The value of a single status certificate makes it necessary for NRIs, non-residents, or anyone else to discover how to get it. In India, people recognize it with the name bachelorhood certificate, whereas in the USA and other countries, it’s called No Objection to Marriage or Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage.

Typically, it is associated with marriages. If an emigrant wants to solemnize marriage with a foreigner, a single status certificate must be presented before the ministry of external affairs. There may be some other reasons, like the change of status, visa applications, and other legal processes.

It’s time to get going with the procedure to obtain this certificate.

Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a Single Status Certificate

Also called a CENOMAR, it can be applied by following these steps. Let’s dive into each step.

Step 1: Understand the Requirement

Certainly, many countries require you to present it before marriage to a foreigner. But countries like India do not necessarily require it for marriage with an Indian citizen here. So, come across the rule of the country where you live temporarily if it requires. However, overseas marriage is the strongest and foremost reason to present it before the foreign administration. There may be other requirements, which can be the following:

a. Visa or immigration applications, especially spouse visas, proof of single status
b. Legal documentation that proves your eligibility

Step 2: Approach the Appropriate Authority

Considering the fact that India does not have any specific authority to issue it, it is necessary to identify where to go for this document. Mostly, these officers can help you.

a. Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Office
b. District Magistrate (DM) or Deputy Commissioner (DC) Office
c. Indian Embassies/Consulates

Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents
The aforementioned competent authorities would look into your request, given that you present supporting documents. These documents must be valid and authentic:

a. For identification: Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, or voter ID
b. As address proofs: utility bills, ration cards, or any other government-issued address proof.
c. Affidavit of Single Status: A notarized affidavit on the stamp paper of INR 20, mentioning that the applicant is single, not married, or divorced.
d. Divorce decree (if applicable) in the case of divorce

Step 4: Draft an Affidavit
The applicant might have all the documents. But for an affidavit, one has to visit the notary public. On a stamp paper of INR 20, the notary public (an authority) drafts a declaration that the affiant is unmarried, single, divorced, or widowed. It also carries the name, address, and parents’ details in that oath statement. The applicant must check if it has the following details correctly:

a. The applicant’s full name and contact information
b. A declaration of your marital status (single, divorced, or widowed)
c. A statement that you are legally free to marry
d. A notary’s stamp and signature
Step 5: Submit the application.

Now that you have all the documents, visit the SDM office if you live here. NRIs can explore the website of the concerned embassy from this list and apply for a bachelorhood certificate.

You can select the “Single Status Certificate” from the services on the website and schedule an appointment. Mention the date and time slot in which you’re comfortable meeting the consul. Then, visit the office of a consul on the day of the appointment.

Present the notarized affidavit, address and identity proofs, or whatever they want to verify, and cross-check the details of the applicant. Fill out the application form.

Step 6: Pay the application fee.

This is a fee-based service, which means you need to pay out a certain amount in return for your application. You may discover everything about it from a legal matter expert like SNRI. Also, don’t forget to obtain a receipt for your application.

Step 7: Wait for Processing

This is a lengthy procedure, wherein the Consul sends the request for verification to India. It becomes a necessity to verify the authenticity of the applicant. However, it can be processed in a few days. But sometimes, this duration can be weeks long. So, patience is the only key to holding You can call and also discover its processing from the office if weeks pass.

Step 8: Collect the Certificate

This is the last step, which makes you cheerful. You receive your document from the offices in India. Take with you the receipt and the documents’ photocopies. Check for accuracy or any typos in the letter.

This is how you get a single status certificate in India. If you are abroad, hire an NRI consultant like Services 2NRI and meet this requirement.

Additional Tips

a. If you require this document this month, it won’t be possible. The process to get it is lengthy. So, place a request at least three months before.

b. Create photocopies of this certificate once it is received.

c. Continue to track the status of your application. If it takes a really long time, contact the authority where you applied.

d. The affidavit must be authentic, consisting of all authentic details. Parents may also have to enclose their own affidavit as a supporting document.

Conclusion

A single-status certificate is a legal document that enables you to marry abroad. It can be obtained from the embassy if you live abroad. In India, people can apply with the SDM. It would require a notarized affidavit, address and residence proofs, or whatever the authority requires. This is how the applicant can be submitted and the document can be obtained.