Documents and information you will need
You are both legally required to give evidence of your identity, nationality and residence when you give notice of your marriage or civil partnership. You must bring original documents. We cannot accept photocopies.
Identity and nationality documents
- You must bring your valid, original passport.
- Your immigration status document (if applicable)
- A recent passport sized photograph each, if either of you is subject to immigration control
A person with settled or pre-settled status is required to share their status through the online EUSS status checker tool. You must request a six-digit code before your appointment from the view and prove your immigration status GOV.UK page.
Passport photo
You must also bring a passport sized photo if either or both of you are subject to immigration control.
Residence documents
You must each provide an independent document as proof of address. We do not accept documents in joint names.
These documents must be originals and can include any of the following:
- Council Tax bill (most recent)
- Bank statement or credit card statement plus a valid bank card that matches to the statement (no older than one mouth)
- Utility bill (no older than three months)
- Valid UK driving licence.
Additional documents
You will also need to bring additional documents in the following circumstances:
You have changed your name
If you have changed your name by Deed Poll, Change of Name Deed or Statutory Declaration you must bring this document when giving notice.
You are divorced
If the divorce took place in England or Wales, you will need to produce a Decree Absolute bearing the official stamp of the court.
Evidence of divorce must also be shown if you married outside of England and Wales. This includes Islamic and customary marriages abroad.
You were divorced abroad
If you were divorced abroad, we will need to see the original documents issued. If these documents are written in a foreign language, an English translation may be required.
There are fees involved for the clearance of divorces which took place outside the British Isles. These fees range from £50.00 to £75.00 depending on whether the case has to be referred to the General Register Office. The fees are payable at the time of giving your notice. The fees must be paid regardless of whether the marriage subsequently proceeds or not and is non-refundable.
You are widowed
You will be asked to produce the death certificate of your late spouse and possibly your marriage/civil partnership certificate.
You have been married/formed a civil partnership abroad
If you have married each other or formed a civil partnership in a foreign country you only need to repeat the ceremony in the UK if you believe it was not legal. If you decide to get married or form a civil partnership here, we will need to see any documents issued by that country when you give us notice.