Texas Single Status Affidavit Apostille
Planning to get married abroad? You'll need a "Single Status Affidavit" (or Certificate of No Record of Marriage). In Texas, this is a notarized document that requires a specific 3-step authentication process.
At a Glance — 2026 Snapshot
| Processing Time (Mail) | 3-4 Months (Delays) |
|---|---|
| Fastest Option | Walk-In (Austin) or using our expedited service |
| State Fee | $15.00 per document |
| Key Requirement | County Clerk Authentication Required for ALL notarized documents before State submission. |
| Top Rejection Reason | Skipping the County Clerk step |
Critical Requirements
A Single Status Affidavit is a sworn statement where you declare that you are currently unmarried. Because this is a document you create and sign yourself (rather than a government-issued record), the authentication process is stricter.
The "County Clerk" Trap
Texas law requires that ALL notarized documents be authenticated by the County Clerk of the county where the notary is commissioned BEFORE they can be sent to the Secretary of State.
If you send your notarized affidavit directly to the State, it will be rejected.
MUST HAVE
- Original Wet Signature: You must sign in ink.
- Texas Notary Stamp: Signed in front of a Texas Notary Public.
- County Clerk Seal: Authenticating the notary's commission.
CANNOT ACCEPT
- Photocopies: The State needs the original signature.
- Out-of-State Notaries: Must be a Texas notary.
- Missing County Step: Notary stamp alone is not enough.
The 3-Step Apostille Process
Draft & Notarize Affidavit
Create a "Single Status Affidavit" stating you are currently unmarried. Sign it in front of a Texas Notary Public.
County Clerk Authentication
Take your notarized affidavit to the County Clerk's office in the county where the notary is commissioned. They will verify the notary's signature and attach an authentication page.
State Apostille
Submit the document (now with Notary + County Clerk seals) to the Texas Secretary of State with Form 2102 and the $15 fee.
Get the submission formOfficial Resources
Use these official government links to find the correct County Clerk for authentication.
Major County Clerk Offices (For Authentication)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Skipping the County Clerk This is the most common error. The State will reject any notarized document that hasn't been authenticated by the County Clerk first.
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Using an Out-of-State Notary You cannot use a notary from another state (e.g., Oklahoma) for a Texas apostille. It must be a Texas Notary Public.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Texas issue a "Certificate of No Record"?
Texas Vital Statistics can issue a "Marriage Verification Letter," but it often lacks the proper seal for apostille. The most reliable method is to draft a Single Status Affidavit yourself and have it notarized.
Can I use a Remote Online Notary (RON)?
Yes, Texas allows Remote Online Notarization. However, you must still print the electronically notarized document and take it to the County Clerk (of the county where the online notary is commissioned) for authentication before sending it to the State.
How long is the affidavit valid?
Most countries require the affidavit to be issued within the last 3 to 6 months. If your affidavit is older than 6 months, it will likely be rejected by the foreign authority.
"Getting married abroad? Don't skip the County Clerk step for your affidavit. It's the #1 reason for rejection in Texas."