Apply for a single status certificate

Introduction

If you're planning to marry overseas, or if you're returning to your country of residence to get married, you may need a single status certificate. This certificate verifies that you've not been married in NSW during a specified period of time.

You can apply for a single status certificate in person at a service centre, or by mail.

Certificates are sent to you by the NSW Registry of Births Deaths & Marriages, using registered post. You cannot get a certificate from a service centre.

Eligibility

• If you're applying for your own certificate, you'll need 3 copies of your own identification.
• If you're applying for a certificate on behalf of another person, you'll need:
  • 3 copies of your own identification
  • a letter giving permission from the person named on the certificate, with their address, daytime telephone number and signature included
  • 3 copies of identification from the person giving permission.

What you need

• your personal and contact details
• the details of the search
• 3 forms of identification as specified on the application
• your payment
• the PDF form – 'NSW Single Status Certificate Application'.

How to apply

1. Check the eligibility requirements.
2. Download and complete the NSW Single Status Certificate Application – PDF.
3. Make sure you have all the required documentation.
4. Lodge your application with the required documentation and payment using the details on the form.

More information

• Before you apply for a single status certificate, check the legal requirements with the consulate, embassy or local representative of the country in which you wish to marry.
• Processing times commence when applications are received in full compliance with Registry requirements, and exclude delivery time.
• If you change your mind, or decide the certificate is no longer required, your application fee will not be refunded.
• Documents provided as proof of identity may have their authenticity verified through the National Document Verification Service (DVS).
• Do not laminate your certificates. Identity documents must be kept in their original state to be accepted by government agencies.

Payment methods