Marriage certificate notarization (结婚证公证)

What this notarization certifies

The notary office certifies that a copy of your marriage certificate is a true and lawful copy of the original. Foreign immigration authorities and registries request it for spousal visas, joint residence applications and name or status changes abroad.

Who can apply in Shanghai

Applicants whose registered or habitual residence is in Shanghai, or whose marriage certificate was issued by Shanghai civil affairs authorities.

Documents to prepare

• Notarization application form (filled in and signed at the notary office)
• Both spouses' IDs — resident ID card, passport, or Taiwan / HK / Macao permits
• Both spouses' household registers (or police household certificates)
• Proof of living in Shanghai, if your hukou is registered elsewhere — Shanghai residence permit, a property deed or lease in your or a close relative's name, or an employer letter
• The marriage certificate
• Guardian's ID and proof of guardianship, if the applicant is a minor or lacks full legal capacity
• Agent's ID and a letter of authorization, if someone applies on your behalf

Requirements vary case by case — the coordinator confirms your personal checklist before you visit the notary office.

Fee and timeline

• Notary fee: ¥100 (about $15) per certificate
• Extra certificate copies: ¥10 (about $1.50) each
• Acceptance review: up to 3 working days; the certificate is normally issued within 15 working days of acceptance

Fees follow Shanghai's published government price standard (2017/2018). The coordinator confirms the current fee and the certified-translation cost before you commit to anything.

Using it abroad

China joined the Hague Apostille Convention in November 2023. For use in a member country — the US, Japan, most of Europe and many others — the notarial certificate receives an apostille and needs no embassy legalization. For non-member countries, consular legalization still applies. Tell the coordinator the destination country and we arrange the correct chain, including a certified translation into the language the receiving authority requires.