Marriage Certificate (Nikah Nama) – How to Get It Registered
This guide explains how to properly register a marriage (Nikah) in Pakistan, how to get an official Marriage Certificate, and how to avoid common mistakes that cause problems later for CNIC, passport, visa, or NADRA records.
1. What Is a Marriage Certificate (Nikah Nama)?
A Marriage Certificate, commonly known as Nikah Nama, is a legal document that proves a man and woman are legally married under Pakistani law.
In Pakistan:
Nikah is performed by a Nikah Khawan
Registration is done with the Union Council
Certificate is issued in Urdu
NADRA record is updated based on this certificate
👉 Without registration, your marriage is not legally recognized for:
CNIC marital status
Passport
Visa
Family registration certificate (FRC)
Inheritance or legal matters
2. Who Can Register a Marriage in Pakistan?
Marriage registration can be done by:
✔ Husband
✔ Wife
✔ Nikah Khawan
✔ Authorized representative (with authority letter)
Eligibility Conditions:
Both bride and groom must be Muslims (for Nikah Nama)
Groom must be 18 years or above
Bride must be 18 years or above
Both must consent freely
📌 Under-age marriage is illegal and punishable.
3. Types of Marriage Certificates in Pakistan
There are three main types:
1️⃣ Urdu Nikah Nama (Union Council)
Primary legal document
Issued by Union Council
Mandatory for all marriages
2️⃣ NADRA Marriage Registration (CNIC Update)
Updates marital status in NADRA record
Required for passport & official use
3️⃣ English Marriage Certificate (Optional)
Used for foreign visas & immigration
Issued by Union Council or NADRA (where available)
4. Documents Required for Marriage Registration
A. Documents of Groom
Original CNIC
CNIC photocopy
2 passport-size photographs (sometimes)
B. Documents of Bride
Original CNIC
CNIC photocopy
2 passport-size photographs
📌 If bride’s CNIC is expired → renew first.
C. Additional Required Documents
Nikah Nama form (provided by Nikah Khawan)
Witness CNICs (2 witnesses)
Haqq Mehr details
Wali (guardian) CNIC (if required)
D. Special Cases Documents
Widow:
Husband’s death certificate
Divorced Woman:
Divorce certificate / Khula papers
Court Marriage:
Court Nikah order
Affidavit
CNICs
5. Step-by-Step: How to Register Marriage (Nikah Nama)
Step 1: Perform Nikah Ceremony
Nikah must be performed by:
Licensed Nikah Khawan
Or court-authorized Nikah registrar
Nikah Khawan fills Nikah Nama Form with:
Bride & groom details
CNIC numbers
Haqq Mehr
Witnesses
Signatures & thumb impressions
⚠️ Check all spellings carefully before signing
Step 2: Submission to Union Council
Nikah Khawan submits Nikah Nama to:
Relevant Union Council
Usually within 3 days
📌 If Nikah Khawan does not submit, you must follow up.
Step 3: Union Council Verification
Union Council:
Verifies CNIC records
Checks age & marital status
Registers marriage officially
Step 4: Issuance of Registered Nikah Nama
After approval:
Union Council issues registered Nikah Nama
Usually within 3–10 working days
✔ This is your official marriage certificate
6. How to Get NADRA Marriage Registration (CNIC Update)
After UC registration, update NADRA records.
Step-by-Step:
Visit NADRA Registration Center
Husband & wife both visit
Bring:
Original Nikah Nama
CNICs
Biometric verification
Marital status updated
📌 Wife’s CNIC status changes from Single → Married.
7. Online Method (Is It Available?)
Union Council:
❌ Marriage registration is mostly offline
NADRA:
✔ Partial online services:
Appointment booking
Tracking
📌 Physical visit is mandatory for verification.
8. Offline Method (Traditional Way)
✔ Nikah ceremony
✔ UC registration
✔ NADRA visit
This is the standard and legally accepted process across Pakistan.
9. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these serious mistakes:
❌ Not registering Nikah with UC
❌ Wrong CNIC numbers
❌ Name spelling errors
❌ Wrong Haqq Mehr amount
❌ Losing original Nikah Nama
❌ Using unlicensed Nikah Khawan
❌ Delaying NADRA update
⚠️ Unregistered Nikah can cause major legal problems later.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is Nikah Nama mandatory?
Yes. Without it, marriage has no legal proof.
Q2: How long does registration take?
Usually 3–10 working days.
Q3: Can I register old marriage?
Yes. Late registration is allowed with affidavit.
Q4: Is English Nikah Nama compulsory?
No, but useful for visa & immigration.
Q5: Can marriage be registered without bride present?
Nikah can be performed via Wakil, but NADRA update requires presence.
Q6: What if Nikah Nama is lost?
Duplicate copy can be obtained from Union Council.
11. Conclusion
Registering your Marriage Certificate (Nikah Nama) is not optional — it is a legal requirement in Pakistan. Proper registration protects your rights and avoids future issues with CNIC, passport, visa, and inheritance.
Final Advice:
✔ Register Nikah immediately
✔ Verify spellings & CNIC numbers
✔ Update NADRA records
✔ Keep multiple copies safe
✔ Avoid agents
If you follow this step-by-step guide, your marriage will be fully legal and officially recognized.
