Single Status Certificate in India: Summary
Purpose: Confirm marital status (single, divorced, widowed) for marriage abroad, visa applications, international jobs, or legal purposes.
Process:
- Gather documents (ID, age, address proofs, affidavit).
- Apply through local authorities (Municipal Corporation, Gram Panchayat, etc.).
- Verify and obtain the certificate.
- Attest from State Home Department, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and Embassy/Consulate (if for international use).
Key Takeaways:
- Check state-specific requirements.
- Apply in advance to account for processing time.
- Verify attestation requirements for international use.
Resources:
• State/UT websites for application and attestation details.
• MEA and Embassy/Consulate websites for international attestation guidelines.
Table of Contents
- What is a Single Status Certificate?
- Purposes of a Single Status Certificate
- Required Documents for Application
- Creating an Affidavit for Single Status
- Step-by-Step Application Process
- Verification and Issuance of the Certificate
- Attestation for International Use
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- State-Wise Variations and Contacts
- Conclusion and Final Checklist
- Troubleshooting Common Issues
- State-Wise Attestation Process for International Use
- Embassy/Consulate Specific Requirements
1. What is a Single Status Certificate?
A Single Status Certificate, also known as a Bachelorhood Certificate, Unmarried Certificate, or Certificate of Marital Status, is an official document issued by the Indian government. It certifies an individual's current marital status as:
• Single (Unmarried)
• Divorced
• Widowed
2. Purposes of a Single Status Certificate
• Getting Married Abroad: To prove marital status to the authorities of the country where the marriage will take place.
• Visa Applications: Required for certain types of visas, such as fiancé(e) visas or spousal visas.
• International Job Opportunities: Some employers may request this certificate as part of the hiring process.
• Legal or Administrative Purposes: In cases of adoption, inheritance, or other legal matters.
3. Required Documents for Application
Proof of Age:
- Birth Certificate
- School Leaving Certificate (if birth certificate is not available)
- Passport (in some cases, for verification)
Proof of Address:
• Aadhaar Card
• Voter ID Card
• Driving License
• Utility Bills (recent, not more than 2 months old)
Proof of Identity:
• Aadhaar Card
• Passport
• Driving License
• PAN Card
• Affidavit for Single Status (see below for details)
4. Creating an Affidavit for Single Status
Content:
• Full Name
• Age
• Address
• Declaration of single marital status
• Statement confirming no legal impediment to marriage (if applying for marriage purposes)
Execution:
• On non-judicial stamp paper (value varies by state, typically ₹10 or ₹20)
• In the presence of a Notary Public or an Oath Commissioner
5. Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 5.1: Prepare Documents
• Gather all required documents and ensure they are up-to-date.
• Execute the affidavit as described above.
Step 5.2: Identify the Issuing Authority
• Urban Areas: Municipal Corporation or City Council Office
• Rural Areas: Gram Panchayat Office or the Block Development Office
Step 5.3: Submit Your Application
- Obtain the application form for a Single Status Certificate from the identified office or download it from the official website (if available).
- Fill out the form accurately.
- Attach all required documents, including the affidavit.
- Pay the prescribed fee (nominal, around ₹100 to ₹500, varies by state).
Step 5.4: Follow Up
• After submitting your application, inquire about the processing time.
• Follow up with the authorities if the certificate is not issued within the stipulated timeframe.
6. Verification and Issuance of the Certificate
- Verification Process: Local authorities will verify the information provided.
- Certificate Issuance: Upon successful verification, the Single Status Certificate will be issued.
- Processing Time: Varies (a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the local administration's efficiency).
7. Attestation for International Use
For Use Abroad:
- Home Department of Your State: First level of attestation.
- Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), New Delhi: Second level, mandatory for all documents to be used abroad.
- The Embassy/Consulate of the Country where the certificate will be used: Final attestation, required by some countries.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is a Single Status Certificate mandatory for marriage in India?
A: No, it's primarily required for marriages abroad or specific legal/administrative purposes.
Q: Can I apply online?
A: Check your state's official website. Some states offer online application facilities.
Q: How long is the certificate valid?
A: Typically 3 to 6 months from the date of issue, but this can vary.
Q: Do I need to get the certificate translated if it's not in English?
A: Yes, for international use, and ensure the translation is attested.
9. State-wise variations and Contacts
| State/UT | Issuing Authority | Contact/Website |
| Maharashtra | Municipal Corporation | www.mcgm.gov.in |
| Delhi | Sub-Divisional Magistrate | www.edistrict.delhigovt.nic.in |
| Uttar Pradesh | Tehsildar's Office | www.up.gov.in |
Note: For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please search for the specific contact details of your state or union territory.
10. Final Checklist
1. Gather Required Documents
2. Execute Affidavit
3. Identify Issuing Authority
4. Submit Application
5. Follow Up
6. Verify Attestation Requirements (if abroad)
7. Apply for Attestation (if required)
8. Collect Single Status Certificate
9. Verify Certificate Details for Accuracy
10. Obtain Photocopies of the Certificate
11. Scan and Securely Save Digital Copies
12. Check the Embassy/Consulate Website (if abroad)
13. Schedule Appointment (if required for attestation)
14. Complete Attestation Process (if abroad)
15. Receive a Fully Attested Certificate (if abroad)
16. Confirm Certificate Acceptance with Intended Authority
Additional Tips:
- Keep a set of photocopies of all your documents for future reference.
- Scan and save digital copies of your documents securely.
- Track your application through the provided reference number (if applicable).
11. Troubleshooting Common Issues
• Issue: Delay in Certificate Issuance
Solution: Follow up with the issuing authority, providing your application reference number.
• Issue: Incorrect Information on the Certificate
Solution: Immediately inform the issuing authority and request corrections before attestation (if applicable).
• Issue: Loss of Certificate
Solution: File a police complaint, then apply for a duplicate certificate with the issuing authority, providing the complaint number.
12. State-Wise Attestation Process for International Use
| State/UT | Home Department Attestation | MEA Attestation | Embassy/Consulate Attestation |
| Maharashtra | Mumbai: https://www.maharashtra.gov.in/ | New Delhi: https://mea.gov.in/ | Varies by Country |
| Delhi | New Delhi: https://delhi.gov.in/ | New Delhi: https://mea.gov.in/ | Varies by Country |
| Uttar Pradesh | Lucknow: https://lucknow.nic.in/ | New Delhi: https://mea.gov.in/ | Varies by Country |
| Tamil Nadu | Chennai: https://www.tn.gov.in/ | New Delhi: https://mea.gov.in/ | Varies by Country |
| Karnataka | Bengaluru: https://karnataka.gov.in/english | New Delhi: https://mea.gov.in/ | Varies by Country |
| West Bengal | Kolkata: https://wb.gov.in/ | New Delhi: https://mea.gov.in/ | Varies by Country |
| Rajasthan | Jaipur: https://rajasthan.gov.in/ | New Delhi: https://mea.gov.in/ | Varies by Country |
| Gujarat | Gandhinagar: https://gad.gujarat.gov.in/ | New Delhi: https://mea.gov.in/ | Varies by Country |
Note: For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please get in touch with the respective state/UT home department and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
13. Embassy/Consulate Specific Requirements
| Country | Embassy/Consulate Location in India | Attestation Requirements | Website |
| United States | New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad | Apostille from MEA, then Embassy Attestation (if required) | https://in.usembassy.gov/ |
| United Kingdom | New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru | Apostille from MEA, no further attestation required | https://www.gov.uk/world/india |
| Australia | New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai | Apostille from MEA, then Embassy Attestation (if required for certain visas) | https://india.embassy.gov.au/ |
| Canada | New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru | Apostille from MEA, then Embassy Attestation (required for certain visas) | https://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/india-inde/new_delhi.aspx?lang=eng |
| Germany | New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata | Apostille from MEA, then Embassy Attestation (required for certain visas) | www.india.diplo.de |
Note: Always verify the requirements with the embassy/consulate of the country where the certificate will be used.
posted on 9 Jun, 2021. Posted In attestation.