If you are planning to marry abroad or apply for a long-term visa in another country, you’ll likely encounter a document requirement that’s unfamiliar to many Indians — the Bachelorhood Certificate. This document is also known as a Single Status Certificate and serves as official proof that you are unmarried and legally eligible to marry under Indian law.

Despite being a common requirement internationally, most people in India are unaware of how to obtain this certificate or which authority issues it. This detailed guide breaks down the process step by step so you can complete the application without confusion or unnecessary delays.

What Is a Bachelorhood Certificate?

A Bachelorhood Certificate (or Single Status Certificate) is an official declaration issued by Indian authorities confirming that an individual has never been married. It validates your single status and ensures that you have no existing marriage records registered under Indian law.

This certificate is particularly important when:

• You’re registering a marriage abroad.

• You’re applying for a spouse visa or dependent visa.

• You’re completing background verification for work, residency, or citizenship in another country.

Without this certificate, your application for a foreign marriage or visa may be delayed or even rejected by the respective embassy or immigration department.

Who Issues the Bachelorhood Certificate?

In India, no single central department exclusively handles bachelorhood certifications. Instead, the process involves several local and state authorities. Typically, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) or District Collector in your area handles the attestation, while the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) provides the final authentication required for foreign use.

If you are living outside India, the Indian Embassy or Consulate in your current country of residence can assist in issuing or forwarding your Single Status Certificate for further verification.

Step-by-Step Process to Get a Bachelorhood Certificate in India

Step 1: Draft an Affidavit of Single Status
The process begins with preparing an affidavit that declares your bachelorhood. This affidavit should clearly mention:

• Your full name, date of birth, and address

• Parent’s names

• A statement confirming you have never been married

• Your signature and date of declaration

The affidavit must be notarized by a Notary Public or attested by a First-Class Magistrate.

Step 2: Local Verification
Depending on the jurisdiction, you might need additional verification from your local police station, Gazetted Officer, or ward authority to confirm there are no marriage records under your name.

Step 3: State Home Department Attestation
Once the affidavit is verified, it needs to be submitted to your State Home Department or SDM office for attestation. This step confirms the document’s authenticity at the state level.

Step 4: MEA Attestation
After state-level attestation, your Bachelorhood Certificate must be authenticated by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi. This is crucial because most foreign embassies accept certificates only after MEA verification.

Step 5: Embassy or Consulate Attestation
Finally, if the certificate is meant for use in a specific country, it needs to be attested by that country’s embassy or consulate in India. For example, a UAE marriage visa would require attestation from the UAE Embassy.

Documents Required

To apply for a Bachelorhood Certificate or Single Status Certificate, keep the following documents ready:

• Passport (self-attested copy)

• Aadhaar Card or other residential proof

• Birth certificate

• Passport-size photographs

• Affidavit of single status (original and copies)

• Proof of nationality (if requested)

Having all documents ready ensures smooth verification and prevents rejections at later stages.

How NRIs Can Apply

For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), the process slightly differs. You can start by approaching the nearest Indian Embassy or Consulate in your country. You’ll need to:

• Fill out an application form for the certificate.

• Submit a notarized affidavit declaring bachelorhood.

• Provide passport and visa copies.

• Give address proof of your current residence abroad.

After initial verification, the embassy forwards your application to the respective district or state authority in India for attestation and final approval.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Most delays in obtaining a Bachelorhood Certificate occur due to small errors or missing formalities. Avoid these pitfalls:

• Incomplete affidavit: Ensure your declaration includes all personal details and is correctly notarized.

• Unclear authority submission: Verify in advance whether your SDM office or state home department handles the application.

• Skipping MEA attestation: Without MEA attestation, the certificate won’t be accepted internationally.

• Wrong country attestation: Always confirm the embassy requirements before submission; each country has its own legalization process.

Validity and Legal Use

The Bachelorhood Certificate is usually valid for six months to one year. However, certain embassies may accept older certificates if the affidavit date is within a year. Always check the validity requirement of the specific embassy or immigration department before submitting your document.

This certificate is recognized globally as proof that you are legally unmarried, and it helps avoid legal complications related to marriage, immigration, or citizenship abroad.

Professional Assistance for Faster Processing

While it’s possible to handle the process yourself, it can be time-consuming, especially for NRIs. Professional documentation consultants can help prepare the affidavit, get it notarized, manage MEA attestation, and coordinate embassy submission — saving you weeks of follow-up and travel.

For individuals short on time or living overseas, professional services are often the most efficient option to ensure that both the Bachelorhood Certificate and Single Status Certificate are processed smoothly.

Key Tips Before You Apply

• Always use accurate spellings and legal names that match your passport.

• Keep multiple copies of your affidavit and attested documents.

• Check embassy websites for the latest attestation guidelines.

• Avoid online “shortcuts” or fake templates — embassies verify authenticity thoroughly.
  
  

Conclusion

Getting a Bachelorhood Certificate in India may seem complicated at first, but with the right guidance and documentation, the process becomes straightforward. Whether you’re applying for marriage registration abroad or completing a visa application, a properly attested Single Status Certificate ensures your paperwork is accepted internationally without delay.

If you want expert help in preparing and authenticating your certificate, visit India For NRI — a trusted platform offering complete assistance for NRI documentation, attestation, and legal services across India and abroad.