Notice documents

You will be required to present certain documents to the registrar at your notice appointment. 

  • All documents must be originals; photocopies will not be accepted
  • Any court issued documents must have an official court stamp, and if received by email, proof of the sender must be shown at the appointment

Failure to provide the correct documents will mean you are unable to give notice.

Evidence of name, age and nationality 

British citizens 

You will need to provide ONE of the following 

  • Valid UK passport 
  • UK citizenship certificate 

  • Full UK birth certificate - when using a birth certificate, you may need to provide additional evidence, please see the table below

Additional evidence
Date of birth Evidence required 
Before 1 January 1983 Your full UK birth certificate
On or after 1 January 1983 Your full UK birth certificate plus one of the following 
  • Your mother’s British birth certificate
  • Your father’s British birth certificate (this can only be used if your parents were married at the time of your birth or have been married since you were born. Evidence of their marriage may also be required).
After 1 July 2006 Your full UK birth certificate plus evidence of either parents’ British nationality/citizenship or settled status at the time of your birth. Using ONE of the following as proof
  • Mother's or father's British birth certificate
  • Mother's or father's British passport showing their British nationality or settled status at the time of your birth

If you are providing evidence of your parent’s nationality and they were born on or after 1 January 1983 you will also need to provide evidence of your grandparent’s nationality, please contact the Ceremonies Hub to discuss 0345 60 80 198. 

Irish citizens 

  • Valid Irish passport

EU citizens with the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)

  • A valid EU passport

  • An EUSS share code

You can get a share code on the GOV.UK website. You will need to give this code to the registrar at your appointment. 

All other nationalities 

  • A valid passport or eVisa share code

  • Evidence of your immigration status* (eVisa share code or stamp/vignette in passport)

  • Evidence of a visa issued specifically for the purpose of marriage or civil partnership if you have one 

*If you do not have the appropriate immigration status or visa for the purpose of marriage or civil partnership, your notices must be referred to the Home Office for approval. 

Evidence of your address

You will need to provide ONE of the following:
Valid UK driving licence  This must be in date and show your correct home address. You can be fined up to £1000 if you do not tell the DVLA of your change of address. You can change your address here Change the address on your driving licence: Apply online - GOV.UK
Council tax bill Dated within 12 months of your appointment
Utility bill (gas, electric, or water) Dated within 3 months of your appointment
Bank statement  Dated within 1 month of your appointment
Mortgage statement  Dated within 12 months of your appointment
Tenancy agreement  Current agreement 

If you do not have one of the above, please contact the Ceremonies Hub to discuss 0345 60 80 198.

Evidence of marital status 

If you have ever been married or in a civil partnership before you must show evidence that this has legally ended.

If you are divorced

You must bring an official court issued divorce document evidencing the legal ending to any previous marriage or civil partnership

If the document was sent via email, proof of the sender must be shown to the registrar at the appointment.

If your divorce was granted outside of the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man, additional fees will apply. Please call the Ceremonies Hub to discuss 0345 60 80 198.

If you are widowed

You will need to bring the original death certificate of your late spouse or civil partner. 

If you are not named on the death certificate you must also bring along your original marriage or civil partnership certificate. 

Evidence of any name changes

If any of your documents show a different name to the one you are currently using, you will need to provide evidence linking these names. This may be in the form of a:

  • Change of name deed
  • Previous marriage or civil partnership certificate

Translation of documents

If any of your documents are in another language you must provide the original document and an English translation. The document must be translated in full by someone other than you or your partner. 

The person who translates the document will be required to write a statement confirming the correct and full translation. This will be confirmed when booking your appointment. 

Photographs 

Couples whose notices require approval from the Home Office, or couples who have a visa specifically for the purpose of marriage/civil partnership, will each need to provide a passport size photo. You will be advised if this is required when you book your appointments. 

Booking a notice appointment 

To book a notice appointment at an East Sussex register office call the Ceremonies Hub on 0345 60 80 198.

Ceremonies In East Sussex