New certificate paper
From 2 August 2021, all of our certificates will be printed on new security paper.
You may require a single status certificate if you intend to be married overseas or if you're returning to your country of residence to be married.
Important: Do not laminate your certificates. Identity documents must be kept in their original state to be accepted by Government agencies.
How to apply
You can apply for single status certificate if you are:
- a NSW resident
- a previous NSW resident
- an authorised representative.
A single status certificate only covers the period in which you are a resident of NSW.
Before you apply for a single status certificate, check with the consulate, embassy or local representative of the country in which you wish to marry to understand their legal requirements.
You may be required to get your single status certificate authenticated by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
You must provide a least 3 forms of current identity, one of each from Categories 1, 2 and 3.
- If you cannot provide proof of identity from Categories 1 and 2, you must still provide at least 3 forms of identity. At least two of these must be from Category 3.
- If cannot meet these requirements, please contact us for further advice.
Category | Documents |
1 | If born in Australia:
Record of immigration status:
|
2 |
|
3 |
|
4 |
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The fee depends on the period of search carried out to confirm your single status:
- if you have never previously married, the single status search will start from the date you turned 16 to the present date
- if you arrived in Australia after the age of 16, the search will start from your date of arrival
- if you have previously married and divorced, the search will start from the date of divorce.
| Period of Search | Standard service | Priority service |
|---|---|---|
| 1–10 years | $67 | $99 |
| 11–20 years | $119 | $151 |
| 21–30 years | $171 | $203 |
All prices include $11 postage and handling. Add a further $9 for international post.
Complete a single status certificate application form.
Then post your completed form (see form for address) and proof of identity to Registry of Births Deaths & Marriages or visit your nearest Service NSW centre.
Processing times
Processing of your single status certificate begins when we have received your complete and correct application.
- Certificates are delivered by registered post. The processing time does not include delivery, please see Australia Post website for current delivery times within Australia or International.
- Australia Post advises customers to anticipate delays with international post.
- Processing may be delayed if your application is incomplete, does not include valid identification, or you do not pay the fee.
| Request for a Single Status certificate | Standard service | Priority service |
|---|---|---|
| Submitted by post | up to 7 weeks | up to 2 weeks |
| Registry agent (Service NSW) | up to 7 weeks | up to 2 weeks |