If you are a U.S. citizen planning to marry abroad—whether in Mexico, Italy, the Philippines, or almost any other country—one document you will almost certainly need is a Single Status Affidavit, also known as an Affidavit of Eligibility to Marry, Certificate of No Impediment, or Certificate of Freedom to Marry[reference:0][reference:1]. This is a sworn statement declaring that you are currently unmarried and legally free to marry[reference:2].
However, there is a critical fact that confuses many U.S. citizens: the United States does not have a national marriage registry or any government office that issues an official "Certificate of Single Status." Marriage laws and records are managed entirely at the state level, and there is no federal authority that can certify your marital status[reference:3][reference:4]. Instead, you must create your own Single Status Affidavit and have it notarized—and then, in most cases, apostilled—before a foreign government will accept it[reference:5][reference:6].
Key Rule: The U.S. does not issue a government‑produced Certificate of Single Status. You must draft and sign a Single Status Affidavit before a notary public, and then have it apostilled (if the destination country is a member of the Hague Convention) or legalized (if it is not). The affidavit is typically valid for only 3 to 6 months from the date of notarization[reference:7].
What Is a Single Status Affidavit and Why Do Foreign Countries Require It?
A Single Status Affidavit is a sworn legal document in which you declare, under oath, that you are not currently married and that you have no legal impediments to entering into a marriage contract[reference:8][reference:9]. Foreign governments require this document to prevent fraudulent or unlawful marriages and to ensure that you are legally eligible to marry under U.S. law[reference:10].
Common situations where you will need this document include:
- Marrying abroad in a destination wedding[reference:11]
- Marrying a foreign citizen in their home country[reference:12]
- Registering a marriage overseas[reference:13]
- Applying for a marriage license in another country[reference:14]
- Religious wedding ceremonies (Catholic and Orthodox dioceses often require it)[reference:15]
- Spouse visa applications (to confirm the U.S. partner is legally single)[reference:16]
Follow These Steps to Obtain Your Single Status Affidavit
The process has three main phases: drafting and notarizing the affidavit, obtaining the apostille (or legalization), and, if required, getting a certified translation. Here is a detailed step‑by‑step guide.
Step 1: Confirm the Destination Country's Requirements
Before you draft anything, confirm exactly what the foreign authority requires[reference:19]. Ask them:
- Do they accept a self‑drafted, notarized affidavit, or do they require a state‑issued "Certificate of No Record of Marriage" from a county clerk?[reference:20]
- Do they provide a template or specific wording that must be used?[reference:21]
- Do they require an apostille or legalization?[reference:22]
- Do they require a certified translation into their official language?[reference:23][reference:24]
- How long is the affidavit valid? (Typically 3–6 months from the date of notarization)[reference:25]
Step 2: Draft the Affidavit
If the country accepts a self‑drafted affidavit, you can create one yourself. A solid affidavit typically includes[reference:26][reference:27]:
- Your full legal name (as it appears on your passport)
- Your date of birth and place of birth
- Your citizenship (U.S. citizen)
- Your current address
- A clear statement of your current marital status: "I declare that I am currently not married and that I am legally free to marry."[reference:28]
- If you are divorced or widowed: the date and place of the divorce or death of your previous spouse[reference:29][reference:30]
- Your signature
Some countries also require you to include your intended spouse's full legal name and the country where you plan to marry[reference:31].
If the country provides a template, use it. Many U.S. embassies and consulates provide sample affidavits on their websites[reference:32].
Step 3: Sign the Affidavit Before a Notary Public
This is a critical step. You must not sign the affidavit before you are in front of the notary[reference:33][reference:34]. If you sign it beforehand, the notary cannot legally notarize it, and you will have to draft a new one.
In the United States, you can have your affidavit notarized by[reference:35]:
- A local notary public (found at banks, UPS stores, or through mobile notary services)
- A county clerk's office (some can provide the affidavit form and notarize it)[reference:36]
- A U.S. embassy or consulate if you are already abroad[reference:37]
If you are outside the United States, the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country of residence can often notarize a Single Status Affidavit[reference:38][reference:39]. However, be aware that some embassies have changed their notarial services—for example, as of January 1, 2026, the U.S. Embassy in Switzerland no longer notarizes civil status declarations[reference:40]. Always check the embassy's website for current services.
The notary will verify your identity, witness your signature, and affix their official seal. The fee for notary services at a U.S. embassy or consulate is typically $50 per consular seal[reference:41][reference:42].
Step 4: Obtain an Apostille (or Legalization)
Once your affidavit is notarized, it is not yet ready for international use. You must have it authenticated so that the foreign authority can verify the notary's signature and seal[reference:44].
If the destination country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention:
- You need an apostille from the Secretary of State of the state where the notary is commissioned[reference:45][reference:46].
- This certifies the authenticity of the notary's signature and seal[reference:47].
- Most countries—including Mexico, Italy, Spain, Germany, the Philippines, and Brazil—are Hague members and require an apostille[reference:48][reference:49].
- Processing times and fees vary by state, typically 10–15 business days and $15–$20 per document for standard mail‑in requests[reference:50].
If the destination country is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention:
- You need legalization instead of an apostille[reference:51][reference:52].
- Legalization is a multi‑step process that may include: notarization → state authentication → U.S. Department of State authentication → legalization by the destination country's embassy or consulate[reference:53].
- Countries like Vietnam, the UAE, and Taiwan are examples of non‑Hague members[reference:54][reference:55].
- This process is more time‑consuming and expensive. For example, for Vietnam, you need state, U.S. Department of State, and Vietnam Embassy legalization[reference:56].
If you use a self‑drafted affidavit (rather than a county‑issued document), some states require an additional certification step: the county clerk must first certify the notary's commission before the Secretary of State will issue the apostille[reference:57][reference:58]. Check with your Secretary of State's office to confirm.
Step 5: Get a Certified Translation (If Required)
Most non‑English‑speaking countries require a certified translation of the apostilled affidavit[reference:59]. The translation must be done by a professional translator and should include a signed statement certifying that the translation is accurate and complete.
Important: Do not translate the document before getting the apostille. The apostille must be attached to the original English‑language document, and the translation is typically attached alongside it.
Alternative: County-Issued "Certificate of No Record of Marriage"
In some states, you can request a "Certificate of No Record of Marriage" from the county clerk's office where you reside[reference:60][reference:61]. This is an official document from the county stating that they have no record of a marriage for you. Because it is a government‑issued document, it may not require notarization (though it still needs an apostille). However, not all counties issue these, and some foreign authorities may not accept them in place of a sworn affidavit[reference:62].
If you go this route, contact your local county clerk's office and ask if they issue a "Certificate of No Record of Marriage" or "Single Status Certificate." Some counties refer to this document as a "no record of marriage" instead of a "single status"[reference:63].
What If You Are Already Abroad? Getting Help from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate
If you are already outside the United States, you can still obtain a Single Status Affidavit. The U.S. embassy or consulate in your country of residence can often notarize an affidavit for you[reference:64][reference:65]. However, be aware of the following:
- You must make an appointment for notarial services[reference:66].
- You must bring your valid U.S. passport[reference:67].
- You must not sign the affidavit before your appointment[reference:68].
- The fee is typically $50 per consular seal[reference:69].
- Not all embassies offer this service. For example, as of January 1, 2026, the U.S. Embassy in Switzerland no longer notarizes civil status declarations[reference:70]. Check the embassy's website for current services.
- If you are in Vietnam, the U.S. Embassy and Consulate General will execute affidavits of single status for the purpose of marriage in Vietnam[reference:71].
If you obtain your affidavit at a U.S. embassy or consulate, it is a federal document, and the apostille must be obtained through the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., not through a state Secretary of State[reference:72].
Estimated Fees, Processing Times, and Validity Periods
The table below provides a general overview of typical costs and timelines as of July 2026. Actual amounts vary by state and service provider.
| Step | Estimated Cost | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|
| Drafting the Affidavit | $0 (if self‑drafted) | 1 hour |
| Notary Public | $5 – $25 (or $50 at embassy) | Same day |
| County Clerk Certification (if required) | $5 – $20 | 1–5 business days |
| Apostille (Secretary of State) | $15 – $20 | 10–15 business days (mail) / 1–3 days (expedited)[reference:73] |
| Certified Translation (if required) | $25 – $50 per page | 2–5 business days |
Validity: Single Status Affidavits are typically valid for 3 to 6 months from the date of notarization[reference:74]. Do not get yours notarized and apostilled too far in advance of your wedding date.
Common Mistakes That Can Delay Your Marriage Plans
Even a small error can derail your plans to marry abroad. Avoid these frequent pitfalls.
- Assuming the U.S. government issues a Certificate of Single Status. It does not[reference:75]. You must create your own affidavit.
- Signing the affidavit before the notary appointment. Always sign in the presence of the notary or consular officer[reference:76].
- Submitting the wrong document type. Some countries require a county‑issued "Certificate of No Record of Marriage," while others accept a self‑drafted affidavit. Verify the specific requirement with the embassy[reference:77].
- Failing to obtain an apostille or legalization. An un‑authenticated document is not legally valid abroad[reference:78].
- Not including divorce or death certificates. If you were previously married, you must provide certified copies of your divorce decree or your previous spouse's death certificate. These must also be apostilled and translated[reference:79].
- Waiting until the last minute. The combined timeline for notarization, apostille, and translation can take several weeks. Start the process at least 2–3 months before your planned wedding date.
- Ignoring translation requirements. Even if the officer speaks English, many countries legally require a certified translation[reference:80].
- Using a notary who is not commissioned in your state. If you need a state apostille, the notary must be commissioned in that state. An out‑of‑state notary will not be accepted by that state's Secretary of State.
Related Guides
- Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage: What U.S. Citizens Need to Know
- How to Get a Certified Copy of Your Birth Certificate by Mail
- Marriage Certificate vs Marriage License: What's the Difference?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the U.S. government issue a Certificate of Single Status?
A: No. The United States does not have a national marriage registry, so there is no federal authority that can issue a Certificate of Single Status[reference:81][reference:82]. Instead, you must draft and notarize a Single Status Affidavit, which serves as your sworn statement of marital status.
Q: What is the difference between a Single Status Affidavit and a Certificate of No Record of Marriage?
A: A Certificate of No Record of Marriage is an official document issued by a county clerk's office confirming that they have no marriage record for you[reference:83]. A Single Status Affidavit is a sworn statement that you draft yourself and have notarized[reference:84]. Some countries accept either, but others have a preference. Check with the embassy.
Q: Where do I get a Single Status Affidavit notarized?
A: You can have it notarized by any commissioned notary public in the United States—at a bank, UPS store, or through a mobile notary service[reference:85]. If you are abroad, you can have it notarized at a U.S. embassy or consulate[reference:86].
Q: Do I need an apostille for my Single Status Affidavit?
A: If the country where you plan to marry is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, yes[reference:87]. You need an apostille from the Secretary of State of the state where the notary is commissioned. If the country is not a Hague member, you need legalization instead[reference:88].
Q: How long is a Single Status Affidavit valid?
A: Typically, Single Status Affidavits are valid for 3 to 6 months from the date of notarization[reference:89]. However, the validity period is set by the receiving country, so confirm with the embassy.
Q: What if I have been divorced or widowed?
A: You must provide certified copies of your divorce decree(s) or your previous spouse's death certificate[reference:90][reference:91]. These documents must also be apostilled (or legalized) and translated if required. Your Single Status Affidavit should clearly state your current marital status and include the date your previous marriage ended.
Q: Can I get a Single Status Affidavit at a U.S. embassy abroad?
A: Yes, many U.S. embassies and consulates offer notarial services for U.S. citizens, including notarizing Single Status Affidavits[reference:92]. However, some embassies have changed their services—for example, as of January 1, 2026, the U.S. Embassy in Switzerland no longer notarizes civil status declarations[reference:93]. Check the embassy's website before making an appointment.
Q: Do I need to translate my Single Status Affidavit?
A: If the destination country does not use English, you will likely need a certified translation of the apostilled affidavit[reference:94]. The translation must be done by a professional translator and should include a signed statement certifying accuracy.