FAMILY
Family Record Book
Moroccan family record book: procedures, duplicates and certified copies
The Moroccan family record book contains key information regarding the holder’s family circumstances. In particular, it serves to prove marriage, register children and keep track of changes affecting the family.
After the marriage, the husband may apply for this document from the registry office in his place of birth. Depending on his circumstances, he may submit the application himself, appoint a representative or contact the relevant Moroccan consular services.
Furthermore, the holder must update their family register after every significant change. They must therefore report a birth, a death, a divorce or any other change relating to the civil status of a family member.
In principle, the authorities issue a single marriage certificate in the husband’s name. However, the wife, a divorced woman or a legal representative may request a certified copy from the office holding the original record.
In the event of loss, theft or damage, the holder may also obtain a duplicate. They may then need to contact the other registry offices that have added entries to the old document. This will ensure that all the information is included in the new booklet.
What is the Moroccan family record book used for?
The family record book makes a number of administrative procedures easier. In particular, it can be used to prove the composition of the family, to register children or to complete certain forms for Moroccan authorities.
Furthermore, this document enables the civil registry offices to keep a consistent record of family events. It is therefore important to check the information contained therein regularly and to request an update whenever a change occurs.
Who can apply for a family record book?
The husband may submit the application himself. However, if he is unable to do so in person, he may authorise another person to act on his behalf by means of a notarised power of attorney.
If the applicant lives in Morocco, they can contact the civil registry office in their place of birth. In certain circumstances, they may also apply through the office in their place of residence.
However, a person living abroad may contact the relevant Moroccan consulate. This option is particularly suitable if they do not have a representative in Morocco.
Important information before submitting your application
- The authorities issue a single family record book in the husband’s name;
- Furthermore, the holder may replace an old identity and civil status booklet;
- After every change in family circumstances, he must request an update;
- In the case of foreign documents, the relevant authorities may require an official translation into Arabic;
- Finally, some offices may request additional documents depending on the applicant’s circumstances.
How do I obtain a duplicate or a certified copy?
To obtain a replacement, the holder must explain how the document was lost, stolen or damaged. They must then complete their application with the supporting documents required by the authorities.
With regard to certified copies, the spouse, divorced wife or legal representative may submit an application. However, the registry office will verify the applicant’s identity and their relationship to the holder of the register.
In both cases, it is still advisable to prepare all the documents before submitting the application. This way, the applicant minimises the risk of delays or an incomplete application.
Documents to be provided
Please note: do also check the ‘Practical information’ and ‘Online services’ sections of the website www.alhalalmadania.ma. This will allow you to download the relevant forms or complete them directly online.
APPLICATION FOR A MOROCCAN FAMILY BOOK
- Please provide two standard passport-sized photographs measuring 3.5 cm × 4.5 cm;
- Please attach a copy of the applicant’s CNIE;
- Please also enclose a copy of the wife’s identity document;
- Please present the original Adoula or civil marriage certificate, together with a photocopy;
- As regards the husband, please provide a full copy or an extract of his birth certificate;
- If the wife is Moroccan, please enclose a full copy of her birth certificate;
- In the case of a foreign spouse, please enclose a full copy of her birth certificate, showing the names of her father and mother, together with an Arabic translation.
REPLACEMENT OF THE IDENTITY AND CIVIL STATUS BOOKLET
- Please provide a copy of the marriage certificate, marriage confirmation or mutual recognition of marriage;
- On the basis of this document, the registrar will be able to add a note regarding the marriage to the individual’s birth certificate;
- Then add a copy of the wife’s birth certificate;
- For each child, please enclose a copy of their birth certificate;
- Finally, please return the old identity and civil status booklet so that the authorities can add it to the file.
APPLICATION FOR A DUPLICATE FAMILY REGISTER
- Draw up a notarised statement detailing the loss, theft or damage to the passbook;
- Next, present the person’s CNIE;
- Where applicable, please attach the children’s previous birth certificates;
- If you have it, please also enclose a copy of the lost or damaged booklet.
APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFIED COPY OF THE FAMILY REGISTER
- Please attach the Moroccan applicant’s CNIE or the foreign spouse’s identity document;
- Please provide the original marriage or divorce certificate;
- In the event of a spouse’s death, please provide their death certificate;
- Please then provide a full copy of the booklet holder’s birth certificate;
- Depending on the circumstances, please include the children’s birth certificates with the application;
- Finally, sign a statutory declaration confirming that you do not have the original booklet and that you have never been issued with a copy before.
