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 or your civil partnership has been dissolved
You will need to provide the final document confirming that your previous marriage or civil partnership has legally ended.
Divorces and dissolutions in England or Wales
If your application was issued before 6 April 2022, please bring your decree absolute or final dissolution order bearing the court’s official stamp.
If your application was issued on or after 6 April 2022, please bring the original HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) email containing the direct link or file of your final order, or ensure you can log in to your HMCTS online account during your appointment. This will allow the registrar to view the original final order directly through the court’s service.
If you need a replacement document or email confirmation, visit GOV.UK – Get a copy of a final order or decree absolute.
Divorces and dissolutions granted abroad
If your divorce or dissolution was granted outside the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man, please bring the original documents confirming that it is final, together with an English translation if the documents are in another language.
An additional fee applies for checking these documents. If you are unsure what to provide, please contact us before your appointment at register.office@newham.gov.uk “
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.
