Updated November 2025 — Valid for 2026 • Verified: November 22, 2025
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A Single Status Affidavit is a sworn, signed statement in which a person declares that they are single, divorced, or widowed, and not currently married. It is used when a foreign government or civil registry needs official proof that you are legally free to marry, or as documentation for certain immigration and consular processes.
In New York, this is a personal affidavit that must be notarized by a New York Notary Public before the New York Department of State can issue an apostille.
Give practical examples:
New York Department of State can issue an apostille only on:
For a Single Status Affidavit, the required version is:
Your own affidavit → notarized by a NY Notary Public → apostilled by NY Department of State
Fee: $10 per document.
Options: Mail and in-person submission available.
Checklist (non-legal-advice):
• Some consulates provide their own required template — in such cases, always use their format.
• Leave sufficient space for New York notarial wording and the notary's stamp.
Explain requirements:
• The New York Department of State will not apostille documents notarized in other states.
• Photocopies or scanned copies cannot be apostilled — only originals.
Follow NY DoS rules:
Must include the destination country
$10 per document, check or money order payable to "N.Y.S. Department of State"
If you want tracking (recommended)
NY DoS accepts same-day drop-off at designated locations.
123 William Street, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10038
One Commerce Plaza
99 Washington Avenue, 6th Floor
Albany, NY 12231
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NY apostille fee | $10 per document | Set by New York Department of State |
| Notary fee | Varies | Paid separately to the notary |
• Mail-in: usually several business days to a couple of weeks depending on volume
• In-person: often same-day, depending on queue length and office load
❌ Affidavit not notarized in New York
→ Solution: NY Department of State can only apostille documents notarized or issued in New York.
❌ Photocopy instead of original
→ Solution: The Secretary of State needs the original, notarized document. Photocopies are not acceptable.
❌ Missing destination country on request form
→ Solution: The DOS-1917-f form must state the country where the document will be used; missing this can cause delays.
❌ Illegible or incomplete notary stamp
→ Solution: If the notary seal is smudged, missing details, or not compliant with NY requirements, the apostille may be refused.
❌ Incorrect payment amount or payee
→ Solution: Checks/money orders must be made payable to "N.Y.S. Department of State" with the correct amount ($10 per document).
❌ Using an affidavit template not accepted by the destination country
→ Solution: Always check with the foreign authority or consulate for their specific template requirements.
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Get My Personalized GuideReviewed by: Amelia Rivera — Compliance Editor, Apostille Pro USA
Updated: November 2025 — Valid for 2026
Change Summary: Verified $10/document NY apostille fee. Confirmed apostille mailing address (P.O. Box 22001, Albany). Confirmed in-person office addresses and walk-in availability (123 William St. & 99 Washington Ave). Rechecked requirements for notarized documents and original copies only. Added country-specific reminders and cross-state notarization rule.
Next Review Due: May 2026
Reviewer Profile: /team/amelia-rivera