A newly revised version of China's Marriage Registration Regulation took effect on May 10, officially introducing "Nationwide Access" for marriage registration services.
This policy allows eligible individuals to complete marriage-related procedures anywhere in the Chinese mainland, regardless of their place of household registration. The Ministry of Civil Affairs has issued updated operational guidelines and responded to public concerns on how this policy will work in practice.
Q: What services fall under the scope of "Nationwide Access" for marriage registration?
A: The following services are now eligible for Nationwide Access:
1.Marriage registration, divorce registration, and reissuance of marriage certificates for couples who are both mainland residents;
2.The same services for couples in which one party is a mainland resident and the other is a foreign national, a Hong Kong/Macao/Taiwan resident, or an overseas Chinese.
These services may be completed at any marriage registration office in the Chinese mainland with the proper authority, without being limited by the household registration location of the mainland party.
Q: With the household registration booklet no longer required, what materials do applicants need to prepare?
A: For marriage registration between mainland residents, applicants now only need to provide:
1.A valid resident ID card for each party;
2.A signed declaration stating that both individuals are currently unmarried and not related as direct blood relatives or within three generations of collateral relatives.
The removal of the household registration booklet requirement simplifies the process. As long as the submitted documents are complete, accurate, and consistent with official records, the marriage registration office will proceed with the registration.
Q: What should applicants be mindful of to avoid delays?
A: If there are discrepancies between an applicant's declared marital status or identity and the information verified by the marriage registration office, supporting documents must be provided. For example:
1.If declaring "divorced," a valid court decision, divorce certificate, or other legal document is required;
2.If declaring "widowed," a death certificate for the deceased spouse and the original marriage certificate must be submitted;
3.If identity details differ from the verification records, documentation proving the correct identity must be presented.
According to Article 23 of the revised regulation, applicants are legally responsible for the authenticity and legality of the documents they submit. False documents will result in legal liability and the information will be recorded in the national credit system.
Q: Does Nationwide Access apply when one party is a foreigner, Hong Kong/Macao/Taiwan resident, or overseas Chinese?
A: Yes. As long as one party is a mainland resident, the couple may register for marriage, divorce, or reissue certificates at any authorized marriage office nationwide. However, if neither party is a mainland resident (e.g., one is a foreigner and the other is a Hong Kong resident), they must go to a marriage registration office located in the area where one of them works or resides that is authorized to handle such cases.
Q: Can divorce application and registration be handled at different marriage offices under Nationwide Access?
A: No. The divorce certificate must be issued by the same marriage registration office where the couple initially submitted their divorce application. While the application can be filed at any authorized office, the entire process must be completed at that same location.
Q: Has the process for reissuing a lost marriage certificate changed under the new policy?
A: Yes. Applicants must now provide:
1.Their resident ID card;
2.A paper copy of the marriage registration archive stamped with an official archival seal.
If the applicant has not obtained a paper archive but the office can access the electronic archive remotely, a remote retrieval service may be provided. If the archive cannot be accessed through shared systems, the applicant is advised to contact the original registration office or archive authority to obtain the necessary documentation before reapplying.
Q: A couple originally registered in the Chinese mainland but now lives in Hong Kong and their identities have changed. Where should they reissue their marriage certificate?
A: It depends on the couple's updated identity status:
1.If one party has changed from a mainland resident to a foreigner, Hong Kong/Macao/Taiwan resident, or overseas Chinese, they may apply for reissuance at any authorized marriage office;
2.If one party is now a foreigner and the other is a Hong Kong/Macao/Taiwan resident or overseas Chinese—or if both parties fall into the latter categories—they must apply at the original marriage office or one located where they now work or reside;
3.If both parties are now foreign nationals, they can request the original registration archive but cannot reissue the certificate.
In all such cases, applicants must also provide proof or notarized documentation that verifies their current identity is the same as their identity at the time of original registration.
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