Marriage Registration in 2026: Required Documents, Locations, and Procedures Explained

Marriage Certificate A Marriage Certificate is a legal document confirming the marital status of two individuals, establishing their rights and responsibilities under the law. Currently, Thailand recognizes "marriage equality". Marriage equality meaning that people of any gender can legally register their marriage and wed. Thairath Online has gathered all the essential information about marriage registration for you.

What is the minimum age to register marriage in 2026?

Those wishing to register a marriage must both be at least 18 years old. (If under 18, court permission is required.) Those aged 20 or older can register their marriage independently.

Qualifications for those registering marriage

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must not be legally incompetent or mentally incapacitated.
• Must not already be married to someone else.
• Must not be siblings sharing the same parents or one parent.
• Adoptive parents cannot marry their adopted children.
• Widowed women may remarry only after 310 days since their previous marriage ended, unless exceptions apply, such as childbirth during this period, a medical certificate confirming no pregnancy, remarrying the same spouse, or court approval.

What documents are required for marriage registration?

1. National ID card or other government-issued identification, or identity verification via the ThaID app.

2. Copy of house registration document.

3. Consent letter (if the guardian of a minor aged at least 18 but not yet fully of age cannot appear in person to give consent).

4. Passport copy (for foreigners).

5. Certificate of personal status from the embassy, consulate, or official government organization of the foreigner's country, translated into Thai and legally certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' consular department (for foreigners registering marriage).

What documents are needed if the wife does not want to change her surname?

If the wife wishes to keep her original surname after marriage, she can notify the official at the time of registration. The required documents are the usual ones for marriage registration. Standard documents are sufficient for marriage registration.

Where can marriage registration be done?

• District office
• Provincial office
• Thai embassy or consulate (for those abroad)
• Special designated locations on special occasions, such as Valentine’s Day.

Is it necessary to have witnesses for marriage registration?

Two adult witnesses are required to sign and certify the marriage. They do not have to be close relatives and can be the registration officials themselves.

Steps for marriage registration updated for 2026

1. Prepare all required documents (you may apply anywhere regardless of your permanent address).

2. Go to the district office, provincial office, or specified registration location.

3. Submit the application and fill out the form as instructed.

4. Verify information and sign to confirm the registration.

5. Receive the marriage certificate.

What is the fee for marriage registration?

There is no fee when registering at the official registration office. However, if registration is done outside the office, a fee of 200 baht applies, including transport for officials.

What documents are needed to register marriage with a foreigner?

A Thai man or woman wishing to marry a foreigner must prepare the following:

• Thai ID card or passport
• Two witnesses (one per party)

Foreign national wishing to marry a Thai must prepare:

• Certificate of single status issued by their government, translated into Thai and legally certified by the consular department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Passport
• Parental consent if the foreign spouse is under 20 years old.
• Two witnesses (one per party)

Marriage registration online in 2026

Marriage registration must be done in person at the designated office, but you can reserve an appointment online in advance to register your marriage via the websitewww.bora.dopa.go.thallowing you to choose a convenient date and time, reducing waiting time on the day of registration.

Information sources :Department of Provincial Administration, Ministry of InteriorPublic Service Information Center

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• Simple summary of "marriage equality," documents required for registration, and important rights to know.