Illinois Single Status Affidavit Apostille
The complete guide to proving you are free to marry abroad. Learn how to draft, notarize, and apostille your "Certificate of No Impediment" with the Illinois Secretary of State.
What is a Single Status Affidavit?
A Single Status Affidavit is a sworn legal document in which an individual declares, under penalty of perjury, that they are currently unmarried and free to marry. This document is often required by foreign governments when a US citizen or resident wishes to marry overseas.
Depending on the country requesting it, this document may also be referred to as:
- Affidavit of Single Status
- Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage
- Affidavit of Freedom to Marry
- Affidavit of Civil Status
- Certificate of Celibacy
Unlike a birth or death certificate, which is issued by the government, a Single Status Affidavit is typically drafted by the individual (the affiant) and then notarized. However, some counties in Illinois (like Cook County) may offer a "Certificate of No Record of Marriage," which serves a similar purpose but is a government-issued record.
When is it Needed?
The most common reason for needing an apostilled Single Status Affidavit is for international marriage. Foreign civil registries need assurance that you are not currently married to someone else in your home country to prevent bigamy.
Other scenarios include:
- Dual Citizenship Applications: Proving marital status for citizenship by descent.
- Adoption: Some countries require proof of single status for single adoptive parents.
- Business/Property Transactions: Occasionally required to prove sole ownership rights.
Step-by-Step Process
Obtaining an apostille for a Single Status Affidavit in Illinois involves three main steps. Follow this timeline to ensure your document is accepted.
1. Draft the Affidavit
You can draft this document yourself or use a template. The affidavit must include:
- Your full legal name.
- Your current address.
- A clear statement that you have never been married, or that you are divorced/widowed (with details of the dissolution).
- A declaration that you are free to marry under the laws of your destination country.
Tip: Our Apostille Wizard can generate a legally compliant Single Status Affidavit template for you instantly.
2. Notarize the Document
Once drafted, do not sign the document yet. You must sign it in the physical presence of an Illinois Notary Public.
- Bring a valid government ID (Driver's License or Passport).
- The notary will witness your signature and attach a "Jurat" or "Acknowledgment" certificate.
- Crucial: Ensure the notary signs their name exactly as it appears on their commission and stamps the document clearly. Smudged stamps are a common reason for rejection.
3. Submit for Apostille
After notarization, the document is ready to be sent to the Illinois Secretary of State Index Department.
Submission Requirements:
- The original notarized affidavit.
- A cover letter indicating the destination country.
- A check or money order for $2.00 per document, payable to "Secretary of State".
- A self-addressed stamped return envelope.
Mailing Address:
Illinois Secretary of State
Index Department
111 E. Monroe St.
Springfield, IL 62756
Costs & Processing Time
| Service Type |
Fee
|
Processing Time
|
|---|---|---|
| Standard Mail | $2.00 | 7-10 Business Days |
| Walk-In (Springfield) | $2.00 | Same Day |
| Walk-In (Chicago) | $2.00 | Same Day (Limited Hours) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the affidavit expire?
The affidavit itself does not expire, but most foreign countries require the document to be recent, typically issued within the last 3 to 6 months. Always check with the receiving authority.
Can I use a "Certificate of No Record"?
Yes, in many cases. The Cook County Clerk (and other counties) can issue a "Certificate of No Record of Marriage" after a search. This is an official government document. However, a sworn affidavit is often easier and faster to obtain and is widely accepted.
Do I need a lawyer to draft it?
No, you do not need a lawyer. You can draft it yourself or use a reliable template service like Apostille My Document.