A Chinese marriage certificate (结婚证) is the red booklet issued to each spouse by a mainland marriage registry, and it is the primary proof of a marriage registered in China. To use it abroad, you normally obtain a notarial certificate of marriage with a translation from a Chinese notary office, then an apostille (for countries in the Apostille Convention, since 7 November 2023) or consular legalisation (for other countries). A lost certificate can be replaced at a marriage registry, and for couples involving a mainland resident and a foreigner or Hong Kong, Macao or Taiwan resident, at any authorised registry nationwide since 10 May 2025.
Below we explain each step as of 2026, the documents people most often confuse, and how to avoid the delays we see in practice.
What is a Chinese marriage certificate?
When a couple registers their marriage in mainland China, the registry issues two identical marriage certificates, one for each spouse. Each shows the names, dates of birth, nationality or ID numbers, the registration date, the certificate number and the issuing registry, with the couple's photograph. The booklet is in Chinese only.
A marriage is legally established on registration, not on a wedding ceremony. Registration takes place in person at a marriage registry. For a mainland resident marrying a foreigner, that means an authorised registry for foreign-related matters. See marriage registration in China for foreigners and our post on requirements for foreigners.
Marriage certificate vs marital status documents
People often mix up these documents:
| Document | Chinese | Issued by | What it proves | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marriage certificate | 结婚证 | Marriage registry | That you are married to a named person since a date | Spouse visas, name changes, property, divorce, children's registration |
| Notarial certificate of marriage | 结婚公证书 | Notary office | That the marriage certificate is genuine, usually with a translation attached | Using the marriage abroad |
| Registry record extract | 婚姻登记记录证明 / 档案查询证明 | The registry holding the file (practice varies) | What the registry's records show | Replacing lost documents, court proceedings |
| Marital status or no-marriage notarial certificate | 婚姻状况公证 / 未婚公证 | Notary office | Your current status, usually based on your declaration and available records | Marrying abroad, some immigration processes |
| Certificate of no marriage (foreigners) | 单身证明 | Home country authority or embassy | That a foreigner is free to marry | Registering a marriage in China |
| Divorce certificate | 离婚证 | Marriage registry | That a registry divorce is complete | Remarriage, property, use abroad |
Chinese registries no longer issue general "marital status certificates" on request. If a foreign authority asks for proof that you are single, divorced or married, you will usually get it through a notary office, not the registry. For foreigners who need to prove single status in order to marry in China, see our glossary entry on the certificate of no marriage.
How to use a Chinese marriage certificate abroad
Step 1: Notarial certificate and translation
Most foreign authorities will not accept the red booklet on its own. The usual route is to apply to a Chinese notary office (公证处), normally where either spouse's household is registered or lives, or where the marriage was registered, for a notarial certificate of marriage. You bring both marriage certificates, both spouses' ID cards or passports, and any forms the office requires. The notary can attach a translation into English or another language. Processing time varies but often takes several working days.
Step 2: Apostille or consular legalisation
Since 7 November 2023, the Hague Apostille Convention has applied to mainland China. For use in another member state, the notarial certificate only needs an apostille (附加证明书), issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or an authorised local foreign affairs office. Embassy legalisation is no longer needed.
Two exceptions:
- Non-member countries still require consular legalisation: first by the Chinese foreign affairs authority, then by that country's embassy or consulate in China.
- India: the Convention does not apply between China and India, so legalisation is still required.
Our apostille guide explains the process in more detail and covers birth and divorce certificates too.
Step 3: Check the receiving authority's rules
Some authorities require a translation made in their own country by a sworn or certified translator, even if the notary attached one. Others want a document issued within the last three or six months. Always ask the embassy, immigration office or court that will receive the document before you start. This avoids paying twice.
Replacing a lost or damaged marriage certificate
If a marriage certificate is lost or damaged, either spouse can apply to a marriage registry for a replacement (补领). The registry checks its records and, if the marriage registration is confirmed, reissues the certificate.
Under the revised Marriage Registration Regulations (in force 10 May 2025) and the Ministry of Civil Affairs' "nationwide handling" (全国通办) rules:
- where both spouses are mainland residents, replacement can be handled at a registry anywhere in the country;
- where one spouse is a mainland resident and the other is a foreigner, a Hong Kong, Macao or Taiwan resident or an overseas Chinese, replacement can be handled at any registry authorised for foreign-related matters, not only the original registry.
You generally need your ID card or passport, a recent photograph and a signed declaration. Registry practice and appointment rules still vary, so check with the registry first. If records cannot be found, which sometimes happens with very old registrations, you may need a notary or a court to establish the marriage. For HK residents, see our Hong Kong–mainland family matters page.
Using a foreign marriage certificate in China
The reverse situation also comes up. A marriage registered abroad is generally recognised in China if it was valid where it took place. To use the foreign certificate in China, for example for a residence permit, a property registration or a divorce petition, you usually need an apostille (or legalisation) plus a certified Chinese translation. Note that a marriage registered abroad generally cannot be dissolved at a Chinese registry; a divorce would normally go to court, as we explain in our China divorce law guide.
Common problems we see
- Names do not match. Romanised names on a notarial translation may differ from passport spellings. Tell the notary exactly how names appear in your passports.
- Out-of-date documents. Some countries only accept documents issued recently.
- Only one spouse available. Notary offices may accept an application from one spouse, but requirements vary. Check before you travel.
- Divorce after the certificate. A marriage certificate does not prove you are still married. If a foreign authority needs current status, it may ask for a recent notarial certificate instead.
Key takeaways
- The 结婚证 is the core proof of a marriage registered in mainland China, but it is in Chinese only and is rarely accepted abroad on its own.
- For use abroad, get a notarial certificate with translation, then an apostille (member states) or consular legalisation (non-members and India).
- Chinese registries do not issue general marital status certificates; notary offices handle status notarisations.
- Since 10 May 2025, lost certificates for couples involving a foreigner or HK, Macao or Taiwan resident can be replaced at any authorised registry nationwide.
- Always confirm the receiving authority's translation and validity requirements first.
Need help with marriage documents?
Our bilingual team helps couples with marriage registration, document chains for use abroad, and the legal questions that follow. Book a free, confidential consultation and tell us where your documents need to go.