A Single Status Certificate (sometimes called a No Record of Marriage or Certificate of No Impediment) is an official document that confirms you have not been married in New South Wales (NSW). It is often required if you are planning to marry overseas or need to prove your single status for legal or administrative purposes abroad.
What is a Single Status Certificate?
This certificate is issued by the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM). It verifies whether there is any record of your marriage in NSW. Essentially, it states that you have no registered marriage within the state for the period you request.
Foreign authorities often request this document before allowing an overseas marriage to proceed, as part of confirming that you are legally free to marry.
Who Can Apply?
You may apply for a Single Status Certificate if:
- You were born in NSW, or
- You have lived in NSW for a period of time and need confirmation of your single status during that period.
Information Required
When applying, you will need to provide:
- Your full name, including any previous names.
- Date and place of birth.
- The time period for which you want the search conducted (for example, from your 18th birthday until today).
- Details of any previous marriages (if applicable).
Documents Needed
You must provide proof of identity when applying, typically:
- Primary identification – e.g. current passport or Australian driver’s licence.
- Secondary identification – e.g. Medicare card, utility bill, or bank statement.
- If you are applying on behalf of someone else, you will need legal authority (such as power of attorney) and proof of your own ID.
How to Apply
There are three main ways to apply for a Single Status Certificate in NSW:
- Online Application
- Visit the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages website.
- Complete the online form, upload ID, and pay the fee.
- In Person
- Attend a BDM service centre (e.g. Chippendale in Sydney).
- Bring your completed application form, proof of identity, and payment.
- By Post
- Download and complete the application form from the BDM website.
- Attach certified copies of your ID.
- Send to:
NSW Registry of Births Deaths & Marriages
GPO Box 30, Sydney NSW 2001
Fees and Processing Times
- Standard processing: around 20 working days.
- Priority service: available for an additional fee.
- Certificate cost: approximately AUD $60–70 (check the BDM website for up-to-date fees).
Apostille or Legalisation
If your Single Status Certificate is to be used overseas, many countries require it to be:
- Apostilled (for countries that are parties to the Hague Apostille Convention), or
- Legalised (for countries not part of the convention).
This is done by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) in Australia. You will need to present your original certificate when requesting an apostille or legalisation.
Validity
Most foreign authorities accept a Single Status Certificate that has been issued within the past 3 to 6 months. It is important to check the requirements of the country where you intend to use it.
Final Notes
- A Single Status Certificate from NSW only confirms your status in NSW. If you have lived or married in other Australian states or overseas, you may also need to provide certificates from those jurisdictions.
- Requirements can vary by country, so always confirm with the embassy, consulate, or local authority where you plan to marry or submit the certificate.
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