Marriage registration · Punjab

Marriage Registration in Punjab: 2012 Act, Sewa Kendra

Punjab's Compulsory Registration of Marriages Act, 2012 requires every marriage solemnised in the state to be registered, and expressly covers marriages between an Indian citizen and an NRI or foreign national.

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

Official portal: eServices Punjab

The Punjab Compulsory Registration of Marriages Act, 2012

The Punjab Compulsory Registration of Marriages Act, 2012 makes registration of marriages solemnised in Punjab compulsory, irrespective of religion, caste or creed. Two features matter especially in a state with many overseas families:

The Act covers marriages between Indian nationals, and also marriages between an Indian citizen and a non-resident Indian or foreign national.
The memorandum can be prepared and signed by the parties or by any of their parents or relations, which helps when one spouse has already gone abroad.

Where to register

The memorandum of marriage is presented in duplicate to the Registrar of Marriages:

where the marriage was solemnised; or
where either or both parties have their permanent residence.

Applying online or at a Sewa Kendra

Punjab's eServices portal lets citizens apply online after a one-time registration that creates a username and password. Alternatively, apply at any Sewa Kendra, the state's citizen-service centres. District websites note that Sewa Kendra appointments can be booked through the state's slot-booking system, which saves waiting time.

For online applications, scanned copies must be attached for the fields the form marks as mandatory.

Documents on the Punjab form

The state's memorandum form lists mandatory items including:

a wedding card or marriage photographs;
a passport copy, where applicable, which matters for NRI marriages;
identity proof of the bride;
date-of-birth proof for both parties.

Expect to also give witness details. See our documents checklist.

The one-year rule

A marriage not registered within one year of its occurrence can be registered only with the written permission of the Chief Registrar of Marriages, on payment of the prescribed fee and submission of an attested affidavit. If you are past the one-year mark, start early. More: registering a marriage after the wedding.

NRI marriages in Punjab

Registering an NRI marriage before the overseas spouse leaves is one of the most useful protections a family can take. The certificate is needed for spouse visas and gives the spouse in India a clear legal record. For apostille of the certificate and marriages abroad, see NRI marriage registration; for finding a partner abroad, see NRI matrimony.

Sikh marriages

Anand Karaj marriages can be registered under the 2012 Act like any other marriage. Sikh couples can also register under the Hindu Marriage Act, or under rules made under the Anand Marriage Act, 1909 where available; see Hindu Marriage Act registration.

Fees

Fees, including the fee for late registration, are shown on the eServices portal or at the Sewa Kendra.

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.

Planning the wedding itself?

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Questions people ask

Does Punjab's 2012 Act cover marriages with NRIs?

Yes. It covers marriages between Indian nationals and also between an Indian citizen and a non-resident Indian or foreign national.

Can parents file the marriage memorandum in Punjab?

Yes. The parties or any of their parents or relations can prepare and sign the memorandum.

What happens if a Punjab marriage is not registered within a year?

It can be registered only with the written permission of the Chief Registrar of Marriages, an attested affidavit and the prescribed fee.

Where can I apply for marriage registration in Punjab?

Online on the eServices Punjab portal, or at any Sewa Kendra.

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

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