Anna Saliienko

Lawyer

E-mail

saliienko@prikhodko.com.ua

Phone numbers

Family law specialist. Deals with issues of divorce, alimony, division of property and adoption.

Reissue of marriage certificate

A marriage certificate is one of the most important documents confirming the official status of a couple.

However, there may be various situations in life when it is necessary to obtain it again.

Loss, damage, or even legal necessity may force citizens to contact the relevant authorities to obtain a duplicate.

Grounds for reissuance of a marriage certificate

Ukrainian legislation provides for several circumstances when citizens can apply for reissuance of a certificate:

Lost or stolen document. If the original marriage certificate is lost or stolen, it can be replaced with a new one by contacting the State Civil Registration Office (DRACS).
Document damage. If the certificate is damaged to the point that important data cannot be read, it must be replaced.
Legal necessity. Sometimes when resolving certain legal issues (registering an inheritance, dividing property, obtaining citizenship), a new copy of the document is required.
Change of personal information. If one of the spouses has changed their last name, first name, or patronymic, an updated document may be needed.
Destruction due to unforeseen circumstances. If the document was lost due to fire, flood or other force majeure, it must be reissued.

Who is entitled to receive a duplicate marriage certificate?

The legislation clearly defines who has the right to apply for a re-issue of a marriage certificate.

Such persons include:

One of the spouses.
Adult children of the couple.
Relatives, if one of the spouses has died (for example, to register an inheritance).
Official representatives of the applicant by power of attorney.
Government authorities, if the document is necessary for the performance of official duties.

How to get a duplicate marriage certificate?

Through the DRACS

Contact the nearest DRACS department.
Write an application for reissuance of the document.
Submit the required documents.
Pay the state fee.
Wait for the application to be processed and receive a new certificate.

When contacting the DRACS or submitting an application online, you must have the following documents:

Passport of a citizen of Ukraine.
Identification code (if necessary).
Receipt for payment of state duty.
A document confirming the need to obtain a duplicate (under certain circumstances).
Notarized power of attorney (if the application is submitted by a representative).

Production time and cost

Time for producing a duplicate marriage certificate: 1-5 business days.

Cost:

The state duty is established by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.
Additional fees may apply for services provided through consulates or postal delivery.

Legal nuances and possible difficulties

If the marriage has been dissolved, the certificate cannot be reissued. In this case, you can obtain an extract from the State Register of Civil Status Acts.
If the marriage was registered in the occupied territories, you must go to court to establish the legal fact of the marriage.
False information in the application may lead to liability. In case of submitting false information, administrative or criminal sanctions are possible.
The application may be rejected if there is no entry in the registers. In this case, it is necessary to contact the archives or the court to restore the data.

It will also be useful: Marriage certificate abroad

Can a third party obtain a marriage certificate?

There are situations when a person who needs a document cannot personally apply to the DRACS or submit an application through “Diya”. In such a case, the law provides for the possibility of obtaining a duplicate certificate through a proxy.

What is needed for this?

A notarized power of attorney clearly stating that the authorized person has the right to receive a duplicate marriage certificate.
Original or copy of the authorized person’s passport.
Document confirming payment of state duty.
If the document is received by proxy abroad, the notarial document must be legalized or an apostille must be issued.

Reissuance of a marriage certificate is a legal mechanism that allows you to restore a lost or damaged document. Citizens can choose between contacting the DRACS department or submitting an application online through the “Diya” portal.