Notary and Apostille Certificate for a Declaration of Single Status for Use in the Dominican Republic
Here’s a step-by-step guide for obtaining and preparing a Declaration of Single Status to be used in the Dominican Republic:
1. Obtain the Certificate of Single Status:
- State-Issued Vital Record: Request the Certificate of Single Status from the appropriate state agency. This process typically takes about 2 weeks but can take longer. Check the specific processing times and requirements of your state.
- A state-issued Certificate of Single Status does not need to be notarized as it is already state-certified and can be sent directly to the Secretary of State to obtain the apostille certificate.
- Personal Declaration: If a state-issued Certificate of Single Status is not available or suitable, prepare a personal Declaration of Single Status. Take the Declaration of Single Status to a notary public.
2. Get the Declaration Notarized: Find a licensed notary public.
- Present your valid identification (passport, driver’s license, etc.).
- Sign the declaration in the presence of the notary.
- The notary will then sign, date, and stamp the document to verify your signature.
3. Obtain the Apostille Certificate:
- Locate the Competent Authority:
- In the United States, the Secretary of State’s office in your state of residence handles the apostille process. Each state has its own office, so check your state’s official website for details.
- In the United States, the Secretary of State’s office in your state of residence handles the apostille process. Each state has its own office, so check your state’s official website for details.
- Wait for Processing:
- Processing times vary by state. It can take from a few days to a few weeks, so plan accordingly.
4. Translate the Document (if required)
- Find a Certified Translator: If the document needs to be in Spanish, get it translated by a certified translator.
- Verify Translation Requirements: Check if the Dominican Republic requires any special certification for translations.Document in the Dominican Republic
5. Prepare Additional Documentation:
- Bring your apostilled and translated Declaration of Single Status.
- Carry original documents and their copies, as you may need to present both.
- Present your documents to the relevant Dominican Republic offices or institutions requiring proof of your status.
Following these steps will ensure your Declaration of Single Status is appropriately notarized, apostilled, and ready for use in the Dominican Republic. If you have any doubts or questions, it is advisable to consult with a legal professional or the relevant authorities in your home country and the Dominican Republic.
Write a statement declaring that you are single. This document should include:
- Title of the document: Declaration of Single Status
- Full Name: Your complete legal name.
- US Passport Number: Your US passport number for identification.
- Date of Birth: Your birth date.
- Marital Status Statement: Affirm that you are single. If you have never been married, clearly state that. If you were previously married and are now divorced, include the date of your divorce and affirm that you are now single. For example:
- “I, [Full Name], US passport number [Passport Number], born on [Date of Birth], declare that I am currently single. I have never been married.”
- “I, [Full Name], US passport number [Passport Number], born on [Date of Birth], declare that I am currently single. I was previously married and divorced on [Date of Divorce].”
Signed & Dated ___________
Declaration of Single Status
State of [Your State]
County of [Your County]
I, [Your Full Name], born on [Your Date of Birth] in [Your Place of Birth], currently residing at [Your Full Address], holder of United States Passport number [Your Passport Number], do hereby solemnly and sincerely declare as follows:
Personal Information:
- Full Name: [Your Full Name]
- Date of Birth: [Your Date of Birth]
- Place of Birth: [Your Place of Birth]
- Current Address: [Your Full Address]
- United States Passport Number: [Your Passport Number]
Marital Status:
- I hereby declare that I am currently single and have never been married / am divorced / am widowed (choose the applicable status and provide details if divorced or widowed, such as date of divorce or spouse’s date of death).
Purpose of Declaration:
- This declaration is made for the purpose of confirming my single status for the legal requirement in the Dominican Republic for the purpose of marriage / other (specify purpose).
Contact Information:
- Should any further information or verification be required, I can be contacted at:
- Phone: [Your Phone Number]
- Email: [Your Email Address]
- Should any further information or verification be required, I can be contacted at:
I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of [Your State] that the foregoing is true and correct.
Signature: __________________________
[Your Full Name]
Date: __________________________
A frequent requirement for the Declaration of Single Status is the need for 1-2 witnesses to sign the document. Witnesses help to verify the authenticity of the declarant’s signature and ensure the declaration was made voluntarily and in their presence.
Witness Signatures:
Witness 1 printed name:
Witness 1 Signature:
Date:
Witness 2 printed name:
Witness 2 Signature:
Date:
FAQs:
A: To get married in the Dominican Republic, you typically need the following documents:
- Passport: Valid passport with at least six months validity remaining.
- Birth Certificate: Your original birth certificate, which may need to be apostilled if issued outside the Dominican Republic.
- Single Status Affidavit: A sworn declaration of single status, notarized and possibly apostilled, stating that you are free to marry.
- Divorce Certificate (if applicable): If you were previously married, provide a divorce decree or death certificate of your former spouse.
- Certified Translations: English to Spanish translation with the apostille cetificate may be needed.
A. Apostilling your birth certificate authenticates it for use in the Dominican Republic, ensuring that your document is officially recognized as a valid form of identification.
A: Processing times can vary, but it’s advisable to start the process well in advance. It may take several weeks to gather all required documents, have them apostilled, translated, and processed by Dominican authorities.
A: Processing times can vary, but it’s advisable to start the process well in advance. It may take several weeks to gather all required documents, have them apostilled, translated, and processed by Dominican authorities.
A: Yes, consulting with a local lawyer or wedding coordinator in the Dominican Republic is highly recommended. They can provide specific guidance on current requirements, assist with document preparation, and ensure everything is in order for your marriage ceremony.
