A Single Status Affidavit, also known as a Single Status Letter, is a document that verifies no current marriage is on file in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is commonly required for individuals planning to marry abroad. If you're in Virginia and need to obtain this document, here’s a step-by-step guide to streamline the process.
Step 1: Understand the Purpose
Before you begin, it’s important to understand what a Single Status Certificate is and why you might need one. This document serves as proof that you are not currently married, based on the marriage records in Virginia. It is essential for fulfilling legal requirements in other countries where a marriage is planned.
Step 2: Prepare Your Application
To request a Single Status Certificate, you need to fill out an application through the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), specifically the Office of Vital Records. In Party One of the Marriage Information section of the application, ensure you list the name of the person requiring the Single Status Letter.
You can start your application process online but note that additional steps are required for processing.
Here’s what you’ll need to include in your submission:
Signed Application: Begin by completing the application online or obtaining the physical form from the VDH website.
Personal Identification: Include copies of valid ID documents such as a driver’s license or passport.
Signed Letter Containing Specific Information:
Date of birth of the person requiring the affidavit.
Time period of residence in Virginia (e.g., 1980–2001).
Time period to be searched for marriage records (e.g., 1987–1997).
Dates of any marriages and divorces, if applicable.
Step 3: Submit the Required Documents
Once you have gathered all the required documents, you can submit your application.
Send Completed Application To:
Office of Vital Records
P. O. Box 1000 Richmond, VA 23218-1000
Step 4: Wait for Processing
The Office of Vital Records will process your request only after all required documents are received. Processing times may vary, so it’s advisable to allow adequate time before your planned overseas marriage.
Step 5: Receive Your Single Status Certificate
Once your application is approved, the Single Status Letter will be issued. This document can then be used for legal proceedings abroad.
Important Tips
Verify Requirements: Check with the document requestor, or the embassy or consulate of the country where you plan to marry to confirm what documentation is required.
Be Accurate: Ensure all details provided in your application match official records to avoid delays.
Plan Ahead: Since processing times can vary, start the application process well in advance of your intended marriage date.
Request on your own: We do not request vital records on your behalf. Please ensure you submit your request directly to the Virginia Department of Health.
Alternative: Drafting Your Own Single Status Affidavit and have it notarized
If you don’t want to request a certificate from the Department of Health and wait, you can always choose to draft your own Single Status Affidavit (or use our template with notarial wording: $9.90 for English version, or $14.99 for English and Spanish version). This document should state that you are currently unmarried, and you can sign it in front of a notary to make it official. Notaries can be easily found at UPS stores. Be sure to verify with the requesting entity whether a notarized self-drafted affidavit meets their requirements.
Obtaining a Single Status Certificate in Virginia is straightforward if you follow these steps and provide all required information. By being thorough and timely, you’ll ensure a smooth process and avoid unnecessary delays in your marriage plans abroad. Whether you choose to apply through the Department of Health or draft your own affidavit and have it notarized, it’s essential to ensure your documentation is complete and valid for your needs.
After your get your Single Status Certificate/Affidavit
Keep in mind that additional certification, such as an apostille authentication, might be required depending on the country where you plan to marry.
If your single status certificate/affidavit will be used overseas, it might need an apostille certificate.
For the apostille, order our apostille service below (if needed).
Then please mail us:
the original Single Status Certificate (no need to notarize it), OR
the original Single Status Affidavit (needs to be notarized by a notary).
Your Single Status Certificate/Affidavit is a critical document, and ensuring its recognition abroad with an apostille is essential. Our professional apostille service ensures that your document is apostilled timely, efficiently, and with precision, giving you peace of mind wherever your international journey takes you.
American Notary Service Center Inc. provides fair, fast, confidential, and professional document notarization and certification services for our clients. We also provide various assistance services to small businesses led by socially and economically disadvantaged groups. Our service helps small businesses obtain federal government contracts, gain a foothold in the market, and boost their sales. For more information, please visit our website at www.usnotarycenter.com, and contact us by calling 202-599-0777 or by email at info@usnotarycenter.com.