Marriage Certificate from Georgia

What is a Marriage Certificate in Georgia?

A marriage certificate in Georgia is an official document confirming the marriage between two people, including their names, the date, and the place of registration. The document is issued by the Public Service Development Agency of the Ministry of Justice of Georgia through the House of Justice departments. The marriage certificate is a primary legal document required to confirm marital status for administrative and legal purposes.

Original and Duplicate Marriage Certificate

In Georgia, an original marriage certificate is issued upon marriage registration. In case of loss, damage, or if needed for various procedures abroad, spouses can apply at the House of Justice to obtain a duplicate.

Features of a Duplicate

• The duplicate has the same legal force as the original and contains the same information.
• The duplicate indicates it is a re-issued document, along with the date of re-issuance.
• The duplicate includes the names and surnames of the spouses, date, and place of marriage registration.
• A duplicate may be required for use abroad or for submission to several organizations simultaneously if the original remains with the owner.

How to Obtain a Marriage Certificate or Duplicate?

A marriage certificate (original or duplicate) can be obtained by visiting the House of Justice department where the marriage was registered or the applicant’s place of residence. Alternatively, it can be obtained through our representative — by proxy. To obtain a duplicate, the applicant needs identification documents, and if necessary, proof of marital relationship.

Required Documents for Obtaining a Duplicate:

• Applicant’s ID card or passport
• Documents confirming marital relationship (if the duplicate is requested by a third party)
• Application for issuing a duplicate

What Does a Marriage Certificate in Georgia Look Like?

The marriage certificate in Georgia is written in the official Georgian language and contains the following information:

• Names and surnames of the spouses
• Date and place of marriage registration
• Record number
• Date of issuance
• Signature and seal of the authorized person

The document is entirely in Georgian, which may require translation for use outside the country.

Why Obtain a New Model Marriage Certificate?

Obtaining a new model marriage certificate may be required for several reasons:

1. International Standards. Older documents may not meet modern international standards, making them difficult to use abroad. New certificates often feature an updated format and additional security elements recognized by other countries.
2. Legalization and Apostille. For use outside the country, the document may require legalization or an apostille. Older certificates may not be eligible for these procedures, especially if issued long ago.
3. Electronic Databases. Like many countries, Georgia is digitizing its archives. New model documents may be entered into this database, facilitating verification, confirmation, and re-issuance if necessary.
4. Correction of Errors. If the old certificate contains errors or inaccuracies (in names, dates, place of birth, etc.), it is simpler and faster to obtain a new certificate with accurate information than to amend the old document.
5. Wear or Loss of Original. Documents wear out or can be lost over time. A new copy will replace a damaged document and have an updated appearance.
6. Consular and Foreign Institution Requirements. Some consulates and foreign organizations accept only new model documents, especially if old ones are considered outdated or invalid.

If you plan to use the marriage certificate abroad or want it to meet modern standards, updating the document may be a wise step.

Digital Verification of Marriage Certificate

The new model marriage certificate can be verified online via a QR code. Please note that the code is valid for one year from the date of issuance. For long-term use abroad, ordering a duplicate or an apostille is recommended.

Features of Place of Registration

In Georgian marriage certificates, the place of registration is indicated by the number and name of the issuing authority — House of Justice. Although issued at a specific branch, the city where the office is located is not directly stated. This is a unique aspect of the Georgian document system.

Features of Indicating the City of Issuance

In Georgian birth certificates, the place of issuance is indicated indirectly by the number and name of the issuing authority. Although issued in a specific branch of the House of Justice, the city of the office is not directly mentioned. This unique feature distinguishes Georgian documents from those of other countries where the city of issuance is usually indicated.

Possible Collisions and Difficulties in Usage

The absence of a city name and the unique characteristics of the Georgian language may cause issues when using the marriage certificate abroad. Possible collisions include:

1. Ambiguity of Geographic Origin
   Foreign institutions may request the city of document issuance, requiring additional explanations.
2. Problems with Consular Legalization
   An exact place of issuance may be required for apostille.
3. Translation Difficulties
   The absence of the city can raise questions during translation into foreign languages.
4. Transliteration of Names
   Georgian names can have various spellings depending on the country, causing document discrepancies.
5. Absence of Capital Letters
   Georgian language lacks capital letters, causing difficulties when checking documents in some countries.

Recommendations for Minimizing Risks

To minimize risks, the following steps are recommended:

• Notarized translation with an explanation of the place of registration in Georgia.
• Obtaining an apostille to confirm authenticity in Hague Convention countries.
• Certificate from the House of Justice to clarify the place of issuance.
• Using a duplicate to preserve the original document.

These measures will help confirm the authenticity and legal validity of a Georgian marriage certificate abroad.

Obtaining a Marriage Certificate from Georgia for Moldova

To submit a marriage certificate from Georgia in Moldova, only new model documents are accepted. A translation into Romanian (Moldovan) is required, which can first be translated into English in Georgia and then into Romanian in Moldova for correct transliteration. By ordering the certificate from us, you receive a professional translation that meets all requirements of Moldova and other countries.

Can I obtain a marriage certificate or its duplicate through the Civil Registry Office or the Georgian Consulate?

You can submit a request through the Civil Registry Office (ASP or a similar institution in other countries) or through the consulate, but keep the following points in mind:

• Request through the consulate. If requested through the consulate, the obtained document cannot be subsequently apostilled or legalized in consulates of third countries. The wait time may be from 3 to 6 months.
• Request through a Civil Registry Office outside Georgia. If requested through a Civil Registry Office in another country, note that Georgian authorities often do not respond to such requests, and even if they do, the wait time may range from 6 months to 1.5 years.
• Risk of Errors in the Document. Errors in names, surnames, and dates may occur. If such errors arise, you will receive the document in, for example, Moldova, but correcting it will be extremely difficult. Our lawyers in Georgia can check the document, provide you with its photo, and assist in finding a solution to correct errors locally. Correcting errors after receiving the document is a complex process involving bureaucratic hurdles and time loss, and in some cases, such corrections may be impossible.