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Getting Married Outside the United States  

What Is a Single Status Affidavit & How Do You Get One?  

Planning to get married abroad? Many countries require proof that you are legally free to marry before they will issue a marriage license.

One of the most commonly requested documents is a Single Status Affidavit (also called a Certificate of No Record of Marriage or Statement of Non-Marriage).

Here’s exactly what that means — and how to obtain one in Florida.

📌 What Is a Single Status Affidavit?  

A Single Status Affidavit is a document that confirms:

  • You are not currently married

  • There is no legal record of marriage in your name (for the years searched)

  • You are legally free to enter into marriage

Foreign governments use this document to ensure there are no existing marriages on record before allowing you to marry in their country.

✅ Step 1: Confirm What the Destination Country Requires  

Before requesting anything, contact the:

  • Embassy or Consulate of the country where you plan to marry

  • Local marriage authority in that country

Ask:

  • Do they require a government-issued certificate?

  • Will a notarized affidavit be accepted?

  • Does the document need an apostille?

  • Does it need translation?

Each country has different rules.

 Option A: Official Single Status Statement (State Search)  

This document is issued by the
Florida Department of Health
through the Bureau of Vital Statistics.

They conduct a search of marriage records across Florida counties. If no record is found, they issue an official “No Record Found” statement.


How It Works:  

  • Complete the official DH261SS application

  • Submit payment and identification

  • The state searches marriage records

  • If no record exists, you receive an official statement

This option is often preferred by foreign governments because it is issued directly by a state authority.

Option B: Notarized Affidavit of Single Status  

If the destination country allows it, you may prepare a sworn statement declaring that you are single.

As a Florida Notary Public, I can:

  • Prepare the affidavit document

  • Witness your sworn signature

  • Notarize the affidavit properly

This option is:

  • Faster

  • Often less expensive

  • Accepted by some (but not all) countries

Always confirm acceptance before choosing this route.

🌐 Step 3: Obtain an Apostille (If Required)  

If the country where you’re marrying is part of the Hague Convention, your document will likely need an apostille from the
Florida Department of State.

An apostille authenticates the document so it can be legally recognized abroad.


Apostille Process:  

  1. Obtain your single status document (official statement or notarized affidavit)

  2. Submit it to the Florida Department of State

  3. The apostille certificate is attached

  4. Your document becomes valid for international use

If the country is not part of the Hague Convention, additional authentication steps may be required.


📝 Frequently Asked Questions  

Processing times vary:

  • State searches can take several business days or longer.

  • Notarized affidavits can often be completed the same day.

  • Apostilles require additional processing time.

Many countries require the document to be issued within 30–90 days of the wedding date. Always verify timing requirements.

You may need:

  • A certified copy of your divorce decree, or

  • A death certificate of a former spouse

Some countries require those documents to be apostilled as well.

🤝 How I Can Assist You  

As a Florida Notary Public and apostille facilitator, I can assist with:

✔ Preparing and notarizing your Single Status Affidavit
✔ Guiding you on whether a state-issued document may be required
✔ Facilitating the apostille process
✔ Coordinating document translation if required
✔ Ensuring your documents are properly prepared before submission