MEA Bachelorhood/ Single Status Certificate : Ministry of External Affairs

Organisation : Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
Facility Name : Bachelorhood/ Single Status Certificate
Applicable State/UT : All India
Website : https://www.mea.gov.in/bachelorhood-single-status-certificate-menu.htm

What is Bachelorhood/Single-Status Certificate?

A Bachelorhood/Single-Status Certificate is a document that officially declares your marital status as single.

Related / Similar Facility : MEA Attestation/ Apostile of Documents

It’s commonly used in two main scenarios:
1. Marriage Registration:
Several countries, especially when marrying a foreigner, require proof of your single status before registering a marriage. This certificate acts as that official confirmation.

2. Visa Applications:
Certain visa applications, particularly for immigration purposes, might require demonstrating your single status as part of the eligibility criteria. The certificate provides formal documentation for this purpose.

How To Get Bachelorhood/Single-Status Certificate?

A Certificate of bachelorhood/single-status/eligibility to get married can be issued by a competent court/ SDM having jurisdiction of the area of the residential address of the applicant. This can be in the form of a certificate/ affidavit notarized by SDM which is required to be counter-attested by the Home Department of the State concerned. Thereafter, it is to be attested/apostilled by the Attestation Section of the Consular, Passport & Visa (CPV) Division of the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi.

FAQ On Bachelorhood/Single-Status Certificate

Frequently Asked Questions FAQ On Bachelorhood/Single-Status Certificate

1. Why do I need this certificate?
This certificate is primarily used for two purposes:
** Marriage registration: Many countries, especially when marrying a foreigner, require proof of single status before registering the marriage.
** Visa applications: Certain visa applications, particularly for immigration purposes, might necessitate demonstrating your single status.

2. Who can issue the certificate?
Issuing authorities vary depending on location:
** India: Typically, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), District Magistrate, or court authorities in your residential area.
** Other countries: Consult local government websites or embassies for authorized issuers.

3. What documents do I need?
Required documents generally include:
** Application form or request letter.
** Proof of address (ID card, utility bill, etc.).
** Proof of identity (passport, voter ID, etc.).
** Additional documents might be required depending on local regulations.

Additional Simplified Procedure

The process for obtaining this certificate varies depending on your location and specific requirements. Here’s a general overview:

1. Issuing Authority: Typically, a certificate can be issued by:
** Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM): In India, the SDM in your residential area often handles these requests.
** District Magistrate: They might also hold the authority depending on local regulations.
** Court authorities: In some cases, court authorities might be the designated issuers.

2. Application Process:
** Contact the relevant authority mentioned above in your jurisdiction.
** Submit an application form or request letter along with required documents like proof of address and identity.
** Pay any processing fees involved.

3. Attestation/Apostille:
Depending on the country where you plan to use the certificate, it might require further attestation or apostille:

** Attestation: Involves verification by various levels of Indian authorities for specific countries not part of the Hague Apostille Convention.
** Apostille: A simpler process for countries adhering to the Convention, obtained through the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India.

Important Notes:
** Avoid intermediaries or agents, as they might offer forged certificates that could be rejected by authorities.
** Processing times can vary, so plan accordingly based on your needs.
** Always refer to the official website of the issuing authority or the MEA for specific instructions and latest updates relevant to your location.