Congratutulations!! You’re planning to get married outside the United States, but in additional to planning the main event, the destination country is asking you to provide is an Affidavit of Single Status, also known as a Single Status Affidavit, Affidavit of Eligibility to Marry, or Certificate of No Impediment. Don’t worry, we are the apostille-equivalent of a wedding planner – we’ve got you covered.
Many foreign governments require this document to verify that you are legally free to marry. Before it can be accepted overseas, it often must be notarized and then authenticated through an Apostille or legalization process.
At Express Apostille Services, we help individuals authenticate Affidavits of Single Status for use around the world quickly, securely, and accurately.
What Is an Affidavit of Single Status?
An Affidavit of Single Status is a sworn statement declaring that you are legally eligible to marry. Unlike a birth certificate or marriage certificate, there is generally no official government-issued Certificate of Single Status in the United States. Instead, individuals typically prepare an affidavit stating that:
- They are currently unmarried.
- They are legally free to marry.
- There are no legal impediments preventing the marriage.
The exact wording may vary depending on the requirements of the destination country.
Why Do Foreign Countries Require It?
Many countries require proof that a foreign citizen is legally free to marry before issuing a marriage license. This helps prevent fraudulent or unlawful marriages.
Common situations include:
- Destination weddings
- Marrying a foreign citizen
- Registering a marriage overseas
- Applying for a marriage license in another country
Every country has its own requirements regarding the document’s wording and authentication.
Does an Affidavit of Single Status Need to Be Notarized?
In most cases, yes.
Because an Affidavit of Single Status is a sworn statement made by the individual—not a government-issued record—it is typically signed in front of a notary public.
The notary verifies the identity of the signer and witnesses the signature. The notary does not verify whether the statements made in the affidavit are true; rather, they confirm that the individual personally appeared and signed the document.
Express Apostille Services can conduct a Remote Online Notarization(RON) with anyone in the world. You can order your apostille and RON here. You’ll upload your unsigned, but otherwise completed affidavit. After checkout, you’ll receive a link to schedule the online meeting – which takes about 15 minutes.
After Notarization, Does It Need an Apostille?
If the country where you will be married is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, your notarized Affidavit of Single Status will usually need an Apostille.
An Apostille certifies the authenticity of the notary’s signature and seal so the document will be recognized in another Hague Convention country. After your Remote Online Notarization is completed, your apostille will ship within a business day!
What If the Country Is Not Part of the Hague Apostille Convention?
If your destination country is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, your affidavit will generally require document legalization instead of an Apostille.
Legalization is a multi-step authentication process that may include:
- Notarization
- State authentication
- Authentication by the U.S. Department of State
- Legalization by the destination country’s embassy or consulate
Our team can determine which process your destination country requires.
What Information Is Typically Included in the Affidavit?
Although requirements differ by country, an Affidavit of Single Status commonly includes:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
- Current address
- Passport or identification information (if required)
- Statement affirming that the individual is unmarried and legally eligible to marry
- Signature before a notary public
Some countries also require:
- Parent information
- Witness signatures
- Certified translations
- Additional supporting documents such as a birth certificate or divorce decree
Common Countries That Request an Affidavit of Single Status
Many countries request this document before allowing a foreign citizen to marry, including:
- Mexico
- Italy
- Spain
- France
- Portugal
- Brazil
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Thailand
- The Philippines
- Japan
- South Korea
- Vietnam
- Indonesia
- Turkey
- United Arab Emirates
Requirements vary significantly by country, and local authorities may update their procedures without notice.
Why Choose Express Apostille Services?
Authenticating documents for international marriage can be confusing, especially when every country has different rules.
Express Apostille Services simplifies the process by providing:
- Fast Apostille and legalization services
- Authentication for documents from all 50 states and the federal government
- Guidance on country-specific requirements
- Secure order tracking
- Complimentary digital scans of completed documents before they’re returned
- Expedited shipping options
- Responsive customer support throughout the process
Whether you’re getting married next month or planning well in advance, we’ll help ensure your documents are prepared correctly the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I write my own Affidavit of Single Status?
Yes. In many cases, you may prepare your own affidavit, provided it contains the information required by the destination country and is properly notarized.
Is an Apostille the same as notarization?
No. Notarization verifies the identity of the signer and witnesses the signature. An Apostille authenticates the notary’s signature for international use.
How long does the authentication process take?
Processing times vary depending on the issuing state, whether federal authentication is required, and the destination country. Expedited service is often available.
Do I need a certified translation?
Many countries require translations of documents that are not in their official language. Express Apostille Services can assist with certified translation services when needed.
Let Express Apostille Services Help
Preparing documents for an international wedding should be exciting—not stressful.
If you need to notarize and authenticate an Affidavit of Single Status for use abroad, place your order for Apostille and Remote Online Notarization here.
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