A single status affidavit is a sworn statement that you are legally free to marry. Most countries ask for one before they will marry a U.S. citizen, because the United States has no national marriage registry to check.
You may see it called an affidavit of single status, affidavit of singleness, certificate of freedom to marry, certificate of no impediment, or no record of marriage. They all do the same job.
What goes in a single status affidavit
- Your full legal name, as it appears on your passport
- Your passport number, date of birth and place of birth
- Your current address
- A statement that you have never married, or the dates your earlier marriages ended and how (divorce or death)
- Your intended spouse’s name and country of residence
If you are divorced or widowed, attach a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate. Many countries ask for it.
How to get a single status affidavit in Oregon
- Check what the country wants. Ask the embassy, consulate or foreign marriage office which wording they accept and how recent the document must be. Many want it dated within 3 to 6 months of the wedding.
- Prepare the affidavit. Use the wording the country gave you. Do not sign it yet.
- Sign it in front of a notary. Bring your passport or driver license. An Oregon notary places you under oath and completes the notarial certificate. Office notarization at Pac Signing is $10 per signature.
- Get the apostille. The Oregon Secretary of State in Salem attaches an apostille to the notarized affidavit for a $10 state fee per document. We can submit it for you, and it typically takes 1 to 5 business days.
- Translate it if needed. If the country does not accept English, get a certified translation. Ask whether they want the translation done before or after the apostille.
Do you need an apostille or embassy legalization?
If the country is part of the Hague Apostille Convention, the Oregon apostille is the last step. Mexico, Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, India, China and Canada are all members. China joined in November 2023 and Canada in January 2024.
If the country is not a member, the document needs authentication and then legalization at that country’s embassy or consulate. Check the current member list before you start, because it changes.
Oregon also issues a no-marriage letter
Some countries want an official search of state records as well as your sworn statement. The Oregon State Registrar issues a verification of no marriage letter, and the Secretary of State can apostille it. Ask the receiving country whether they want the affidavit, the letter, or both.
Costs
| Step | Cost |
|---|---|
| Notarization at a Pac Signing office | $10 per signature |
| Mobile notary visit (Oregon) | $70 travel fee plus $10 per signature |
| Oregon apostille state fee | $10 per document |
| Pac Signing apostille handling | Request a quote |
FAQ
Can I write my own single status affidavit?
Yes. There is no official U.S. form. It must state your name, passport details, marital history and intended spouse, and be signed in front of a notary.
Can I get a single status affidavit if I live abroad?
Yes. A U.S. embassy or consulate can notarize the affidavit, or an Oregon notary can do it by remote online notarization if the receiving country accepts that.
How long is a single status affidavit valid?
The affidavit has no expiry date, but most countries accept it only for 3 to 6 months after it is signed.
Is a single status affidavit the same as a marriage license?
No. The affidavit only proves you are free to marry. You still follow the marriage process in the country where the wedding takes place.
Ready to start? Book a notary appointment or call (971) 394-4152. You can also sign remotely through remote online notarization if the receiving country accepts it.
Official source: ORS chapter 194: Oregon Uniform Law on Notarial Acts.