Documents › Formats › Affidavits
Many countries, and some Indian registrars and religious institutions, want proof that you are free to marry. India issues no central "single status certificate", so a sworn affidavit, attested by a notary and often apostilled by the MEA, serves as one.
I, Joel Mathew, aged 30 years, son of Mathew Philip, residing at Mathews Villa, Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta, Kerala 689101, holder of passport no. R9876543, do hereby solemnly affirm and declare as under:
1. I am unmarried and have never been married before, under any personal law, custom or civil ceremony.
2. I am not under any engagement or contract of marriage with any person.
3. I am a citizen of India and I intend to marry Ms. Laura Schmidt, a citizen of Germany, in Munich, Germany.
4. This affidavit is made for submission to the Standesamt, Munich, and the Consulate General of Germany, Bengaluru.
Verification: Verified at Thiruvalla on 26 October 2026 that the contents are true and correct.
Names, numbers and dates above are examples. Replace them with yours.
Rs. 10–100 stamp paper by state; notarised. For use outside India, get it apostilled by the Ministry of External Affairs (through an outsourced agency) or attested by that country's embassy. Some countries want it issued by the SDM/Tehsildar rather than a notary — check the embassy's list.
Within India, yes. Abroad, most countries want it apostilled (Hague Convention) or embassy-attested.
Some registries accept a parent's affidavit; most want yours. Do both if unsure.
In some states the SDM / Tehsildar issues a "certificate of marital status" on application with this affidavit. Delhi and Maharashtra have such a process.
This page is a template and general guidance for a common situation, not legal advice. Rules differ by state and office; check with the office that asked for the document. Last reviewed October 2026.