by Apostille Service
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How to Prove You’re Legally Single
There are occasions when you need to prove you are single and not married. This may be when you plan to get married overseas or for a legal matter in another country. Here’s how to confirm your single status:
There are two main documents you can provide that will show you are single. The Certificate of No Impediment and a Statutory Declaration confirming you are single.
Single Status Documents
There are two main documents you can provide that will show you are single
1 – Certificate of No Impediment (CNI)
The CNI is a formal government-issued document confirming there are no legal obstacles preventing you from marrying. This can be requested in the UK by any British citizen.
How to get a CNI
You apply via your local register office (where births, marriages and deaths are recorded) or at a British consulate/embassy if you’re currently overseas.
You must be a British citizen and will need to make an appointment. You will be asked to provide identification. CNI documents normally take around 4 weeks to be issued. There is no fast track option. You can read more on our ‘how to obtain a CNI‘ page.
2 – Statutory Declaration
You can prepare a solemn, sworn statement, made before a solicitor or Notary Public declaring you are single.
Statutory declarations are commonly relied upon in when a CNI is not suitable or possible. These normally meet the legal requirements when witnessed by a notary or solicitor and legalised with the apostille.
How to get a Statutory Declaration
A statutory declaration is, in simple terms, is a statement that you make with a solicitor or Notary Public. You sign a legal document stating you are single, not married, and if previously married, they marriage is now dissolved.
- Prepare a statutory declaration. You may have been provided with one, or you can locate many free templates.
- Contract a local solicitor or notary and make an appointment to have them witness you signing the document.
- Get it witnessed and signed by a solicitor or Notary Public.
- Arrange for apostille legalisation so it’s recognised internationally.
You can read more on our ‘statutory declaration‘ page, with free sample statutory declaration templates.
Please note – We cannot obtain these documents for you. We can organise the apostille on your documents, but you need to contact a local registrar office or a local solicitor ‘in person’ to get these documents.
Important Notes
Not all foreign governments recognise a Statutory Declaration. This will depend on local rules in the country that is requesting you prove you are single. In some cases you may be asked to provide both a CNI and a Statutory Declaration.
If you’re abroad, your nearest UK Embassy or Consulate can guide you on whether to obtain a CNI locally, if available.
Which One Should You Choose?
Certificate of No Impediment – You’re marrying abroad in a country that formally recognises CNIs.
Statutory Declaration – CNI is unavailable or you’re asked to provide a sworn statement.
Summary
If you need to prove you are single you can apply for a Certificate of No Impediment, or have a Statutory Declaration drawn up and apostilled.
Some countries require one, others accept both. It is important to check exactly what documents you may need from your destination’s authorities.
