What Is a Certificate of Single Status?
A Certificate of Single Status (also called “Certificate of No Impediment” or “Certificate of Freedom to Marry”) is a document issued by your home jurisdiction that confirms you are legally unmarried. Many countries require this certificate to:
- Register a foreign marriage
- Apply for a visa or residence permit
- Prove eligibility for certain benefits abroad
When planning to marry or move overseas, get this document apostilled to ensure legal acceptance.
Why Apostille Matters for Single Status Certificates
Apostilling your Certificate of Single Status verifies the authenticity of the issuing officer’s signature, office seal, and the document’s origin. In countries under the Hague Apostille Convention, this allows easy cross-border recognition without embassy legalization.
Without an apostille, the document may:
- Be rejected by foreign authorities
- Cause delays in marriage or visa processes
- Require costly embassy legalization
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Apostille
Follow this simple guide to secure your document’s legality abroad:
1. Obtain the Certificate
Request an official copy from your local county clerk or vital records office. It must show the registrar’s signature and official seal.
2. Notarize if Required
Some countries request the document be notarized before apostilling. If yours does, we can provide fast, convenient on-site notary services.
3. Submit for Apostille
We handle submission to the designated state authority (e.g., Secretary of State in Texas) and fast-track your certificate for apostille sticker approval.
4. Courier or Pick-Up
Once apostilled, we’ll return your certified document via courier or you can pick it up in person—secure, sealed, and ready to use abroad.
When You’ll Need It
- International marriage—especially in countries like the UK, France, UAE, Canada, and Australia
- Residency or fiancé(e) visa applications
- Adoption or custody proceedings abroad
- Name change processes in another country
Check embassy guidelines—and rely on us to tell you if it needs translation or consular/legalization instead of an apostille.
Typical Timeline
| Service | Processing Time |
| Document verification & notarization | Same day or next |
| Apostille processing (state-level) | 1–5 business days |
| Expedited option | Same day available |
| Delivery (shipping) | 1–3 business days |
Most clients complete the process in under two weeks from start to finish—even faster with rush services.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using unofficial or photocopied certificates
- Ignoring seal or signature requirements
- Notarizing documents from another state
- Missing country-specific timing deadlines
- Failing to translate (when required in non-English-speaking countries)
Our team reviews embassy requirements and ensures your package is complete and compliant.
Do I Need a Translation?
Some nations require a certified translation of the Certificate of Single Status, even when it’s in English. For example:
- French consulates expect French translations
- Arab countries often require Arabic versions
- Some jurisdictions stipulate notarized translation as a prerequisite
At ApostilleAuthentication.com, we offer translation-included packages to meet your destination’s criteria—reviewable and ready for apostille.
FAQ: Apostille of Single Status Certificate
Q1: Can a single status certificate be apostilled if notarial signature is missing?
A: It depends on the state—some require notarization; others accept direct apostille of vital records.
Q2: Does the certificate need to be issued recently?
A: Most countries require a certificate issued within 3–6 months. We verify validity dates based on destination rules.
Q3: What if I’m applying from out of state?
A: That’s fine—we can authenticate and apostille the document for your issuing jurisdiction.
Q4: Do I need to mail my original certificate?
A: Yes, originals are typically required. We use tracked, insured courier services for safety.
Q5: Is urgency possible?
A: Absolutely. Rush options offer same-day notarization and apostille in many cases.
Why Choose Apostille Authentication
- One-stop experience: Document prep, notarization, translation, apostille
- Embassy-reviewed accuracy: No guesswork on country rules
- Secure handling: Certified tracking and insured shipping
- Flexible service: Walk-in, appointment, or mail-in orders
- Professional communication: Clear timelines and responsive support
We’ve helped clients secure thousands of apostilled certificates for global marriage and visas—and we make it fast, easy, and reliable.
Ready to Start?
Secure your Certificate of Single Status Apostille today:
- Order online via our dedicated service page
- Send or visit with your original certificate
- Choose options: Notarization? Translation? Rush? Courier?
- Get updates in real time and receive your document sealed and compliant
Get started here
Let us take the stress out of your international marriage or visa process!