Single Status Affidavit Apostille: A Complete Guide
A single status affidavit is a sworn, notarized statement confirming that you are unmarried and legally eligible to marry under the laws of another country. If you plan to marry abroad, a foreign authority will almost always request one. This guide covers how to prepare and notarize the affidavit, how to apostille it correctly for your destination, and which mistakes can cause delays or rejection. Before getting into the process, though, it helps to start with the basics.
What Is a Single Status Affidavit (and Its Other Names)?
A single status affidavit exists for a simple reason: the United States has no national marriage registry. Marriage records are held at the state or county level, and there is no single federal database a foreign government can check. In place of a nationwide certificate, you may need to swear to your marital status in front of a notary.
You may encounter several names for documents that serve a similar purpose, depending on the country asking for them:
- Affidavit of Single Status;
- Certificate of No Impediment (CNI);
- Certificate of Freedom to Marry, or Certificate of Marriageability;
- No Record of Marriage letter, or single status letter.
Whatever the label, the purpose is generally the same: to show that you are legally free to marry.
How to Get an Affidavit of Single Status
Because many U.S. jurisdictions do not issue an official single status certificate, you generally draft and self-declare your own affidavit, then have it notarized.
Start with the core information a single status affidavit typically contains:
- your full legal name;
- date of birth;
- current address;
- a sworn statement confirming your single status and eligibility to marry.
Depending on the destination, you may also need to add:
- Social Security number or passport number;
- a copy of a government-issued ID;
- your intended spouse’s name;
- the country where the marriage will take place.
For a form or template, there are a few ways to proceed. A state or county clerk may provide one, the destination country’s embassy or consulate may publish its own version, or you can use a drafted template that includes the required sworn language. Because each state has different requirements, verify yours beforehand.
Who Needs a Single Status Affidavit Apostille (and Why)?
You need a single status affidavit apostille when a foreign authority requires proof that you are free to marry and needs that proof authenticated for use abroad. The most common situations are:
- Marrying abroad — the main reason. Foreign civil registries require evidence that you are not already married before they will perform or register a marriage. Depending on the country, you may also need to provide an apostilled birth certificate as part of the marriage process.
- Immigration, visa, and residency-permit applications, where you may need to establish your marital status.
- Occasionally, employment or university verification abroad.
If you were previously married, expect to provide supporting proof alongside the affidavit — usually a divorce decree or a deceased spouse’s death certificate, each of which may also need its own apostille.
The Single Status Affidavit Form and Sample Wording
While there is no standard national form, most single status affidavits follow a similar structure: an identifying line, a sworn declaration of status, a signature, and a notary block. To see the full layout, you can download a single status affidavit sample (PDF).
Adjust the wording of a sworn statement to match what your destination country requires. For example, some ask for specific phrases such as “free to marry” or “no impediment to marriage.” And remember to keep the sworn, first-person structure intact, and leave the signature blank until you are in front of the notary.
Notarizing Your Single Status Affidavit
The affidavit is typically signed in front of a commissioned notary public. This step is essential because the apostille authenticates the notary’s signature and official capacity, and, where applicable, the seal. If the notarization is flawed, the apostille cannot be issued.
Common notarization issues include:
- missing or incomplete venue lines (the “State of ___, County of ___” block);
- an expired notary commission;
- an incomplete or incorrectly completed jurat or acknowledgment;
- signing the affidavit before appearing in front of the notary.
For a clearer explanation of how notarization and apostille differ, see our guide to apostille vs. notary.
How to Apostille a Single Status Affidavit (Step by Step)
In order to apostille a single status affidavit, follow the steps below:
- Draft the affidavit with all the required details.
- Sign it before a notary public.
- Send the document to the appropriate Secretary of State — the one in the state where the notary is commissioned.
- For non-Hague countries, the process is more involved and may require additional authentication and consular legalization before the affidavit can be used abroad.
These steps generally apply to other notarized documents as well. For example, if you need to authorize someone to act on your behalf abroad, you can follow a similar process to apostille a power of attorney.
Apostille vs. Legalization: Which One You Need
Which authentication you need depends entirely on your destination. Countries that belong to the Hague Apostille Convention accept a single apostille with no further steps. Members include Mexico, Italy, Spain, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and the Philippines, among many others.
For countries that do not accept apostilles, the affidavit generally follows the full authentication and legalization route: state authentication, U.S. Department of State authentication, and then legalization by the destination country’s embassy or consulate, where required.
Common Single Status Affidavit Apostille Mistakes
Delays in apostille processing or acceptance abroad often come from a handful of avoidable errors. So, you need to watch for:
- wording that does not match what the destination country requires;
- notarization errors — the venue, seal, or jurat problems noted above;
- apostilling in the wrong state (it must be the state where the notary is commissioned);
- missing supporting documents, such as a divorce decree or death certificate;
- skipping a required certified translation — some receiving authorities need the affidavit or accompanying records to be translated into the local language;
- letting the affidavit go stale — some countries or authorities only accept recently issued or signed documents.
Apostille Single Status Affidavit with One Source Process
A single status affidavit is a small document with a lot of room for error. The wrong wording, a flawed notarization, or an apostille from the wrong state can each send it back and delay a wedding or a visa. Getting every step right the first time is what keeps your timeline intact.
One Source Process prepares, notarizes, and authenticates these documents every day. If you want the affidavit handled correctly from drafting through authentication, our apostille and legalization services cover the entire process for any destination.
FAQ
What is an affidavit of single status also called?
It goes by several names: Certificate of No Impediment, Certificate of Freedom to Marry or Marriageability, and a no-record-of-marriage or single status letter.
How do I get an affidavit of single status in my state?
Most states do not issue one, so you draft and self-declare it, then sign before a notary.
Is there an official single status affidavit form?
There is no single national form. A compliant affidavit includes your identifying details, a sworn statement of unmarried status, your signature, and a notary block.
Does a single status affidavit need to be notarized?
Yes. A single status affidavit generally needs to be notarized because the apostille authenticates the notary’s signature and official capacity rather than the statement itself.
What is the cost and processing time for an apostille?
Apostille fees and processing times vary by state, document type, and how quickly you need the document returned. One Source Process can review your order and provide the expected cost and turnaround upfront, including any available rush or expedited options.
How long is a single status affidavit valid?
There is no universal validity period. Requirements vary by country, and some authorities require the affidavit to be issued within three to six months of submission.
Can I sign a single status affidavit outside the United States?
Yes. You can have the affidavit notarized abroad, either through a U.S. embassy or consulate or, where accepted, by a local notary. The authentication process will then depend on where the notarization took place and where the document will be used.
What if my destination country is not part of the Hague Apostille Convention?
Then an apostille will not be accepted. You will need U.S. Department of State authentication followed by legalization at that country’s embassy or consulate.
Does a single status affidavit need to be translated?
Often, yes. Many countries require a certified translation into their official language. It’s better to confirm whether the translation itself must also be apostilled or attached before you submit.
Can I apostille a single status affidavit signed abroad?
Not through a U.S. Secretary of State. A document executed and notarized in another country is authenticated under that country’s system. A U.S. state apostille applies to documents originating within that state’s jurisdiction.
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I need a Single Status affidavit and will need documents translated into Arabic soon. What will you need from me?
Please send us your request by going to https://www.onesourceprocess.com/apostillelegalization/. Our specialists will review your documents to make sure they’re valid for apostille and they will let you know the process, processing times available and the costs.
Danny
Hi my fiance need single status affidavit from slidell Louisiana. County clerk don’t provide this but vital statistics, they said they can give but don’t know they will send affidavit form or not .he should go usa cosolate or embassy to get this affidavit? Then where he should go to do notary and appostile
Hello,
Please take a look at our blog post – https://www.apostillebirthcertificate.com/apostille-single-status-affidavit/. This will guide you on how to generate your single status affidavit, notarize it and provide it to us for apostille.
Danny
Hello,
I am an American citizen living currently in Brazil with my fiancé who is Brazilian. We are in need of a single status affidavit and I cannot travel back to the U.S in the moment. The U.S consulate is close for the moment. Is there anyway I can get this certificate through you and have it apostilled and translated?
Also what is the time process and cost?
Thank you,
Aggie Alvarez
Hello Aggie,
We can certainly assist. Please send us your request by going to https://www.onesourceprocess.com/apostillelegalization/. Our specialists will review your documents to make sure they’re valid for apostille and they will let you know the process, processing times available and the costs.
Danny
Hi. I need to authenticate my single status from the state department. How long it takes? How much it costs? Thank you
Hello,
Currently, the State Department’s processing time is 2-3 months. To get a quote, please send us your request by going to https://www.onesourceprocess.com/apostillelegalization/.
Danny
I need to get a single status affidavit form and im currently in Brazil. Can i have my documents rushed delivery?
We can certainly assist. Please send us your request by going to https://www.onesourceprocess.com/apostillelegalization/. Our specialists will review your documents to make sure they’re valid for legalization/apostille and they will let you know the process, processing times available and the costs.
Danny
Hello
I am a US citizen and I want to get married to an Iranian girl in Istanbul.
For apostille single status affidavit do I need to make an appointment with US embassy in Turkey?
Good morning,
We can certainly assist. Please send us your request by going to https://www.onesourceprocess.com/apostillelegalization/. Our specialists will review your documents to make sure they’re valid for apostille and they will let you know the available processing times and costs.
Danny
my daughter live in Belgium, the Belgium authorities ask for single status from U.S .because she is Us citizen. I called state department in South Carolina where we reside they do not have such thing. they have vital document like marriage and divorce. what should we do?
Good morning,
We can certainly assist. Please send us your request by going to https://www.onesourceprocess.com/apostillelegalization/. Our specialists will review your documents to make sure they’re valid for apostille and they will let you know the process required, available processing times and costs.
To obtain your singles status affidavit, please take a look at our blog – https://www.onesourceprocess.com/apostille-single-status-affidavit/
Danny
Hi
I need Apostile for Affidavit. My affidavit is notarized. Does the notary signature have to be verified at the County Office?
Thank you
Good morning Milos,
It depends on several factors. Please send us your request by going to https://www.onesourceprocess.com/apostillelegalization/. Your assigned specialist will review your documents to make sure they’re valid for apostille and they will let you know the process required, available processing times and costs.
Danny
Hello
I am originally from Iraq and Came to Us as refugee and got my citizenship
I live in US and trying to get married to my boyfriend who is in turkey , turkey wants single afd form and free to marry , the letter has to mention my passport name last name date of birth , address , place of birth has to be iraq and must say “There are no barriers to marriage.” And intend to marry followed by my boyfriend information can you please help
Hello Selena,
We can certainly assist. Please send us your request by going to https://www.onesourceprocess.com/apostillelegalization/. Your assigned specialist will review your documents to make sure they’re valid for apostille and they will let you know the process required, available processing times and costs.
Thank you,
Danny
Hi
I have a question I’m from Michigan and I’m planning to get married in Nigeria next week.
I need the single status affidavit
Hello,
Please take a look at our blog post below. It will guide you through the process of obtaining a single status affidavit and get it apostilled.
https://www.onesourceprocess.com/apostille-single-status-affidavit/
Danny
I have the single status affidavit certificate and also have apostile certificate done already. I just need everything to be translated into Vietnamese. I was wondering how will it cost?
Hello,
Our certified translation into Vietnamese fees are $55 per page. To begin, we simply ask that you send us your request by going to https://www.onesourceprocess.com/translations-form/.
Danny
I am getting married in Mexico, they are requiring a single status affidavit and an apostille of my birth certificate. Is there a way I can get these documents processed through here?
Hello Carlos,
We are more than happy to assist. To ensure that we can process your documents accurately and promptly, we kindly request that you upload a copy of them for review through our order form available at https://www.onesourceprocess.com/apostillelegalization/. After submitting your request, one of our specialists will be assigned to review your documents and provide you with a quote and review results via email. If you choose to proceed with the service, the specialist will also send you a payment link to start the apostille process.
Thank you,
Danny