Before you attend your appointment

Each person attending the appointment should bring the following documents:

The exact documents you should bring are shown below.

All documents must be originals. If you do not provide all the required documents we may not be able to proceed with your appointment.

Any documents not in English must be accompanied by a third-party translation.

Proof of nationality

You must bring one of the following documents:

Proof of address

You must bring one of the following documents showing your current address:

  • valid UK driving licence (provisional licence acceptable)
  • original bank statement dated within one month of the appointment
  • original council tax bill dated within one year of the appointment
  • original utility bill (gas, electric, water or broadband) dated within three months of the appointment
  • mortgage statement dated within one year of the appointment
  • current tenancy agreement

Evidence that any previous marriage or civil partnership has ended

You must bring one of the following relevant documents:

  • original Decree Absolute/Final Order or Certificate of Dissolution. If the divorce occurred in a foreign country there will be a fee for the paperwork to be considered of up to £75. This will be payable at your appointment
  • death certificate of your former spouse. If you are not recorded on the certificate as being the spouse you must also bring your marriage certificate

Change of name

All documents must be in the names you are currently using. If not, you must show documents that link to current names, e.g. change of name deed, marriage/civil partnership certificate.

Marriages and civil partnerships overseas

If you are getting married or forming a civil partnership overseas, it is your responsibility to check that the civic authorities in that country will accept a Certificate of No Impediment, that the marriage/civil partnership will take place within the validity period of the certificate and the venue details will be recorded correctly. Use the GOV.UK tool to help you identify what you need to do in each country.

Contact us

Please contact us before your appointment if you have any questions about the documentation you need to bring.

Dorset Registration Service

Name: Dorset Registration Service
Email: registrars@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Tel: 01305 225153
Full contact details