Affidavit of Singleness Template Philippines: Free Sample & Guide

What Is an Affidavit of Singleness?

An Affidavit of Singleness is a sworn statement in which the affiant declares that they have never been married — to any person, in the Philippines or elsewhere — and remain single. It is used when an office, embassy, or civil registrar asks for a sworn statement of single status to support another application.

It is also commonly searched for as an Affidavit of Single Status, an Affidavit of No Marriage, or a Certificate of Singleness — all the same notarized statement under different names — and Filipinos who know sworn documents by their Tagalog name will recognise it as a kind of Sinumpaang Salaysay, sometimes a Sinumpaang Salaysay ng Pagiging Walang Asawa — the same oath and the same legal weight, whether titled in English or in Filipino.

This affidavit is specifically for someone who has never been married. If you were previously married and are now single — widowed, annulled or declared void, legally separated, or covered by a recognized foreign divorce — use an Affidavit of Civil Status instead, which states the prior marriage and your present status accurately.

Affidavit of Singleness vs. CENOMAR — Don't Confuse Them

This is the single most important distinction to understand before you file anything:

• Affidavit of Singleness — your own sworn statement, notarized before a notary public. It carries your declaration under oath, but it is not a government record.
• CENOMAR (Certificate of No Marriage Record, also called the Advisory on Marriages) — an official record issued by the PSA showing whether you have a registered marriage. It is government-issued, not something you swear to yourself.

An Affidavit of Singleness does not replace a PSA CENOMAR. For marriage abroad in particular, the foreign authority usually wants the PSA CENOMAR — and may also ask for the affidavit, apostille, or embassy legalization. Always confirm the exact requirements with the receiving office before you rely on the affidavit alone.

When Do You Need an Affidavit of Singleness?

• Marriage-license application — when the Local Civil Registrar asks for a sworn statement of single status
• Marriage to be celebrated abroad — as a supporting document alongside the PSA CENOMAR and any embassy or consular requirement
• CENOMAR-related and civil-registry needs — where an office wants a sworn statement in addition to PSA documents
• Bank, insurance, or employment requirements — that call for proof or a declaration of civil status
• Visa, scholarship, or benefit applications — that require a sworn statement of being unmarried

Required Elements of a Philippine Affidavit of Singleness

1. Affiant's identity — full name, citizenship, age (of legal age), and address
2. Single-status declaration — that the affiant has never contracted marriage with any person, in the Philippines or elsewhere, and remains single
3. No-legal-impediment clause (optional) — that there is no legal impediment for the affiant to contract marriage under Philippine law
4. Birth details (optional) — date and place of birth, commonly added when the affidavit supports a marriage abroad
5. Purpose clause — why the affidavit is executed and, where relevant, the office or authority it is for
6. Jurat — the "SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN" block completed by the notary public, plus the notarial register entries

State only what is true. An affidavit is a sworn statement, and falsely declaring that you have never been married can expose the affiant to liability for perjury.

Free Sample — Affidavit of Singleness

Using an Affidavit of Singleness for Marriage Abroad

Couples marrying outside the Philippines are often asked to prove they are free to marry. The affidavit is a useful supporting document, but on its own it rarely satisfies a foreign authority. Expect to also provide:

• A PSA CENOMAR (Certificate of No Marriage Record), usually dated within the last few months;
• Apostille of the PSA document (and sometimes of the affidavit) through the DFA, for use in apostille-convention countries;
• Embassy or consular legalization where apostille does not apply; and
• Any Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage the foreign registrar specifically requires.

Because requirements differ by country and by office, confirm the exact list with the embassy or civil registry that will receive the documents before you have anything notarized or apostilled.

How to Draft a Strong Affidavit of Singleness

1. Use your full legal name and current address exactly as they appear on your government ID.
2. State the single-status declaration plainly — that you have never married anyone, here or abroad — and keep it to what is true.
3. Add birth details if it is for use abroad — date and place of birth help embassies and foreign registrars match your identity.
4. Name the purpose — the marriage license, the marriage abroad, or the specific office the affidavit is for.
5. Bring a valid ID and sign before the notary — never sign in advance; the notary must witness the oath to complete the jurat.

Frequently Asked Questions