What Is An Apostille Single Status Affidavit?

An apostille single status affidavit is a legal document often required by individuals planning to marry or enter into a legal relationship outside the United States. It confirms that the person is currently single and legally free to marry.

When this affidavit is intended for international use, it must be authenticated with an apostille so it can be accepted by countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention.

This document plays a critical role in confirming marital status for marriage licenses, immigration filings, or residency applications overseas. Many governments require it to prevent complications related to bigamy or fraudulent marriage claims. Without the apostille, the affidavit may not be accepted, which can cause delays or even legal barriers in the marriage process.

The Single Status Affidavit

A single status affidavit is a sworn declaration that states the signer is not currently married. It includes personal details such as full name, date of birth, and a statement confirming unmarried status. In many cases, the document also affirms that any previous marriages have been legally dissolved.

This affidavit must be notarized by a licensed notary public. The notary verifies your identity and confirms that you willingly signed the document. Foreign governments often request this type of affidavit to clarify legal marital status when you are applying for a marriage license or formalizing a relationship abroad.

Because laws vary from one country to another, the affidavit helps bridge legal systems by offering a standardized, notarized document that officials can review with confidence.

The Part Played by the Apostille in Authenticating the Affidavit

What distinguishes an apostille single status affidavit from a regular affidavit is the apostille certificate attached by the Secretary of State or other competent authority. This certificate authenticates the notary’s signature and confirms the document’s validity.

Countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention recognize this apostille as an official certification. It eliminates the need for embassy or consular legalization, which speeds up the process and makes your affidavit easier to use abroad.

Once apostilled, the affidavit is considered legally valid by foreign agencies. For this reason, this step is important when submitting documents for marriage, immigration, or legal registration in another country.

When Do You Need an Apostille Single Status Affidavit?

Most people need an apostille single status affidavit when applying for a marriage license outside the United States. No matter if you are having a destination wedding or planning to relocate abroad, many foreign jurisdictions will request this document before allowing the marriage to proceed.

Immigration officials may also request this affidavit to confirm that you are not currently married in your home country. Your marital status can affect eligibility for certain visa categories or residency permits. Employers and universities in some countries may also ask for this affidavit when confirming personal background details.

If you were previously married, you may need to submit a divorce judgment along with your single status affidavit. In most cases, the divorce certificate will also need to be apostilled if it is being submitted internationally.

Steps to Obtain an Apostille Single Status Affidavit

• Draft the Affidavit

Start by preparing your single status affidavit. This can be created using a state-approved template, requested from your county clerk, or drafted by us, Apostille Corp.

The affidavit should clearly state your full legal name, date of birth, and a sworn declaration that you are currently unmarried or legally free to marry.

• Get the Document Notarized

Once the affidavit is complete, it must be notarized. Take the document to a licensed notary public, who will verify your identity, witness your signature, and apply their official seal. This notarization step is essential. Without it, the affidavit cannot be authenticated or submitted for an apostille.

Apostille Corp carefully checks notarizations for accuracy to avoid errors that could delay processing.

• Submit to the Secretary of State

After notarization, the affidavit must be submitted to the Secretary of State in the same state where the notary is commissioned. The office verifies the notary’s credentials and attaches the apostille certificate. We handle this step directly and make sure the document reaches the correct agency with all required forms and fees in place.

• For Non-Hague Countries

If the document is intended for a country that is not part of the Hague Apostille Convention, the process does not stop with the Secretary of State.

The affidavit must also be certified by the U.S. Department of State and then legalized by the embassy or consulate of the destination country. We are equipped to manage this multi-step legalization process for both Hague and non-Hague countries.

How Apostille Corp Can Assist You

Apostille Corp specializes in obtaining apostille single status affidavits for clients nationwide. Our team has over a decade of experience managing all types of apostille documents, including affidavits, divorce judgments, and more.

We manage every step of the process to help you avoid delays and reduce the risk of errors. From reviewing your notarization to submitting paperwork to the correct state authority, we move efficiently to meet your timeline. For clients facing time-sensitive deadlines, we offer expedited services that prioritize faster processing whenever possible.

Located in New York City, our office is equipped with the latest technology to securely manage your documents. We treat every request with confidentiality and respect. Our agents communicate clearly and keep you informed throughout the process.

If you are preparing for a wedding abroad, immigration, or any other legal process requiring a single status affidavit, reach out to Apostille Corp. Our experts can guide you through the requirements and handle your apostille certification.