Tifini Goebel, Notary Public & Apostille Services
Call/Text: (650) 675-7760 | WhatsApp International
Single Status Affidavit Apostille in California
A single status affidavit is a sworn statement, signed in front of a notary, that you are not currently married. To use it in another country, usually to get married abroad, it needs an apostille from the California Secretary of State.
I notarize your affidavit in person anywhere in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties, submit it for the apostille, and return it to you. Apostille service is $185 standard or $245 expedited.
It may also be called an affidavit of single status, certificate of no impediment, certificate of freedom to marry, or certificado de soltería. California does not issue an official "single status certificate," so a notarized affidavit is what many countries accept. Confirm with the receiving office.
Single Status Affidavit Pricing and Turnaround
Notarization: $15 per notarized signature, plus a mobile travel fee based on your city
Apostille, standard: $185, 5–7 business days
Apostille, expedited: $245, 1–2 business days
California Secretary of State fee: $20, plus $6 when applicable
Return shipping: quoted at checkout, U.S. and international
What to Bring to Your Appointment
1. Your completed affidavit, unsigned. Use the wording required by the receiving country or office.
2. A current government-issued photo ID. Your name should match your passport exactly.
3. The destination country, so I can confirm whether you need an apostille or embassy legalization.
You sign the affidavit in front of me, under oath. For multi-page affidavits, I can also apply an embossed seal across attached pages when the receiving country asks for it.
How It Works
1. Book an appointment and tell me the destination country.
2. I meet you at your home, office or another location in San Mateo or Santa Clara County.
3. You sign the affidavit under oath and I notarize it.
4. I submit it to the California Secretary of State for the apostille.
5. Your apostilled affidavit is returned by tracked shipping or local delivery.
Before You Sign
Many countries only accept a recently signed affidavit, often within 3 to 6 months of your wedding or filing date. Check the deadline before you schedule, and ask whether the receiving office needs a translation.
Living Outside California?
A California notary can only notarize in California. If you live in another state, your affidavit must be notarized there and apostilled by that state. I can refer you to a trusted notary in my network.
Countries Outside the Hague Convention
If the destination country is not part of the Hague Convention, the affidavit goes through three steps instead: a certificate of authentication from the California Secretary of State, authentication by the U.S. Department of State, and legalization by the destination country's embassy or consulate. I'll confirm which process applies before you pay.
Single Status Affidavit FAQs
What is a single status affidavit?
A sworn statement, signed before a notary, declaring that you are not currently married. Foreign governments often require one before you can marry in their country.
How do I get a single status affidavit apostilled in California?
Sign the affidavit in front of a California notary, then submit it to the California Secretary of State with the $20 fee. I handle the notarization, submission and return shipping.
How much does a single status affidavit apostille cost?
$15 for the notarized signature plus a travel fee, then $185 standard or $245 expedited for the apostille, plus the $20 state fee and shipping.
Can you write my single status affidavit?
No. As a notary, I can't draft legal documents or advise what yours should say. Use the wording provided by the receiving country, its consulate, or your attorney.
How long is a single status affidavit valid?
It depends on the country. Many only accept affidavits signed within the last 3 to 6 months, so check with the receiving office before your appointment.
Do I need a translation?
Many countries require one. I coordinate certified translations, including Spanish, through an ATA member translation service.
Call or text (650) 675-7760 · WhatsApp for international clients
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Tifini Goebel · Commissioned California Notary Public
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