Notarization and Apostille of Single Status Affidavit
Obtaining a Single Status Affidavit is a straightforward process, but it does involve a series of steps to ensure it is legally recognized for use in securing a marriage license abroad.
What Is a Single Status Affidavit?
A Single Status Affidavit is an official document that confirms an individual has never been married or that any previous marriage was legally terminated through divorce or death. It serves as proof that a person is legally free to marry.
This document is also commonly referred to as:
Certificate of No Record of Marriage
Certificate of Freedom to Marry
Affidavit of Marriageability
Affidavit of Single Status
Single Letter
Statement of Freedom to Marry
Although the names vary, all of these refer to the same type of document.
Where to Obtain a Single Status Affidavit
There are a few ways to get this document:
County Clerk’s Office – Many local offices can provide an affidavit form if available.
U.S. Embassy or Consulate – Citizens living abroad may request assistance in drafting the affidavit.
Self-Prepared Affidavit – You may create one yourself by consulting a professional or downloading an editable Single Status Affidavit template.
Completing the Affidavit
A Single Status Affidavit form is typically short—about half a page. To complete it, you’ll usually need to provide:
Full legal name
Passport number
Date and place of birth
Dates of any prior marriages
Date previous marriages ended (death or divorce)
Name of future spouse and country of residence
Attaching a copy of your divorce decree (if applicable) is recommended to avoid complications during processing.
Notarization Requirement
In the United States, a Single Status Affidavit must be notarized before it can be used internationally. This step confirms the authenticity of your signature. You can easily find a local notary public in your area.
Apostille or Authentication Process
Once notarized, the affidavit must go through either an apostille or authentication process, depending on the country where it will be used:
For Hague Convention member countries (e.g., Germany, Spain, France):
Obtain an Apostille from the Secretary of State.
For non-Hague Convention countries:
Secure an Authentication from the Secretary of State.
Obtain additional authentication from the U.S. Department of State (if required).
Finalize with legalization at the Embassy of the destination country.
After this, the documents are mailed for processing, and the finalized affidavit is returned to your address domestically or internationally.
Important Notes
Many countries require a recently issued affidavit, often valid for only 30 to 90 days.
Example: In China, a Single Status Affidavit is valid for six months but must be authenticated by the consulate within three months of notarization.
Always confirm the validity period and requirements with the specific country requesting the document.
Conclusion
A Single Status Affidavit notarization and apostille is a crucial step for individuals planning to marry overseas. Ensuring the affidavit is prepared, notarized, and authenticated correctly can save time and prevent issues with your marriage application abroad.
