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BDM189
Application for 
Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage or Civil Union
He tono mō tētahi Tiwhikete mō te Aweto-Kore ki te Mārena, Hono ā-Ture rānei
If you are getting married or entering into a civil union outside New Zealand it is important that you contact the  
authorities in that country to check their laws and requirements and allow a minimum statutory period of 14 days, but 
as a general rule, you should allow four weeks if your document also requires Authentication. 
Definitions
Certificate of No 
Certain overseas countries require a ‘Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage/Civil Union’ before 
Impediment to Marriage/  
allowing you to marry or enter into a civil union. The certificate is evidence that after searches and 
Civil Union
inquiries, no lawful impediment to the intended marriage/civil union has been shown to exist in your 
country of citizenship or residence, and according to New Zealand laws you are eligible to be married 
or enter into a civil union.
Your Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage/Civil Union may require an Apostille or Authentication:
Apostilled or e-Apostilled 
This confirms that the person who signed the document has the authority to do so and that the 
certificate
document should therefore be recognised as legal without further evidence in another country which 
has joined the Hague Convention. 
Authenticated certificate
This confirms that the person who signed the document has the authority to do so and the Ministry of 
Foreign Affairs and Trade verifies the signature and seal of the Department of Internal Affairs.
For more information about Apostille or authentication refer to www.dia.govt.nz/Document-authentication
Who signs?
The person intending to get married or enter into a civil union outside New Zealand must complete and sign this application
We will write to your parents, relative or a friend +
Your parent/s, relative or friend will be sent a letter asking that they confirm that they know of no lawful impediment to you marrying/
entering into a civil union. Ensure the address you provide for them is accurate as your certificate will not be issued until 
Births, Deaths and Marriages has received their letter in response. If you don't have any family or friends living in New Zealand you 
can provide the details of someone living overseas. Please indicate if either parent is deceased. 
Registration of Overseas Marriages/Civil Unions in New Zealand ü
If you have married or entered into a civil union overseas and wish to confirm that your overseas marriage or civil union is valid in 
New Zealand you may apply to the Family Court for a declaration as to the validity of the marriage/civil union. Contact a lawyer to 
discuss whether it is necessary to obtain a declaration. Your marriage/civil union should be registered in the country where it takes 
place. There is no legal requirement to have an overseas marriage registered in New Zealand. Overseas civil unions can not be 
registered in New Zealand.  
  
Marriages in an overseas country may be registered in New Zealand only if an officer from a New Zealand Embassy or  
High Commission attends the marriage ceremony. A certificate may then be sent by the Embassy/High Commission to the  
Registrar-General, and the marriage details are then able to be recorded in the New Zealand marriage register. You should liaise with 
the New Zealand Embassy or High Commission prior to the marriage taking place to establish whether a New Zealand representative 
is available to attend. Fees may be payable to the Embassy or High Commission for this service.
If you require a Single Status certificate
Some countries require a single status certificate, or a similarly named document, as evidence that you are single for the purpose of 
immigration or for a work permit etc. While Births, Deaths and Marriages do not have such a product, we do provide for a Certificate of 
Search that states that a search of the marriage and civil union registers has been carried out from a certain date (usually when the 
applicant turned 16).
General information
What else might need to 
For marriages/civil unions in some countries, the representative of that country in New Zealand must 
be done after the 
endorse the Certificate of No Impediment before it is sent. The fee for this service is in addition to the 
certificate is issued?
fee payable in respect of the notice.
How much time 
Once Births, Deaths and Marriages has received and processed the application, a Certificate of No 
should I allow for 
Impediment will not be issued until after a minimum statutory period of 14 days, but as a general rule, 
º this?
you should allow four weeks if your document also requires Authentication.
Does the certificate have 
Some countries may treat a Certificate of No Impediment as valid only for a certain period after its 
a validity period?
issue date.
How much does it 
The base fee is NZ$122.60 but there may be additional costs depending on the country you intend to 
$ cost?
get married in.
Where can I find 
Country specific information about the process, fee and timeframe to apply for a Certificate of No 
i more information? Impediment is available at www.govt.nz/bdm. Alternatively contact Births, Deaths and Marriages or the 
appropriate Embassy/Consulate for further details.
How to Contact us (
• Visit our website www.govt.nz/bdm 
• Freephone 0800 22 52 52 (New Zealand only) 
• Phone +64 4 463 9362 (if overseas) 
• Email [email address]  
• If overseas you may contact New Zealand Embassies, High Commissions or Consulates
Address +
Email
Post
:
,
Courier
v
Scan and email as an 
CONI Team 
CONI Team 
attachment to 
Births, Deaths and Marriages 
Births, Deaths and Marriages 
CONI@dia.govt.nz
Department of Internal Affairs 
Department of Internal Affairs 
PO Box 10-526 
120 Victoria Street 
Wellington 6143 
Wellington 6143 
New Zealand
New Zealand
Privacy Statement: The information provided on this form is collected under the Marriage Act 1955, Civil Union Act 2004 and Births, Deaths, 
Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 1995.

Application for Certificate of No Impediment to 
Marriage or Civil Union
He tono mō tētahi Tiwhikete mō te Aweto-Kore ki te Mārena, Hono ā-Ture rānei
BDM189
i Please read the notes on the two pages at the front of this application form carefully before you start and allow a minimum statutory period of 
     14 days, but as a general rule, you should allow four weeks if your document also requires Authentication. 
I give notice that, I
Your full name
First name(s)
Surname
Name given at birth (if different from above)
First name(s)
Surname
Date of your birth
Day
Month
Year
Town/City of your birth (including country if not NZ)
If entering into a civil union and you were not born in New Zealand, what year did you arrive in New Zealand? 
at present residing at
Your residential address (home address)
Your postal address (if different)
Line 1
Line 1
Line 2
Line 2
Line 3
Post code
Line 3
Post code
Line 4
Line 4
Your email address
Your phone number
intend to
(Tick one)
Reason you require a Certificate of Search:
Get married with a Certificate of No Impediment
Enter into a civil union with a Certificate of No Impediment
Request a Certificate of Search (refer Notes: Single Status Certificate)g
Full name of the person you intend to marry or enter into a civil union with
First name(s)
Surname
If entering into a civil union also provide the person's date and place of birth:
Date of birth Day
Month
Year
Place of birth
a national or citizen of
Country of nationality of the person you intend to marry or enter into a civil union with
Country
in
Country you intend to get married in or enter into a civil union
Country
Page 1 of 3
Your parent's details (full names must be provided)                                                     Statement A
Full name of:
Father
Mother
Tick if deceased
First name(s)
Surname
Name given at birth (if different from above)
First name(s)
Surname
If this parent lives in New Zealand enter address
Flat number (if applicable)
Street number
Street name
Suburb or rural locality
City, town or district
Post Code
This parent's email address
Full name of:
Father
Mother
Other parent
Tick if deceased
First name(s)
Surname
Name given at birth (if different from above)
First name(s)
Surname
If this parent lives in New Zealand enter address
Flat number (if applicable)
Street number
Street name
Suburb or rural locality
City, town or district
Post Code
This parent's email address
If no parent is living in New Zealand                                                                           Statement B
Name and address of a relative or friend (circle one) in New Zealand who has known you for at least 12 months
First name(s)
Surname
Flat number (if applicable)
Street number
Street name
Suburb or rural locality
City, town or district
Post Code
Relative or friend’s email address
Page 2 of 3
If you have previously been married or in a civil union
If you have previously been married or in a civil union, complete for your most recent marriage/civil union:
Never been in a marriage or civil union - go to Signature
Marriage
Date of marrriage/civil union
Civil Union g
] Day
Month
Year
Place of marrriage/civil union (town or city, and country if not New Zealand)
and how and when did your previous marriage/civil union end?
Death of spouse/partner
Date of dissolution/divorce or death of partner
g
]
By dissolution/divorce*
Day
Month
Year
*If either the marriage/civil union or the dissolution/divorce occured outside New Zealand attach a copy of 
your Order of Dissolution/Divorce. If not in English translate into English using a recognised organisation.
Signature (of the person intending to get married or enter into a civil union outside New Zealand)
Signature 
Date signed
of applicant
Full name
Payment details i               Contact us for fees                      DO NOT POST CASH
Step 1: How much is the fee?
Select your country
Country (1 Apostille)
Country (2 Apostilles)
Step 2: If an Apostille country , which product do you want?
If the country you intend to marry or enter into a civil union 
Apostille (qty 1)
I request a:
requires an Apostille, you may have the option of choosing to 
e-Apostille (qty 1)
have an e-Apostille. For more information refer to 
www.dia.govt.nz/Document-authentication
Apostille and e-Apostille (qty 2)
Step 3: How do you want to pay?
Fee NZ$
(fee from Step 1)
Select Country. The number in brackets is estimated delivery in working days. 
Courier NZ$
>> Select country from list<<  Courier is recommended if overseas.
TOTAL NZ$
Paying in person at our Auckland, Manukau, Wellington or Christchurch office (EFTPOS or cash)
I enclose a New Zealand cheque, New Zealand money order or International bankdraft in New Zealand dollars made out to: 
The Department of Internal Affairs
Charge my credit/debit card:
VISA
Mastercard
Amex
Prezzy Card
Card number
Expiry date
  Cardholder's name
Cardholder's signature
Print Form
Page 3 of 3
Last updated: 25 October 2016