You can use a single status certificate as proof that you're free to marry (i.e. not currently married). You may need this proof if you want to marry overseas.
 
The certificate proves that the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) holds no record of current marriage in Victoria, between the dates you ask us to search for.
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We'll ask you for the following information during the application process:

1. Details of the person named on the certificate

At minimum, you'll be asked for:

  • First name
  • Family name
  • Date of birth
  • Place of birth
  • Name of the mother
  • Name of the second parent (if applicable)
  • Reason for application
  • Date of previous marriage/s and divorce (if applicable).

If you've been previously married and are divorced or widowed, we'll also ask for:

  • Your date of divorce, or
  • A copy of your spouse's death certificate.

2. Proof of your identity

In most cases, you can prove your identity with certified copies (External link) of your driver licence and Medicare card.

Example drivers licenceExample medicare card

Alternatively, there are other ways to prove your identity.

3. Proof that you're eligible to get the certificate

If you're applying for your own certificate, you only need to provide proof of your identity.

If you're applying for someone else's certificate, you also need to provide:

  1. Third-party authority form or letter from the person on the certificate authorising you to access their record. This includes the authorising person’s:
    • Address
    • Daytime telephone number
    • Signature.
  2. Proof of identity of the authorising person.

How long will it take for my application to be processed?

Processing start date Processing time Pick up/delivery
Date received

Full application
with eligibility and
proof of identity documents

 10 working days Pickup
595 Collins Street
Melbourne

or

6 days
Australia post

Track the progress of your certificate

Additional copies

If you applied for more than one copy of a certificate, each will be posted separately for security reasons, unless you asked for them to be sent by Registered Post.

We'll post them all on the same day, but bear in mind that Australia Post may deliver them on different days.

Certificate fees

Standard certificate
$33.00
Accepted as an official single status certificate.

Postage fees

Shipping fees cannot be refunded if you decide to collect your certificate(s) in person.

Postage - see Australia Post (External link) for product details Price

Australia

  
Standard post/Handling $1.00

Registered post (Standard)

Note: We do no send commemorative certificates by Registered post.

 $7.40

Express post

Note: 

  • We do not send commemorative certificates by Express post.
  • This is not a priority service fee - standard Turnaround times still apply.
 $7.80

Outside Australia

  
Airmail (Standard post) $3.70
Express Courier International $52.80

Check the Payment methods we accept.

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