Marriage Certificate Apostille in Lakshadweep
Getting a marriage certificate apostille in Lakshadweep is mostly a question of distance, since the islands are far from any MEA centre. Couples who registered before the Sub-Registrar receive a certificate from that office, while most Muslim marriages are recorded by the Khazi of the island. We take these certificates from Kavaratti and the other islands through Delhi to MEA.
By the INFINITYGRO documentation teamUpdated Facts checked against MEA and HCCH
Marriage certificate attestation sample
I live in Kavaratti and my marriage certificate is from the Khazi. Can it be apostilled for Saudi Arabia? Saudi Arabia accepts the apostille. For a marriage certificate apostille in Lakshadweep, first send us a scan. A Khazi's certificate may need a supporting registration certificate from a government office before a notary and the SDM will attest it. We confirm what your document needs before you courier the original to Delhi.
Who issues marriage certificates on the islands
Lakshadweep has no separate state marriage registration Act. Marriages are registered under the central Acts. The Sub-Registrar issues a certificate to couples who registered their marriage before that office, and the request is made on plain paper with a court fee stamp. For Muslim marriages, which are the large majority here, the Khazi of the island usually issues the certificate.
In 2017 the UT Administration also notified the Lakshadweep Anand Marriages Registration Rules for Sikh Anand Karaj marriages. The Revenue Department lists a marriage certificate among its services on the national service portal.
Key facts
| Law | Central Acts apply (Special Marriage Act 1954, Hindu Marriage Act 1955 and others); Lakshadweep Anand Marriages Registration Rules, 2017 |
|---|---|
| Who issues certificates | Sub-Registrar for registered marriages; Khazi of the island for Muslim marriages |
| Online listing | Marriage Certificate listed by the Revenue Department via serviceonline.gov.in |
| UT administration | Collectorate, Revenue Bhavan, Kavaratti |
| Usual language | Malayalam and/or English (confirm on your certificate) |
| State authentication | No Lakshadweep office appears in MEA's list; confirm with the UT Administration |
| Delhi route | Delhi notary, SDM Delhi, MEA Apostille |
| MEA fee | Rs 50 per document |
Khazi certificates and government registration
A foreign office usually wants a certificate from a government authority. A Khazi's certificate on its own may not be enough for a notary or SDM to attest, or for the receiving country to accept. If your marriage has not been registered with a government office, ask the Sub-Registrar or the Collectorate in Kavaratti how to register it.
We review a scan before you send anything, so you do not courier documents from the islands twice.
How marriage certificate apostille in Lakshadweep works
MEA's published list of state authorities has no entry for Lakshadweep. In practice the Delhi route is the clearest option. A Delhi notary attests the certificate, the SDM in Delhi verifies the notary, and MEA's CPV Division issues the apostille. This route is accepted for most personal documents from any state or UT.
If a foreign office insists on verification by the UT itself, contact the Collectorate in Kavaratti to ask which officer handles it. Our all-inclusive Delhi route costs Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 per document, courier extra, and the Delhi stage usually takes 2 to 3 working days. More on MEA apostille in India.
Registering a marriage before you apply
If your marriage has never been registered with a government office, that step comes before any apostille. Couples of different faiths, or couples who want a civil marriage, can use the Special Marriage Act, 1954. Hindu couples can register under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. Sikh couples can use the 2017 Anand Marriages Registration Rules, which ask for the memorandum within 30 days and allow late filing with a declaration.
For Muslim marriages recorded by the Khazi, ask the Sub-Registrar or the Collectorate whether the marriage can also be entered in a government register. A government certificate gives the foreign office something it can rely on, and it makes the notary and SDM steps straightforward.
Once you hold a government certificate, a marriage certificate apostille in Lakshadweep follows the Delhi route described below. Keep a scan of every page before you post anything from the islands.
Sending documents from Kavaratti and the other islands
Kavaratti is the UT's headquarters, and the Collectorate at Revenue Bhavan is there. Wherever on the islands your certificate was issued, the apostille route is the same. Many residents post documents through the mainland, often via Kochi. Use a tracked courier and keep a scan. We return the apostilled certificate by Blue Dart or a similar tracked courier.
Before posting, put the certificate in a stiff envelope so it does not fold, and note the courier tracking number. If you also need an affidavit for a name difference, prepare it at the same time so both documents travel together.
Working in the Gulf: apostille or attestation
Many island families have members working in the Gulf. Saudi Arabia, Oman and Bahrain accept the apostille. The UAE, Qatar and Kuwait do not, so the certificate needs MEA attestation and then embassy legalization. Our embassy attestation service handles this, and the UAE attestation charges page explains the UAE process.
For Saudi Arabia, an apostille from MEA is usually what employers and family visa offices ask for. Check the latest requirement with the Saudi office handling your case, since requirements can differ between visa types.
Before you post the certificate
- Send the original or a certified copy. MEA does not apostille photocopies.
- Do not laminate it.
- Check both names against your passports. An affidavit is needed if they differ.
- Ask the destination whether Malayalam or Arabic text needs a certified translation.
If your marriage was registered on the mainland in Kerala, follow the Kerala guide.
Our office can confirm by WhatsApp when the courier arrives, and again when it leaves for the return trip.
Real marriage certificate apostille samples
Click any sample to enlarge. Personal details are masked.
Lakshadweep marriage certificate apostille FAQs
Is there a Lakshadweep marriage registration law?
We have not found a general UT marriage registration law. Marriages are registered under the central Acts. The UT notified rules in 2017 for Anand marriages only.
Can the Khazi's certificate be apostilled directly?
It depends on the document and the destination. Many foreign offices want a government registration certificate. Send us a scan and we will advise before you courier it.
Which Lakshadweep office authenticates documents for MEA?
MEA's list does not name one. The Delhi route through a notary and the SDM avoids this. For a UT-level check, ask the Collectorate in Kavaratti.
How long does a marriage certificate apostille in Lakshadweep take?
Once the original reaches our Delhi office, the Delhi route usually takes 2 to 3 working days. Courier time from the islands is extra.
Does MEA check whether our marriage was registered?
No. MEA verifies only the signature of the officer who authenticated the document, not its content.
Can I drop the certificate at your office instead of couriering it?
Yes, if you or a relative are in Delhi NCR. We do not offer home pickup. From the islands, courier the original and we return it by Blue Dart or a similar tracked courier.
Other documents from Lakshadweep
- Marriage Certificate apostille
- Birth Certificate apostille
- Degree Certificate apostille
- Diploma Certificate apostille
- PCC apostille
Marriage Certificate apostille in other states
Getting a Lakshadweep marriage certificate ready for abroad?
WhatsApp a photo of the document and the destination country. We reply with the route, the timeline and one total price.