Sulyk Roman

Head of family law practice

E-mail

sulyk@prikhodko.com.ua

Phone numbers

An attorney with extensive experience specializing in complex family disputes. As Head of Practice, he combines deep legal expertise with a personalized approach to every client. He ensures strategic protection of family interests and delivers impeccable results in the most challenging cases.

Obtaining a marriage certificate again

In 2025, Ukraine has clearly regulated ways to obtain a duplicate marriage certificate.

This document, which officially certifies the fact of registration of a family union, may become necessary in various life circumstances, for example, if the original form is lost, physically damaged, or to confirm marital relations in various instances.

A marriage certificate is a key legal document that legitimizes the union of two people and serves as a mandatory basis for many legally significant actions.

However, life situations are different, and this important piece of paper can be lost, damaged or stolen. In such cases, there is an urgent need to obtain a duplicate.

In this article, we will analyze in detail the procedure for renewing a marriage certificate in Ukraine, consider the list of necessary papers, possible reasons for refusing to issue it, and also suggest ways to solve potential problems.

What is a duplicate marriage certificate and what might it be needed for?

A reissued marriage certificate is an official replacement document that has the same legal force as the original.

It fully reproduces all the information contained in the original certificate, including the spouses’ identification data, the date and place of the marriage ceremony.

Obtaining a duplicate marriage certificate may be relevant in the following situations:

Loss or physical damage to the original: if the original certificate form has been lost, torn, damaged by moisture or otherwise rendered unusable.
The need to submit to different institutions: in some cases, it may be necessary to simultaneously submit confirmation of marriage to several different organizations (for example, when registering inheritance rights and receiving social benefits).
Performing notarial acts: when performing various notarial procedures related to property acquired during marriage, the notary may require the provision of a marriage certificate.
Registration of various documents: a marriage certificate may be required when applying for a passport, visa documents, the procedure for changing your last name after marriage, etc.
Participation in legal proceedings: in legal cases concerning family relations (for example, when initiating divorce proceedings, dividing jointly acquired property), a marriage certificate is one of the key pieces of evidence.

Where should I submit documents to obtain a new marriage certificate?

To restore this important document, you should contact: the Department of State Registration of Civil Status Acts (DRACS) where your marriage was officially registered.

This institution is the primary place to submit an application, as its archives hold the original marriage record.

In addition, you can contact any other department of the Civil Registry Office located in Ukraine. In this case, the department of the Civil Registry Office you have chosen will send an official request to the department where the marriage was registered and, after receiving the necessary confirmation, will issue you a duplicate.

It is worth considering that this process may take a little longer. For citizens of Ukraine living outside the country, there is an opportunity to submit an application to the diplomatic mission or consular office of Ukraine in their country of residence, provided that the marriage was registered in Ukraine.

What documents are required to obtain a duplicate marriage certificate?

To obtain a duplicate marriage certificate, you must submit the following documents:

Application for issuance of a duplicate marriage certificate (in the prescribed form). The application is submitted in person by the applicant or his authorized representative.
Applicant’s passport of a citizen of Ukraine (or other identity document).
In the case of a representative’s application, his/her passport and a notarized power of attorney are also submitted.
Documents confirming family ties with the testator (in case of application by heirs).
Receipt for payment of state duty. A state duty is required for issuing a duplicate marriage certificate. The amount of the duty is established by law.

The Civil Registry Office may refuse to issue a duplicate marriage certificate in the following cases:

Lack of a marriage record. If the marriage was not registered with the Civil Registry Office, or the record was not preserved (for example, due to a natural disaster or other unforeseen circumstances), in such a case, the fact of the marriage can be established in court.
Application by a person who does not have the right to do so. For example, if a third party applies for a duplicate without the appropriate power of attorney or documents confirming their right to receive information.
Submission of an incomplete package of documents.
Failure to pay state duty.

In case of refusal to issue a duplicate marriage certificate, the Civil Registry Office is obliged to provide the applicant with a written refusal stating the reasons. Such refusal can be appealed in court.

It will also be useful: Duplicate birth certificate

Legal assistance in obtaining a duplicate marriage certificate

In difficult situations related to obtaining a duplicate marriage certificate, especially if there are problems finding the civil record or if a refusal to issue a duplicate is received, it is recommended to seek qualified legal assistance.

A lawyer specializing in family law will be able to:

Get a duplicate marriage certificate for you
Provide advice on the procedure for obtaining a duplicate in your specific case.
Assist with collecting necessary documents.
Make an application to the registry office or to the court.
Appeal against unlawful actions or inaction of the Civil Registry Office.

Obtaining a duplicate marriage certificate is an important step in restoring the legal validity of the document confirming your marriage. Knowing the procedure and the necessary documents will help you resolve this issue quickly and effectively. If you encounter any difficulties, do not hesitate to contact specialists.

Obtaining a duplicate abroad

Citizens of Ukraine who are abroad can obtain a duplicate of their marriage certificate through diplomatic missions and consular offices of Ukraine in the country of residence. The procedure includes submitting an application, checking documents, and forwarding the request to the relevant authority in Ukraine. OR you can contact us for help – we will obtain a duplicate for you.

Apostille and translation

To use a duplicate marriage certificate abroad, it may be necessary to legalize it by affixing an apostille and translate it into the appropriate language. These services can be ordered from a translation agency or through specialized companies.