What is Unmarried Certificate & Why Need This

Imagine this: you’ve finally secured your dream job in another country, or maybe you are planning for your wedding overseas. Then one day, you must provide evidence that you are still legally single.

First of all, it may sound rather peculiar, but how does one prove that he or she has never been married? However, for various legal reasons, most organisations and governments need an official document confirming your single status.  

Enters the – Unmarried Certificate, a document which is not very popular but is necessary for travelling, working or getting married in a foreign country. For those who are planning to start a life in another country, it is useful to know how one can obtain this certificate and save time, effort, and stress.

In this blog, we will talk about what is unmarried certificate, why you need it, how to obtain it, and the details of the process and requirements for obtaining this, admittedly, not as glamorous, but necessary, piece of paper. So without any more delays, let’s jump right in!

What is Unmarried Certificate?

An Unmarried Certificate is an official document issued by the government to confirm that the individual named in it is not currently married.

Also known as a Single Status Certificate or Bachelorhood certificate, it serves as proof of one’s single status, which may be required for various legal and administrative purposes, particularly in foreign countries.

Usually issued by local government authorities or from offices of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) or Tehsildar, or issued through embassies to the people living abroad, it is a legal confirmation of you having no marital obligation in your home country.

Sample Unmarried Certificate –

Why Do You Need an Unmarried Certificate?

An unmarried certificate may come in handy in a variety of situations, some of the most common instances in which one may need an unmarried certificate are as follows; 

• Getting Marriage Abroad – Many countries demand an unmarried certificate before allowing foreign nationals to marry within their jurisdiction. It acts as proof that the individual has no existing marital ties in their home country.

• Employment Opportunities – Several international companies require applicants to provide a status certificate which is a one-time application, especially in cases requiring relocation or staying for longer durations.

• Immigration and Visa Processes – Sometimes, individuals, especially those with family-based visa types or immigration applications, might have to demonstrate marital status while applying for these visas or immigration processes.

• Adoption – Some nations require singles to provide their single status evidence while adopting.

• Property and Legal Disputes – In cases where marital status affects inheritance, property disputes, or other legal processes, an unmarried certificate might be needed as proof.

Eligibility Criteria for an Unmarried Certificate

To be eligible for an unmarried certificate, a person has to meet the following conditions:

• Age Requirement – The applicant has to be legally aged. Most people qualify if they are 18 years and above.

• Marital Status – The applicant needs to be unmarried and should be able to prove their single status through the required documents

• Proof of Residence – Applicants should be able to show residency in the jurisdiction where they are applying for the certificate as the local authorities issue the certificate. 

Documents Required to Obtain an Unmarried Certificate

The exact documentation requirements vary depending on the issuing authority. Nonetheless, the most commonly requested documents required to obtain an unmarried certificate are:

• Proof of Identity (Passport, Aadhaar card, Voter ID card, Driver’s license)
  
• Proof of age such as a birth certificate.

• Proof of Residence (Utility bills such as electricity, water, or gas, Ration card, Rent agreement or property ownership documents)

• Affidavit – A notarized affidavit stating that the applicant is not married currently. Such a document should be signed by the applicant and, in some cases, also countersigned by a gazetted officer.

• Photographs – Passport-sized photographs according to the specification of the authority.

• Declaration from Family or Witnesses – Some authorities demand a declaration from family members or witnesses confirming that the applicant is unmarried.

Note: Research the exact documents required depending on the issuing authority to avoid any complications in the process. 

How to Get an Unmarried Certificate​?

Getting an Unmarried certificate is simple if you know where to get it from. Depending on the place of your stay, you can get an Unmarried certificate from either one of the following government authorities; 

• Gram Panchayat – The candidates staying in a village or possessing a permanent residence address based in the village can get the certificate from the Gram Panchayat office.

• Court – One can get an unmarried certificate through the court.
  
• Local government offices – like the Suvidha Kendra or the DC office
  
• Tahsildar Office / Municipality – In the case of city residents, the Municipality is authorised to issue the certificate.

How to Apply for an Unmarried Certificate?

Candidates nationwide can apply for an Unmarried certificate if they meet the requirements either. The certificate can be applied both, online and offline. The general steps of both ways have been discussed in detail below; 

Offline Process

The offline process usually covers the following steps; 

Step 1- Visit the Issuing Authority – Seek the local Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Tehsildar office, or District Magistrate in your locality. The SDM or local courts have the authority to issue an Unmarried certificate.

Step 2 – Documents Submission -Turn over the application with personal details and declaration of single status. Also, submit the required documents such as the affidavit along with proof of identity and residence.

Step 3 – Application Fee Payment – Pay the specified fee, which may differ based on the state of your residence. Save the receipt for future use.

Step 4 – Verification Process – After receiving the documents, the authority will verify them, and it may even question the applicant to confirm whether his or her claim is authentic or not. After application submission, the local policemen will visit your place to inquire and you will need to have two witnesses present who can verify your claims. 

Step 5 – Issuance of the Certificate – After the verification process, the unmarried certificate is issued. This process may take one or two weeks.

Note: A single status certificate/unmarried certificate can issued in the form of a certificate/affidavit notarised by the SDM which needs to be counter-attested by the State Home Department of the issuing state. Subsequently, it is to be attested/apostilled by the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi. 

Online Process 

In some parts of the country, you can apply for an unmarried certificate online. Here are the steps to follow if you want to apply online; 

Step 1 – Official Portal – Log in to the government department website of your respective state, which could be your state e-governance portal. You can also visit Suvidha Kendra to get your online application started. 

Step 2 – Registration and Logging In – Create a new account if you do not already have one. Login using your credentials.

Step 3 – Filling Up the Application Form – Fill up the online application form and upload all the necessary documents as required.

Step 4 – Make Payment Online – Pay your fee through the portal itself through credit/debit cards, net banking, or any one of the accepted modes of payment.

Step 5 – Track Application Status – Monitor your application status from the portal. 

Step 6 – Certificate Issuance – Once applied for, the certificate can be digitally sent or one can collect it physically also, after getting approval on their application.

How to Check Unmarried Certificate Status​?

The status of an unmarried certificate application can be checked in multiple ways, some of the most common ones are as follows; 

• Visit the Office – You can contact the issuing authority directly and ask about the progress.

• Online Tracking – If you have applied online, you can use the reference or application number at the time of submission to track your status on the portal.

• Helpline Numbers – A few states and union territories also provide dedicated helpline numbers for status inquiries.

Common Challenges in Unmarried Certificate Application and How to Overcome Them

1. Delayed Verification Process – To avoid delay in verification, make sure all the documents are authentic and notarised.

2. Incomplete Documentation – Verify all documents required for submission as incomplete or incorrect documents can lead to delays and rejections. 

3. Lack of Clarity on Procedure – Refer to the official website or contact the issuing authority for proper guidance.
   
4. Plan Ahead – Start the procedure with plenty of time in hand so you can be prepared for any issues that may arise.
   
5. Unauthorised Agents – Use only registered service providers for all your apostille and attestation needs regarding the unmarried certificate. 

Do Unmarried Certificates Need Attestation?

Yes, attestation is an important requirement when it comes to the unmarried certificate, especially if it is to be used for official purposes abroad. Whether the document needs attestation or apostille depends on the destination country. 

Here are the steps involved in the procedure of Unmarried Certificate Attestation;

1. Notary Attestation – It is the first level of the entire attestation procedure.
   
2. State Home Department – After the notary, unmarried certificates are to be attested by the Home Department of the issuing state.
   
3. MEA Attestation – Followed by state verification, the documents are sent to the Ministry of External Affairs for further attestation.
   
4. Embassy Attestation – Final attestation by the embassy of the destination country makes the certificate suitable for official use in the destination country. 

Conclusion 

An unmarried certificate is more than just a declaration of your single status; it is an important document that makes a lot of legal, personal, and professional procedures easier. You can get this certificate to be married abroad, get a job, or even for immigration. To avoid delay or complications, understanding the eligibility, documentation, and application process is crucial. 

Remember to acquire it accurately and get it attested or apostilled to ensure hassle-free official usage abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions