Single Status Affidavit Template for England and Wales
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What is a Single Status Affidavit?
A single status affidavit is a sworn document in which a person confirms they are not currently married or in a civil partnership, under the Oaths Act 1978. It's most often required when a UK resident wants to marry abroad and the foreign authority demands proof of unmarried status. The affidavit must be sworn before a solicitor or commissioner for oaths, and is typically apostilled by the FCDO before being sent overseas.
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About the Single Status Affidavit
An affidavit of single status is a sworn statement, made under oath, that confirms you are legally free to marry. In England and Wales it declares that you have never been married, or that any previous marriage or civil partnership has ended through divorce, dissolution, or the death of your spouse or partner. Because it is sworn under the Oaths Act 1978, a wilfully false statement can amount to perjury, so every detail must be accurate and complete.
What is an affidavit of single status?
It is a formal document in which you swear, before a solicitor, notary public, or commissioner for oaths, that there is no legal impediment to your marriage. Overseas authorities often call the same thing a certificate of no impediment (CNI) or a certificate of freedom to marry. The affidavit typically states your full legal name, date of birth, home address, nationality, and current marital status, together with details of any previous marriage or civil partnership and how it ended.
Affidavit of single status vs certificate of no impediment
The two terms overlap but come from different processes. The table below sets out the key differences.
| Document | What it is | Where it comes from |
|---|---|---|
| Affidavit of single status | A sworn or affirmed statement that you are free to marry, drafted by you and sworn before an authorised person | Sworn under the Oaths Act 1978 before a solicitor, notary, or commissioner for oaths |
| Certificate of no impediment (CNI) | An official document confirming no objection to your marriage, sometimes required by an overseas registry | Issued by a UK register office after a notice period, or requested directly by the foreign embassy or consulate |
When do you need this document?
You will usually need an affidavit of single status when you plan to marry abroad. Many governments require proof, before they will register a marriage, that you are free to marry under the law of your home country. The relevant embassy or consulate, or a foreign registry office, will often ask for this document as part of the application. Overseas authorities apply it as a check that the person is a genuine citizen or resident with no subsisting marriage. It may also be requested in immigration and visa matters, and occasionally for property, inheritance, or adoption processes where your marital status has to be verified.
How do you get an affidavit of single status?
You draft the affidavit setting out your details and your declaration of single status, then swear or affirm it in the presence of an authorised person. In England and Wales that is a solicitor, notary public, or commissioner for oaths, who administers the oath and adds their signature, stamp, and details. There is normally a small fee for swearing, and some registry offices or embassies provide guidance on the exact wording they will accept, so it is worth checking their requirements before you swear the document. GenieAI lets you draft the affidavit for free before you take it to be sworn.
Do you need an apostille or legalisation?
For use overseas, a sworn affidavit often has to be legalised so that a foreign government will accept it. Under the Hague Apostille Convention this is done by obtaining an apostille from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, which certifies the signature and seal of the solicitor or notary. Countries that are not party to the Convention may require further authentication through their embassy or consulate. Always confirm with the receiving authority whether an apostille alone is enough or whether consular legalisation is also needed.
Affidavit or statutory declaration?
The two documents serve a similar purpose but differ in form. An affidavit is sworn on oath, while a statutory declaration is made under the Statutory Declarations Act 1835 and solemnly affirmed rather than sworn. Some overseas authorities specify which one they will accept, so it is sensible to check before drafting. Both must be signed in front of an authorised person and can be legalised for international use. You can find related documents in our affidavit templates.
Key details to include
A complete affidavit of single status should record the following:
- Your full legal name, date of birth, home address, and nationality
- A clear statement of your current marital status
- The date any previous marriage or civil partnership ended, and how (divorce, dissolution, or death)
- Supporting evidence such as a decree absolute, final order, or death certificate, if the receiving authority asks for it
- Current contact details in case the registry office, embassy, or consulate needs to reach you about the application
GOVERNING LAW
Applicable law
This Single Status Affidavit is drafted to comply with England and Wales law. Key legislation includes:
These are the main laws that shape an affidavit of single status sworn in England and Wales.
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