Marriage registration · Bihar

Marriage Registration in Bihar: e-Nibandhan Process

In Bihar, marriages are registered by the Prohibition, Excise and Registration Department through its registration offices, with applications made online on the e-Nibandhan portal or at the office.

By TrueSaath · published 2026-10-22 · checked October 2026

Official portal: e-Nibandhan Bihar

Who registers marriages in Bihar

Marriage registration in Bihar is a service of the Prohibition, Excise and Registration Department, the same department that registers property documents, societies and firms. Its online portal, e-Nibandhan, lists marriage registration among its services. Applications go to the Sub-Registrar or Marriage Registrar office, online or offline.

Applying through e-Nibandhan

The department's marriage registration guidance says the application can be made online, or with the registrar where the husband or wife lives. The usual sequence:

Open the marriage registration section on e-Nibandhan and choose the type of registration.
Enter details of both spouses and the marriage.
Upload photographs and Aadhaar cards of both spouses, and the other documents asked for.
Pay the fee and choose a date to appear.
Appear at the registrar's office with witnesses; both parties and the witnesses sign the register.

Two kinds of case

The department's guidance distinguishes between:

A marriage already solemnised, for example by Hindu rites. Once documents are in order and the parties and witnesses appear and sign, the guidance says the certificate can be issued on the same day.
A marriage to be solemnised under the Special Marriage Act, where the notice is published and there is a 30-day window for public objections before the marriage and registration. The Act also requires at least 30 days residence in the district before notice and three witnesses at the marriage.

For background on each, see Hindu Marriage Act registration and court marriage under the Special Marriage Act.

Documents

Expect:

photographs and Aadhaar cards of both spouses;
proof of age, such as a matriculation certificate or birth certificate;
proof of address in the registrar's jurisdiction;
proof of the marriage for an already solemnised marriage, such as the invitation card and ceremony photographs;
identity proof of the witnesses;
a divorce decree or the former spouse's death certificate, where relevant.

Our documents checklist has the general list.

Age and the law

The minimum ages are 21 for the man and 18 for the woman under both the Hindu Marriage Act and the Special Marriage Act. A registrar will not register a marriage that does not meet these conditions. Child marriage is an offence under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, and taking or giving dowry is illegal under the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961.

Fees and timelines

The fee and any appointment charge are shown on e-Nibandhan. Unofficial websites quote varying fees and processing times; rely on the portal.

Tips for Bihar applicants

Make sure the address on your Aadhaar falls within the registrar's office you choose, or carry other residence proof.
For a Special Marriage Act wedding, count 30 days from the notice before fixing a date, and remember the notice lapses after three months.

Procedures, forms and fees change from time to time, so confirm the current steps on the official portal or at the registering office before you apply. This page is general information, not legal advice.

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Questions people ask

Which department registers marriages in Bihar?

The Prohibition, Excise and Registration Department, through its registration offices and the e-Nibandhan portal.

Can I apply for marriage registration online in Bihar?

Yes. The department says applications can be made online on e-Nibandhan or with the registrar where the husband or wife lives.

Is Aadhaar needed for marriage registration in Bihar?

The department's guidance lists Aadhaar cards of both spouses among the documents.

Is there a waiting period for marriage registration in Bihar?

For a marriage under the Special Marriage Act there is a 30-day objection period. The department's guidance says an already solemnised marriage can be certified on the day of appearance once documents are in order.

Sources

Checked in October 2026. Rules, fees and portals change; confirm on the official site before you apply.

The national guides

Hindu Marriage Registration under Section 8 HMAhindu marriage registration Court Marriage under the Special Marriage Actcourt marriage process Documents for Marriage Registrationdocuments required for marriage registration Inter-Religion Marriage Registration in Indiainter religion marriage registration Marriage Certificate Onlinemarriage certificate online NRI Marriage Registration and Apostille in Indianri marriage registration Late Marriage Registrationlate marriage registration Name Change after Marriagename change after marriage

Other states

Compatibility figures are the classical Guna Milan as computed by TrueSaath's free calculator and are offered as a reference, not as advice. Community and place pages describe how TrueSaath works; any member count shown is live and rounded, never a claim.