If you are planning to get married outside of the United States, many foreign governments require proof that you are legally free to marry. One of the most commonly requested documents is a Single Status Affidavit, also known as a Certificate of No Impediment, Affidavit of Eligibility to Marry, or Bachelorhood Affidavit.
Because the United States does not issue a national Certificate of No Impediment, most countries accept a notarized Single Status Affidavit that is subsequently authenticated through the apostille process.
At Orange County Apostille, we assist clients in preparing, notarizing, and obtaining apostilles for Single Status Affidavits that will be used for marriage abroad.
What Is a Single Status Affidavit?
A Single Status Affidavit is a sworn statement declaring that you:
- Are currently unmarried
- Have never been married, or
- Are legally divorced or widowed and free to remarry
- Have no legal impediment preventing marriage
This affidavit is signed before a California Notary Public and is often required by foreign marriage registries.
Countries That Commonly Request a Single Status Affidavit
Many countries require proof of marital eligibility before issuing a marriage license, including:
- Mexico
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Dominican Republic
- Italy
- Spain
- Portugal
- France
- Germany
- Poland
- Greece
- Japan
- South Korea
- Thailand
- Philippines
- Brazil
- Peru
- Argentina
- Chile
- Ecuador
- Guatemala
Requirements vary by country, province, and municipality.
Why Do You Need an Apostille?
Foreign governments often require verification that your affidavit is genuine.
An apostille certifies:
- The notary’s commission is valid
- The document was properly notarized
- The document will be recognized in Hague Apostille Convention countries
Without an apostille, many foreign authorities may reject the affidavit.
Steps to Obtain a Single Status Affidavit for Marriage Abroad
Step 1: Prepare the Affidavit
The affidavit should contain:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
- Current address
- Passport information (if required)
- Declaration of single status
- Statement of eligibility to marry
Step 2: Sign Before a Notary Public
California law requires the affidavit to be signed before a notary.
The notary verifies:
- Identity
- Willingness to sign
- Proper execution of the affidavit
Step 3: Submit for Apostille
After notarization, the document is submitted to the California Secretary of State for apostille processing.
Step 4: Use Abroad
Once apostilled, the affidavit can be presented to foreign authorities responsible for marriage registration.
Additional Documents Often Required for International Marriage
Depending on the country, you may also need:
- Birth Certificate
- Divorce Decree
- Death Certificate of Former Spouse
- Passport Copy
- Driver’s License Copy
- Naturalization Certificate
- Certified Translation
- Marriage Application Forms
Common Countries We Assist With
Mexico
Marriage registries often require apostilled affidavits and certified translations.
Colombia
Single Status Affidavits are commonly requested for civil marriage proceedings.
Philippines
Foreign nationals may need proof of eligibility to marry along with apostilled supporting documents.
Italy
Italian municipalities frequently request apostilled affidavits and translated documents.
Spain
Spanish marriage registries often require evidence of civil status.
Japan
Requirements vary by municipality but may include proof of legal capacity to marry.
Why Work with Orange County Apostille?
Orange County Apostille helps simplify the process by assisting with:
- Single Status Affidavit preparation
- Notarization coordination
- Apostille processing
- Certified translations
- International document authentication
- Marriage document preparation for foreign countries
Whether you are getting married in Mexico, Europe, Asia, or South America, obtaining the proper apostille can help avoid delays and document rejections.
Conclusion
Getting married overseas often requires more documentation than couples expect. A properly prepared Single Status Affidavit and apostille can be essential for proving your eligibility to marry in another country.
Orange County Apostille assists clients throughout California with preparing, notarizing, and apostilling Single Status Affidavits for international marriage purposes. By ensuring your documents meet foreign government requirements, you can focus on planning your wedding instead of navigating complicated document authentication procedures.
25 Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a Single Status Affidavit?
A sworn statement confirming you are legally free to marry.
2. Is a Single Status Affidavit required for marriage abroad?
Many countries require it.
3. Does the U.S. issue a Certificate of No Impediment?
No.
4. Can a Single Status Affidavit replace a Certificate of No Impediment?
In most cases, yes.
5. Does the affidavit need to be notarized?
Yes.
6. Does it need an apostille?
Most foreign governments require one.
7. Can I use a California affidavit overseas?
Yes, with proper apostille authentication.
8. How long is a Single Status Affidavit valid?
Requirements vary by country.
9. Can divorced individuals obtain one?
Yes.
10. Can widowed individuals obtain one?
Yes.
11. Can I use it in Mexico?
Yes.
12. Can I use it in Colombia?
Yes.
13. Can I use it in Spain?
Yes.
14. Can I use it in Italy?
Yes.
15. Can I use it in Japan?
Yes.
16. Is translation required?
Some countries require certified translations.
17. What supporting documents may be needed?
Birth certificates, passports, or divorce decrees.
18. Can I obtain an apostille in California?
Yes.
19. What if my destination country is not part of the Hague Convention?
Additional legalization may be required.
20. Can the affidavit be mailed internationally?
Yes.
21. Is a passport required?
Some countries require passport information.
22. Can I prepare my own affidavit?
Yes, but it should meet destination country requirements.
23. What if I was previously married?
Provide proof of divorce or widowhood if requested.
24. Will foreign authorities keep the original?
Some authorities may retain copies.
25. Can Orange County Apostille assist with the entire process?
Yes, including preparation, notarization, apostille processing, and supporting documentation guidance.
Resources
- https://www.orangecountynotary.com
- https://www.orangecountyapostille.org
- https://www.federalapostille.org
- https://www.sos.ca.gov
- https://www.travel.state.gov
- https://www.hcch.net
- https://www.uscis.gov
- https://www.cdc.gov/nchs
- https://www.vitalchek.com
- https://www.ca.gov
- https://www.courts.ca.gov
- https://www.ocrecorder.com
- https://www.ocgov.com
- https://www.usembassy.gov
- https://www.notary.cdn.sos.ca.gov
- https://www.state.gov
- https://www.dfa.ie
- https://www.gov.uk
- https://www.canada.ca
- https://www.mexonline.com
- https://www.spain.info
- https://www.italia.it
- https://www.japan.go.jp
- https://www.philembassy.org
- https://www.colombiaemb.org