Marriage Registration in Malaysia: A Step by Step Guide

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For a marriage to be recognised in Malaysia and for legal purposes, it is compulsory for all Malaysians to register with the National Registration Department or JPN (Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara). This is optional for foreigners living in Malaysia, and there is a different process for Muslim and non-Muslim citizens. Below is a simple step by step guide to registering your marriage for non-Muslims.

You should start the application to register your marriage at least one month before the solemnisation/ registration date. Note that you need to be married within six (6) months from your date of application.

STEP 1: Choose your ROM venue

In Malaysia, non-Muslims have 3 venue options:

1. National Registration Department (NRD) Branch Office
2. Places of worship (Church / Temple / Association by Assistant Registrar of Marriage)
3. Venue of your choice (Hotel / Garden, etc.)

For option 1, the place of application is based on the address stated on the MyKad or residential address in Malaysia (for non-citizen). Marriage involving foreign nationals must be done via option 1 only. For options 2 and 3, an additional fee might apply, and please refer to Step 3 if these options are chosen.

STEP 2: Acquire the relevant forms

1. Head to an NRD Branch Office to obtain the relevant physical form with your spouse-to-be.* (View a sample here)
2. Prepare the following documents for your visit: –

• Original and one (1) photocopy of MyKad or MyPR of both applicants.
• Original and one (1) photocopy of Birth Certificate if the applicant is a non-citizen.
• Original and one (1) photocopy of Passport (with personal details, latest arrival date in Malaysia and a valid visa or pass) if the applicant is a non-citizen.
• Passport-sized photos (32mm x 38mm) of both parties with a blue background.
• Photocopy of MyKad or MyPR for each of the two witnesses.
• Statutory Declaration (which has been embedded in the form) signed in front of the Registrar of Marriage stating that there is no lawful impediment to the marriage and that all the requirements have been complied with (e.g. applicants are above 21 years of age; if below 21, the appropriate consent has been obtained; a previously married applicant is divorced or a widower/widow).
• If either applicant is divorced/widowed, the relevant divorce or death certificate, i.e. original and one (1) photocopy of divorce/death certificate must be submitted.
• Additional supporting documents are required for foreign nationals, please visit here for more information.

STEP 3: Application of Marriage 

1. After acquiring and filling in the the form, you may submit your Application for Marriage to the Marriage and Divorce Division of NRD. (Both people must be present during submission)

• Solemnisation in JPN (Form: JPN. KC02)
  • You may pick your date for solemnisation during this appointment as well.
  • Applicants must reside in the district where the marriage is to take place for at least 7 full days. If applicants are not residing in the same district, applicants need to submit their applications to their respective NRD Branch Office based on the address stated in their MyKad or MyPR.**
  • If you and your partner are from different states, both person needs to fill one form each and submit to JPN at their respective states. For example, if you plan to register in State A, partner from State B will need to collect form after having it stamped in State B and bring it to State A where the both of you plan to be registered.
• Solemnisation outside of JPN (venue without in-house Registrar of Marriage) (Form: JPN.KC01E)
  • Make an application with JPN at least one (1) month from your wedding date. If approved, a fee of MYR500 will be charged for the Registrar to be present at your wedding.
  • Addresses in different states don’t apply in this situation, only (1) JPN.KC01E form needs to submitted in the state office where the venue of solemnisation is located. For example, if the venue is Glasshouse Seputeh, submit your form to the JPN Selangor office.
• Solemnisation outside of JPN (venue with in-house Registrar of Marriage) (Form: JPN.KC01F)
  • Certain venues and places of worship may be able to assist you in one or all the above steps, since they have an in-house appointed Registrar of Marriage. Do check in with your venue of choice for more information before embarking on this process.
  • At most, submitting (1) JPN.KC01F form (addresses in different states don’t apply in this situation, form can be submitted at either state offices) would be the only step required.
  • Bring the stamped form along with payment receipt to the place of worship in question to set the solemnisation date. The 21 days notice does not apply here.

STEP 4: Display of Notice of Marriage (Done by JPN)

1. Display of Notice of Marriage will last at least 21 full days or until 3 months have passed, whichever is earlier.
2. Registration of Marriage shall take place after 21 days but not later than 6 months from the date of application.

STEP 5: Issuance of Certificate of Marriage 

1. Issuance of Certificate of Marriage will take place if there is no objection arising from the Display of Notice of Marriage.
2. Fee is MYR10 for a Certificate of Marriage. 

STEP 6: Solemnisation and registration at any NRD Branch Office or place of worship

1. Dress up for your ROM.
2. If ROM is at the JPN Office, please ensure that your witnesses bring along their original MyKad and are dressed appropriately, i.e. t-shirts, jeans and flip-flops are not allowed. Please ensure that your two witnesses are trustworthy and aged 21 and above.
3. Fee is MYR20 for a Certificate of Marriage.

Disclaimers:

1. For more information, you may refer to the NRD website or head to the NRD Headquarters:

Ibu Pejabat Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara Putrajaya, 
Kementerian Dalam Negeri
20 Persiaran Perdana, Presint 2
Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan
62551 Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya.
Telephone: +603 8000 8000

2. Copyright of this article belongs to The Wedding Notebook and cannot be replicated without written permission.
3. This article should not be evidence in a court of law. It is simply an attempt to help readers understand the original content.

Notes:

a. Most NRD Branch Offices are closed. Please check with NRD on which of their offices are open.
b. Please make an appointment with an NRD Branch Office to submit an Application of Marriage. (For more information)
c. Wedding ceremonies can only be held in an NRD Branch Office, places of worship and religious associations.

Photography by Peter Herman Photography