How to Get an "Unmarried Certificate" in Nepal (Single Status Verification)

If you walk into the District Court without an Unmarried Certificate (called Avibahit Pramanpatra or Abibahit Sifaris in Nepali), the Registrar will send you home immediately.

This single piece of paper is more important than your citizenship for marriage registration. It is the only legal proof that you are single and eligible to marry.

In this guide, we explain exactly how to get an Unmarried Certificate from your Ward Office, the cost, and the specific format the court requires.

What is an Unmarried Certificate?

It is an official recommendation letter issued by your local Ward Office (Woda Karyalaya) stating that according to their records, you have not been married before.

Note: If you are divorced, you do not need this. Instead, you need your Divorce Certificate. If you are a widow/widower, you need the Death Registration Certificate of your late spouse.

Step 1: Go to Your "Permanent" Ward Office

You cannot just go to any Ward Office. You must go to the Ward Office where your Citizenship was issued (your Permanent Address).

• Exception: If you have legally migrated (Basai Sarai) to Kathmandu, you can get it from your new Ward in Kathmandu.
• Living in Kathmandu but ID is from Village? You must go back to your village/hometown to get this document. Alternatively, some Ward Offices allow parents to make it for you if they are present.

Step 2: Required Documents

Take these documents to the Ward Secretary:

1. Original Citizenship: Of the applicant.
2. Parents’ Citizenship: Copies of your father’s or mother’s citizenship are often required to prove lineage.
3. Photos: 2 Passport-sized photos.
4. 
   
5. Witnesses: Some strict Wards (especially in Kathmandu) require 1 or 2 neighbors to sign a document saying they know you are single.

Step 3: The Application Format (Crucial!)

This is where most people make a mistake. You must tell the Ward Secretary that this document is for COURT MARRIAGE.

The letter MUST be addressed to:

"To the Honorable District Court, [District Name]" (Shree Jilla Adalat Samakshya)

If the letter is addressed generally ("To whom it may concern"), the Court might reject it.

Cost & Validity

• Cost: The government fee varies by location.
• 
  
• Rural Municipality (Gaunpalika): Approx NPR 500 - 1,000.
• Municipality / Metro (Nagarpalika): Approx NPR 1,000 - 2,500.
• Time: It is usually issued on the same day (within 1-2 hours).
• Validity: This is the most important rule. The certificate is valid for only 30 to 45 days (depending on the specific court).
• Warning: Do not get this document 2 months before your wedding. Get it 1 week before you plan to file at court.

For Foreigners (NOC)

Foreign citizens cannot go to a Nepali Ward Office. Instead, they must go to their Embassy in Nepal to get a "No Objection Letter" (NOC) or "Affidavit of Eligibility to Marry."

• Example: A US Citizen goes to the US Embassy in Maharajgunj. An Indian Citizen goes to the Indian Embassy in Lainchaur.

Summary

1. Go to your Permanent Ward Office.
2. Ask for "Avibahit Sifaris" for Court Marriage.
3. Check the spelling of your name (Letter by Letter).
4. Ensure it is addressed to the "District Court".

Don't Have Time to Travel to Your Village?

If you are stuck in Kathmandu and cannot travel to your home district, we might be able to guide you on how to handle the documentation or "Temporary Stay" procedures.