How to register a marriage in Nepal (bibaha darta)
विवाह दर्ता कसरी गर्ने
Register a marriage (bibaha darta) at the ward within 35 days, both spouses together. Documents, age rules, foreign spouses and one spouse abroad.
- Cost
- Free within 35 days
- A late fee applies after 35 days.
- How long
- Usually the same day
- Where
- Ward office
- Last checked
- 8 Oct 2026
- Against the official source
What it is
Marriage registration (विवाह दर्ता) is done at the ward office, with both spouses present as informants. Like other life events, it's free within 35 days of the wedding.
The certificate matters long after the wedding. A wife who wants her husband's name on her citizenship, a foreign wife applying for Nepali citizenship, a spouse visa abroad, a child's minor ID card and inheritance all ask for it. If the wedding was months or years ago, register it now and pay the late fee.
Who needs it
- Every married couple, within 35 days of the wedding.
- Couples who need the certificate for a passport name change, the wife's citizenship by marriage, a spouse visa abroad, inheritance or the children's documents.
What you need
- Official
Citizenship certificates of both spouses
Or a document showing nationality for a foreign spouse.
- Official
Two recent passport-size photos of each spouse
- Official
If one spouse is abroad: a power of attorney certified by the Nepali embassy there
- In practice
A local tax receipt
Many wards ask for it before registering anything.
In practice items aren't in the official rules but are commonly asked for at the counter.
How it works
- 1
Check the age rule
Both spouses must be at least 20. Child marriages and second marriages after 1 Bhadra 2075 are void under the Civil Code and can't be registered.
- 2
Go to the ward together
Both spouses go to the ward office, usually of the husband's or wife's permanent address. You can fill in the form in advance on the Department of National ID and Civil Registration's portal.
- 3
Register within 35 days
Registration is free within 35 days of the wedding. After that a late fee applies.
- 4
Get the certificate
The ward registrar issues the marriage registration certificate, usually the same day. Check both names and the date.
Where to go
Ward office
Of either spouse's permanent address
Department of National ID and Civil Registration
Online form and helpline 1147
public.donidcr.gov.np
Cost and time
- Official fee
- Free within 35 days
- A late fee applies after 35 days.
- Processing time
- Usually the same day
Common problems
My husband is working abroad.
He can give a power of attorney (अधिकृत वारेसनामा) through the Nepali embassy in the country he's in. You then register the marriage at the ward with it.
My spouse refuses to register the marriage.
Petition the district court to establish the relationship (नाता कायम). With the court's decision, you can register the marriage on your own.
We never registered, and now one of us has died.
A marriage certificate can't be issued after one spouse has died. Ask the ward chair to certify the marriage instead.
I married a foreign citizen.
If you married abroad, bring that country's marriage certificate attested by the Department of Consular Services or the relevant embassy. If you married a foreigner in Nepal, register through a court marriage first, then at the ward. A wife from a country whose citizens don't need a visa for Nepal, such as India, can register at the ward with proof of the marriage.
Is our marriage valid if we never registered it?
In a July 2026 decision the Supreme Court said registration or a ceremony isn't what makes a marriage valid; accepting each other as husband and wife is. Registration is still required by law, and you need the certificate for almost every practical purpose.
I'm divorced and remarrying.
Bring the court's divorce decision along with the usual documents.
Real experiences
Been through this recently? Tell the next person which office you went to and what they asked for. Reports are published as community notes, apart from the official information.
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