
- 1Type into the form boxes
- 2Tick in one click
- 3Save and download the PDF
Identification Requirements and Verification
The Registry uses third-party systems to verify your identity. If you do not consent to this verification, you must provide certified copies of at least three identification documents, including one with a photograph, such as a driver’s license or passport. Original documents are required if applying in person.
Processing Times and Additional Information
Standard processing takes approximately 2 working days plus postal delivery. Priority applications are processed within 24 hours, with express postage included. International applications may take longer, with certificates sent via regular airmail.
For further details, visit the official website or contact the Registry on 1300 305 021 during business hours. Remember, it is an offence to provide false or misleading information in your application.