Most countries will not marry a foreign national without proof they are not already married. In many places this is called a Certificate of No Impediment or a Certificate of Freedom to Marry. The United States does not issue any such certificate, because no federal or state authority tracks marital status nationally.
The standard workaround is a single status affidavit: a sworn statement, signed by you in front of a notary, declaring you are free to marry. Once notarized, the state can apostille the notary’s commission, and that is what foreign authorities accept.
Because it is a document you sign yourself, the notarization rule applies in full: do not sign it in advance. The notary has to witness the signature. Bring it printed and unsigned with valid photo ID, or the appointment achieves nothing.
The wording matters more than people expect. Some countries require specific phrasing, a particular declaration, or the names of your intended spouse and the place of marriage. Ask the authority performing the ceremony what they require before drafting it, because an affidavit with the wrong content is apostilled perfectly and still rejected.
At a glance
What the affidavit usually needs to state
- Your full legal name, exactly as it appears on your passport.
- Your date and place of birth.
- Your current marital status, and that you are free to marry.
- If previously married, how that marriage ended, with the divorce decree or death certificate often required alongside.
- Sometimes your intended spouse’s name and the place of the intended marriage.
- A declaration that the statement is made under oath or penalty of perjury.
Requirements vary widely by country and sometimes by municipality. Confirm the exact wording with the office performing the marriage before you have anything notarized.
Documents often required alongside it
| Document | When it is needed | Notarization |
|---|---|---|
| Birth certificate | Almost always | Not required |
| Divorce decree | If previously married | Not required, needs court seal |
| Death certificate of former spouse | If widowed | Not required |
| Passport copy | Often | Sometimes notarized as a true copy |
| Certified translation | For non-English destinations | Varies |
How it works
Step 1
Confirm the wording first
Ask the civil registry, church, or authority performing the marriage exactly what the affidavit must say. This is the step people skip.
Step 2
Book notarization
Come into one of our offices, or book a mobile notary who travels to you anywhere in the country.
Step 3
Bring it printed and unsigned
With valid, non-expired photo ID matching the name on the document. Sign only in front of the notary.
Step 4
Apostille, translate, deliver
We apostille through the state where it was notarized, add a certified translation if needed, and get it back to you.
Single Status Affidavit Apostille: common questions
Is there an official U.S. certificate of single status?
No. No U.S. authority tracks marital status nationally, so none can issue one. The sworn affidavit is the accepted substitute, and foreign authorities are generally familiar with it.
Can I sign it before my appointment?
No. The notary certifies that they watched you sign. If it is already signed they cannot notarize it, and you will need to print a fresh copy and start again.
What should the affidavit actually say?
It depends on the country, and sometimes the specific municipality. Ask the office performing the marriage for their requirement or template. An affidavit with the wrong wording still gets rejected even when the apostille is perfect.
I was married before. Does that change anything?
Usually yes. Most countries want the affidavit to state how the previous marriage ended, and will also want the apostilled divorce decree or death certificate alongside it.
Which state issues the apostille?
The state where the notarization took place, not where you live or where you are marrying. If our mobile notary is commissioned in Arizona, Arizona issues it.
Do I need a translation?
Almost always for non-English-speaking destinations, and frequently the translation must be certified or sworn. We offer certified and sworn translation with the order.
Ready to get started?
Book notarization and apostille together, and we will confirm the appointment details before you pay.
Related: Marriage certificate · Birth certificate · Apostille for Mexico · Power of attorney