Getting married registration and the updates after
Shaadi mubarak. First get the marriage registered, then update your name, address and nominees on the documents that matter. Tick off each step; your list stays on this device.
When: Soon after the wedding; some states set a time limit
Time: 1 online application, then 1 to 2 office visits
A marriage done with Hindu rites (also covering Sikh, Jain and Buddhist marriages) is registered under the Hindu Marriage Act, with your state’s registration rules, at the office of the Registrar or SDM where either of you lives. Many states take the application online on their own portal, and then both of you appear in person. Fees and the exact documents vary by state, so check your state portal; the Delhi page linked here is one example.
Special Marriage Act: notice, 30 days, three witnesses
When: Start at least 30 days before the date you want
Time: 30-day notice period, then 1 visit with three witnesses
If it applies: For a civil or inter-faith marriage, or if you prefer the Special Marriage Act
Give a written notice to the Marriage Officer of the district where at least one of you has lived for 30 days or more before the notice. The notice is put up for 30 days, during which anyone can object on the grounds set in the Act. After that, the marriage is solemnised and the certificate signed by both of you and three witnesses. The groom must be at least 21 and the bride at least 18.
When: Right after you get the marriage certificate
Time: 1 centre visit; updates can take up to 30 days
Official fee: ₹75 for a name or address update at a centresource
Do Aadhaar first, because banks, PAN and other offices check against it. A name change needs a visit to an Aadhaar Seva Kendra with the marriage certificate; address can also be changed in the Aadhaar App. Check the spelling on the screen before you give the final fingerprint.
Your PAN number never changes; only the name printed on it does. Apply for a change in PAN data through the routes listed on the Income Tax e-Filing portal, with the marriage certificate as proof. Keep the name the same as your updated Aadhaar so PAN-Aadhaar matching does not fail.
When: After Aadhaar is updated, and before booking foreign travel
Time: 30 minutes online, then 1 Passport Seva Kendra visit
Official fee: ₹2,500 (36 pages) or ₹3,500 (60 pages). Tatkaal ₹2,500 extrasource
If it applies: Only if you have a passport
If you change your name or address, or want your spouse’s name added, apply for a re-issue on Passport Seva with the marriage certificate. Re-issue costs the same as a fresh passport. Use the Document Advisor on the portal to see exactly which documents your case needs.
Time: 1 branch visit, or online where your bank allows it
Give your bank the marriage certificate and updated Aadhaar to change your name or address in the KYC records. This is also a good time to add your spouse as nominee or open a joint account. Do the same for any demat, mutual fund and loan accounts.
When: After you have address proof at the new home
Time: 15 minutes online
Official fee: Free, and the new card is sent free by speed postsource
If you moved to a new home after marriage, use Form 8 on the Voters’ Service Portal to shift your entry to the new address, and to correct your name if it changed. Do not fill Form 6 again: being on two rolls is an offence.
If it applies: Only if your family has a ration card
If the family uses a ration card, the name is first removed from the parents’ card and then added to the new household’s card. Apply on your state food department portal or at the ration office. Rules and any fee are set by your state.
Time: 20 minutes online for EPF; 1 request each for bank and insurer
If you have a PF account, file a fresh e-nomination on the EPFO member portal and e-sign it with an Aadhaar OTP; it is complete only after the e-sign. Then update the nominee on bank accounts, life and health insurance, and NPS or other investments. A health policy is also the place to add your spouse as a member.
Registration rules are made by each state. Even where it is not strictly compulsory, the marriage certificate is the document every office asks for when you change your name, address or nominee, so register soon after the wedding.
What is the difference between the Hindu Marriage Act and the Special Marriage Act?
Under the Hindu Marriage Act you register a marriage that has already happened with a religious ceremony, under your state’s rules. The Special Marriage Act is for any couple, including inter-faith couples: you give a notice to the Marriage Officer, wait 30 days for objections, and then the marriage is solemnised or registered with three witnesses.
Do I have to change my surname after marriage?
No. Changing the surname is a personal choice. If you do change it, update Aadhaar first, then PAN, bank, passport and the rest, so the names match everywhere.
Does my PAN number change if I change my name?
No. Your PAN number stays the same for life. Only the name on the card is updated if you apply for a change.
Sources
Last checked: . Fees and rules change, and many differ by state. Always confirm on the official site before you pay. This is general information, not legal advice.
The Special Marriage Act, 1954 (India Code) indiacode.nic.in · Notice to the Marriage Officer after 30 days’ residence, 30 days for objections, three witnesses; groom 21, bride 18.