2020 Celebrant Renewal Update
Renewal is fast approaching for independent celebrants (7 October - 25 October 2019) and organisational celebrants in (4 November to 29 November). Now is a good time to prepare for the upcoming renewal.
If you do not apply for renewal between those dates, you will be removed as a celebrant and will not be able to marry couples. If you later decide to be a celebrant, you must make a fresh application.
Independent Celebrant Renewal
All independent celebrant renewals are required to be completed online using your verified RealMe Identity. All independent celebrants should now have a verified RealMe Identity ready to use for the 2020 renewal. If you have not already verified your identity or wish to confirm your login details are still correct visit www.realme.govt.nz
Make sure your contact details are up to date by logging in to the self-service portal at: https://www.govt.nz/organisations/births-deaths-and-marriages/information-for-marriage-celebrants/update-your-celebrant-registration-details/
If you have not used the portal before, email celebrants@dia.govt.nz with your name and celebrant number to obtain your personalised link.
Organisational Celebrant Renewal
Renewal for organisational celebrants will start after independent celebrants and is to be completed online by the central contact.
Central Contacts
All central contacts should now have a verified RealMe Identity ready to use for the 2020 renewal. If you have not already verified your identity or wish to confirm your login details are still correct, visit www.realme.govt.nz
It is your responsibility to complete the annual renewal on behalf of the celebrants within your organisation. An email will be sent to you in early November providing you with access to the online renewal for your organisation. Please complete the renewal in full and pay the required fee before the close of date to ensure your celebrants are current for the following year.
You will need to pay the renewal fee for each celebrant at the time of submission. It is recommended that you consider this ahead of time and have the fee readily available on a credit, debit or Prezzy card.
Organisational Celebrants
The central contact of your organisation is responsible for completing the renewal on your behalf. It is recommended that you speak to your central contact to ensure they have obtained their verified RealMe Identity and are prepared to complete the renewal in November.
Fees
The fee can be paid online via credit, debit or Prezzy card when completing the renewal. This fee is for application only and is non-refundable should your renewal be declined.
If the renewal application is not completed before the official close date, you will be removed from the list of celebrants. To become a celebrant again you will need to complete a new celebrant application and pay the full fee of $220 (Independent) or $150 (Organisational). If you want to retain your licence for another year complete the application before the close of the renewal.
Further Information
- The independent celebrant renewal will open on 7 October and close on 25 October 2019
- The organisational celebrant renewal will open on 4 November and close on 29 November 2019
- All independent celebrants and organisational central contacts are required to complete the renewal online using a verified RealMe Identity
- Independent celebrants will be required to pay $60 when submitting their renewal application online
- Organisational central contacts will be required to pay $30 per celebrant when submitting the renewal online
- A link to the renewal will be sent to you via email as soon as the renewal opens
- You may continue taking bookings and performing weddings throughout the renewal process
Any questions relating to the 2020 renewal should be sent to celebrants@dia.govt.nz as soon as possible to ensure an easy renewal process.
