A single status certificate is legal proof of your unmarried status. It means that this certificate is a documented proof that proves your single status before the US authorities or anywhere in the world.
A married being can also apply for this certificate, provided that he or she is previously married but has divorced now. This can be proved easily with a document called a decree absolute. The court issues and attests it, which makes it acceptable across the world.
So, if you’re a US citizen and planning to marry in any other country, you must get it to prove that you are free to marry.
Recognized with Different Names
Basically, this document is necessary to submit if any US citizen is likely to get married in another country. So, the foreign country would ask to present the proof, which can be recognized with these names:
- No Record of Marriage
- Certificate of Freedom to Marry
- Certificate of No Impediment for Marriage
- Certificate of No Record-Marriage
- Affidavit of Single Status
- Affidavit of Marriageability
- Affidavit of Civil Status
- Certificate of No Public Record
- Or, Eligibility to Marry
These are all the same documents with different names.
There are typically two cases: one is for natives, and another is for emigrants or non-residents.
Case 1: Steps to Follow by the US Citizens
In the USA, county clerk offices or state vital records offices issue unmarried certificates. Simply put, US citizens need to visit your local county clerk’s office. Or, this can be the state’s vital records office. You can check this website: https://cafc.uscourts.gov/home/the-court/clerks-office/ to discover the availability of the office staff.
Case 2. Steps for Emigrants to Get a Free to Marry Certificate
There is another case, which is of outsiders like NRIs. They can visit the local US embassy or the US consulate office to get all details in this regard. These steps will also help you make it easy:
Step 1. Form to Fill
The federal notary will provide you a form. So, visit there.
Step 2. Share Personal Details
It will require information to share on an affidavit stating that you’re single, your date of birth, and where you were born.
Step 3. Book an Appointment
Schedule an appointment at the consulate office. Or, select the one near you by exploring this link: https://www.usembassy.gov/
Step 4. Notarizing
You may physically visit the American Notary Service Center. Alternatively, click https://www.usnotarycenter.com/shop to apply for it.
Step 5. Signing Before Notarizing Officer
Get a form. While filling it up, remember not to sign it before. The notarizing officer will ask you to sign under oath at the consulate.
Step 6. Apostille for Hague Convention Country
The US is a member country of the Hague Convention, 1961. So, it provides apostille service. For it, you need to visit the US Department of State in Washington, D.C. This is the only department that provides this service. It is for those who got their documents notarized and signed at the US embassy/consulate OUTSIDE of the US.
Note: It won’t attach an apostille to any documents that are issued within the United States or in other countries.
Alternative Step 6. Non-Hague Apostille Country
This legalization process involves multiple steps. At first, it will be attested by the Secretary of State in your state, the U.S. Department of State (if necessary), and then, the foreign country (like India or any other country) embassy in the D.C.
Cost of Notarization, Apostille, & Authentication Services
Certainly, it’s a paid service. You have to pay the fee for this certificate. It may vary if revised over time. You may pay it in cash or through your credit card.
Remember that the applicant has to confirm if he or she comes from a member country of the Hague Convention. If yes, apostille will work. It authenticates that document.
- Notarization: From $5.00
- Apostille: From $186.00
- The US Department of State Authentication: From $186.00
What Documents Should I Have For It?
- Passport
- Birth Certificate
- Valid Driver’s License
- Social Security Number
- Death Certificate if You’re Widowed
- Decree Absolute to Prove You’re a Divorcee
- The relevant fee
- Form I-94 if You’re a Refugee in the USA
- Multiple Copies of Your Unsigned Affidavit
How Does the Single Status Affidavit Look?
Proof of your single status is an affidavit or a sworn document. The applicant has to write it or get it written by an experienced attorney. Typically, this document is required for legal purposes, such as immigration and marriage abroad. For reference, you can check this link: https://www.gsccca.org/docs/notary-documents/singlestatusaffidavit.pdf?sfvrsn=c67c2e20_2.
Let’s find out what it looks like below.
- Title: As a title, there must be “Single Status Affidavit/Certificate.”.
- Declarant’s Information: Below, the applicant’s full name, date of birth, address, and passport or identification number are mentioned.
- Statement of Marital Status: The aforementioned point is included in the form of a declaration, which states that the individual is currently single and has not been married. The applicant could be previously married (as he or she might be divorced or widowed), but his current status is single. The statement explains the reason for obtaining it, which can be marriage or employment.
- Signature: It would be valid and acceptable if it contained the declarant’s signature and stamp.
- Notary Section: A section for a notary public or another authorized official will be reserved to house the signature, including the notary’s signature, seal, and date.
Benefits of Hiring a Consultant
The consultant can guide you throughout the document legalization journey. There are $50 US states. He can help you find the best consulate office.
Later on, he can make it easier to get the document attested from the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., the Secretary of the District of Columbia (D.C.), and select Consulate and Embassy offices in Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles, CA.
Conclusion
One can get a single status certificate in the USA by visiting the county clerk’s office. This is for the citizens of the USA. For non-residents, explore the embassy website to schedule an appointment and get your documents verified by providing supporting documents.
