Table of Contents▾
A Single Status Affidavit — sometimes called a Certificate of No Impediment, an Affidavit of Marriageability, or a Certificate of Freedom to Marry — is a sworn statement declaring that a person is legally free to marry. Foreign civil registries commonly require it, apostilled, before a U.S. citizen may marry abroad.
What Is A Single Status Affidavit?
The affidavit affirms, under oath and before a notary public, that the signer is not currently married, is of legal age, and is free from any legal impediment to marriage. Because no U.S. federal registry tracks marital status, the affidavit is the standard substitute document used for international marriage filings.
When You Need One Apostilled
Countries that are parties to the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention (for example, Mexico, Italy, Spain, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and the Philippines) require the affidavit to bear an apostille before the civil registry will accept it. Non-Hague destinations require full consular legalization instead.
How To Obtain The Affidavit
Some U.S. states — including California, Texas, and New York — do not issue an official Certificate of No Impediment. In those states, the signer drafts the affidavit themselves and signs it in front of a notary public. A handful of counties and a few states will issue a stamped certificate on request; check your county clerk's office first.
- Draft or download a template that includes full legal name, date of birth, current address, and a clear declaration of unmarried status.
- Include the intended spouse's name and the country of marriage if the foreign registry requires it.
- Do not sign until you are in front of the notary.
Notarizing The Affidavit
The notary's acknowledgment must be complete and correctly worded for your state. Missing venue lines, expired commissions, or an unattached jurat are the most common reasons the Secretary of State will reject the packet.
Getting The Apostille
Submit the notarized affidavit to the Secretary of State (or equivalent authenticating authority) of the state where the notary is commissioned. In a small number of states, county clerk certification of the notary is required first. Fees range from approximately $5 to $20 per document, with turnaround times from same-day to several weeks depending on the state and processing method.
Translations And Foreign Requirements
Most non-English-speaking destinations require a certified translation. Whether the translation is attached before or after the apostille depends on the destination country's rules — confirm with the foreign consulate or the local civil registry that will receive the document.
Preparation Checklist
- Confirm the foreign registry accepts a U.S. Single Status Affidavit.
- Draft the affidavit with complete and accurate personal information.
- Sign in front of a commissioned notary; verify the notarial certificate.
- Submit to the correct Secretary of State for apostille.
- Obtain a certified translation if required.
- Retain scanned copies and mailing tracking numbers.
FAQs
How long is a Single Status Affidavit valid?
The apostille itself does not expire, but many foreign registries require the affidavit to have been issued within three to six months of the wedding date.
Can I sign the affidavit outside the United States?
Yes — at a U.S. embassy or consulate. In that case, the document is authenticated by the U.S. Department of State rather than apostilled by a state office.
Does the affidavit need my fiancé(e)'s information?
Some countries require it; others do not. Follow the specific requirements from the destination civil registry.
Which state should I apostille in?
The state where the notary who witnessed the signature holds their commission.
What if my country is not part of the Hague Convention?
You will need consular legalization: state authentication, U.S. Department of State authentication, and finally embassy legalization.
Disclaimer
This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not legal advice. Requirements vary by state and destination country; always confirm current requirements with the relevant Secretary of State, U.S. Department of State, or foreign consulate before submitting documents.