Answer By law4u team
For a court marriage under the Special Marriage Act, 1954 in India, you need to submit certain documents to the Marriage Officer to prove your identity, age, and eligibility to marry. Here’s the list of commonly required documents: 1. Proof of Age Birth Certificate School Leaving Certificate Passport Aadhaar Card (if it contains date of birth) PAN Card (sometimes accepted) 2. Proof of Residence Aadhaar Card Passport Voter ID Card Ration Card Utility bills (electricity, water, telephone) with address Rent Agreement At least one of the partners should have resided in the district where the notice is filed for a minimum of 30 days. 3. Photographs Recent passport-sized photographs of both parties (usually 3-4 each). 4. Identity Proof Aadhaar Card PAN Card Passport Voter ID Card 5. Marriage Notice Duly filled and signed notice of intended marriage form (Form 1 under the Special Marriage Act). 6. Affidavits Affidavit affirming the eligibility to marry (age, marital status, and freedom to marry). Usually notarized and sometimes required on a non-judicial stamp paper. 7. Divorce Decree or Death Certificate (if applicable) If either party was previously married, a divorce decree or the death certificate of the former spouse must be submitted as proof of dissolution of the earlier marriage. 8. Witnesses’ Identification Three witnesses are required to be present at the time of marriage. They should carry valid identity proofs (Aadhaar card, voter ID, passport, etc.). Notes: Requirements may vary slightly depending on the state or district. Some Marriage Officers may also require additional documents. Originals are usually required for verification, along with photocopies.