MARRYING ABROAD

Single Status Affidavit Apostille

Getting married in another country? Many countries ask for proof that you're free to marry. In Massachusetts, that's usually a sworn single status affidavit, notarized and apostilled. We come to you for both.

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Certificate of no impediment

Or affidavit of eligibility to marry, or certificate of freedom to marry.

Notarized at your home or office
Apostille from the Secretary of the Commonwealth
Translation if required
Tracked shipping abroad

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Why it's an affidavit in Massachusetts

Massachusetts doesn't issue a certificate saying you're single. Instead, you sign a sworn statement (an affidavit) in front of a notary declaring that you're free to marry. The Secretary of the Commonwealth then apostilles the notary's signature, so the country where you're marrying will accept it.

How it works

1
Get the wording
Ask the registrar, church or consulate in the country where you're marrying for their required wording or form. Some provide their own.
2
We come to you
Bring a current government-issued photo ID. You swear to the statement and sign in front of us.
3
We get the apostille
Usually within 1–2 business days.
4
Translation and shipping
Certified translation if needed, then tracked shipping, to you or directly abroad.

Get it right the first time

Use the country's wording

Some countries require specific details, like your parents' names, your passport number or your place of birth.

Match your passport

Your name should match your passport exactly.

Watch the date

Many countries only accept an affidavit signed within the last 3 to 6 months.

If you were divorced or widowed

You may also need a divorce decree or death certificate, apostilled.

What happens at your appointment

Bring the wording from the country, church or consulate, if they provided it, along with your current government-issued photo ID. We confirm your identity, administer the oath, and you sign the affidavit in front of us. We complete the notarial certificate and take the affidavit straight to the Secretary of the Commonwealth for the apostille. If you're marrying in a country outside the Hague Convention, we handle embassy legalization instead.

What a strong affidavit usually includes

Your full legal name

Exactly as it appears on your passport.

Identifying details

Date and place of birth, passport number and current address, if the country asks.

Your marital status

Never married, divorced or widowed, with dates where required.

Your intended spouse

Some countries want their name and details included.

Mistakes that get affidavits rejected

Generic wording. Many countries and churches want specific language. Use theirs when they provide it.
Names that don't match the passport. Even a missing middle name can cause problems.
An affidavit that's too old. Many countries only accept affidavits signed within the last few months.
Forgetting supporting documents. Divorced or widowed? You may also need an apostilled divorce decree or death certificate. See Court Records.
No translation. Many countries require a translation into the local language.

Countries that often ask for one

Italy

Often requested with a birth certificate and, for church weddings, parish documents. See Apostille for Italy.

Spain and Portugal

Civil registries commonly ask for proof of single status. See Spain and Portugal.

Mexico and Latin America

Often with a translated, apostilled birth certificate.

The Philippines, Brazil and beyond

Requirements vary, so check with the local registry or consulate.

Planning your timeline

Work backward from your wedding date. Many registries want your documents weeks before the ceremony, and many only accept an affidavit signed within the last few months, so timing matters. We can usually notarize quickly and handle the apostille right after. Add time if you also need an apostilled birth certificate, a divorce decree or a translation. Tell us your wedding date and we'll map out the steps.

Divorced or widowed?

Divorce decree

A certified copy from the court, apostilled. See Court Records.

Death certificate

A certified copy of your late spouse's death certificate, apostilled. See Vital Records.

Name changes

If your name changed with a marriage or divorce, bring the document that links the names.

Translation

Translate the full set together. See Certified Translation.

Official sources

Requirements change, and the receiving office always has the final word. We link to official sources so you can check the current rules yourself.

Frequently asked questions

Can you write the affidavit for me?

We can't draft legal documents, but most countries or consulates provide the wording. Bring it to your appointment.

Can both of us sign at the same appointment?

Yes, as long as each person has ID. Each of you signs your own affidavit.

I live outside Massachusetts. Can you help?

A Massachusetts notary can only notarize in Massachusetts. If you're elsewhere, have it notarized locally and get the apostille from your state. We can help coordinate.

Which countries ask for this?

Many do, including Italy, Spain, Mexico and others. See Apostille Countries.

Do I need my birth certificate too?

Many countries ask for an apostilled birth certificate as well. We can order and apostille it. See Vital Records Retrieval.

Can my fiancé sign here if they live abroad?

They'd need to sign where they live, following that country's rules. We handle the U.S. side.

Can you send the documents directly to the wedding venue or registry?

Yes, with tracked international shipping.

Getting married abroad?

Tell us the country and your wedding date, and we'll plan backward from it.