How to Apply for a Certificate of No Impediment in South Africa

Why do you need a Certificate of No Impediment in South Africa?

You need the Certificate of No Impediment to prove your single status when marrying abroad. It proves to foreign authorities that your marriage is legally permissible under South African laws. 

This requirement, especially for marriage abroad, ensures the union isn't fraudulent. You must also obtain the Letter of No Impediment to apply for a marriage license, which permits you to marry in that country. For example, if you are getting married in France, you must provide the Certificate of No Impediment. 

Pro Tip: Some countries, such as the USA, UK, and Ireland, may request an affidavit of single status in place of a Certificate of No Impediment to marry. Always check with the embassy or marriage registry of the country where you plan to wed. They will give you the exact list of documents, apostille/legalisation, and translation requirements.

What are the eligibility requirements for obtaining a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI)?

• You must be a South African citizen (you’ll need a valid South African ID or passport).
• Be of legal age to marry (18 years and above, or with parental/guardian consent if younger).
• You must be single, divorced, or widowed.
• Provide proof of marital status as recorded by the Department of Home Affairs.
• Have a valid reason for requesting it; typically, because you intend to get married abroad.
• An application must be submitted in person or through the embassy if you are abroad.

Note: A Letter of No Impediment issued by a Regional Home Affairs office may not be valid abroad; only those from the Head Office can be used internationally. 

Documents required to apply for a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI)

When applying for the South African CNI, you must submit some documents to the Department of Home Affairs office. They include:

• Completed and signed DHA-1155 Form in black ink.
• Certified copy of your South African ID or passport.
• Certified copy of an unabridged birth certificate to confirm identity and age. (Optional and can usually be replaced with a passport or ID).
• A letter detailing why you need the CNI and the applicant’s contact details.
• Marital status documents:
  • Provide a copy of your divorce decree if you are divorced.
  • Provide the death certificate of your previous spouse, if you are a widow/widower.
• A pre-paid self-addressed special delivery envelope to post the outcome.
• Printed proof of payment.

How can you apply for a Letter of No Impediment in South Africa?

If you are abroad, you can apply for the South African Letter of No Impediment to marry at the Department of Home Affairs head office or embassy. Here are the steps to follow:

Gather the required documents 

You must submit certified copies of your identity and civil status documents. This helps officials verify your information and ensure you aren’t engaging in a fraudulent marriage.

Complete the DHA-1155 form

Download the DHA-1155 form and fill it in with black ink. This form is the application for a Letter of No Impediment, which is very important to the process. Ensure you double-check every information to eliminate mistakes that can cause delays. 

Submit your application

Visit the Department of Home Affairs office within South Africa or at a South African High Commission office if you are abroad to submit your application. You must submit in person and cannot send a friend, family member, or third party to submit on your behalf. 

Pay the application fee

You must pay the non-refundable application fee at the DHA office or the South African embassy. The amount usually varies depending on the location. For example, if you apply at the South African High Commission in London, United Kingdom, you will pay £15. But you'll pay $8 if you apply at the South African Embassy in Washington, D.C., United States. 

Process and collect your letter

The officers will review and verify your documents. You will receive a South African CNI for your marriage abroad if your application is approved. The processing time can take up to six months, depending on the demand. You should start your application early to avoid delays, especially in cases where more documents or information are required. 

Note: The South African CNI is valid for six months from the date of issue. Make all your wedding and travel preparations on time so you can get married before it expires. 

Legalisation and apostille of a Certificate of No Impediment in South Africa

Depending on the country's requirements for marriage, you may need to legalise or authenticate the CNI with an Apostille. 

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) handles the authentication and Apostille services in South Africa. If the country is a signatory to the Hague Convention, you'll need an Apostille stamp. However, if they aren't, you will require a Certificate of Authentication. You can submit the document for Apostille or legalisation in person or through an agency. 

Additionally, you may need to translate the CNI if the country where you will use it has language requirements. For example, if you are getting married in Italy, you might have to translate the CNI into Italian so it's accepted. 

Pro Tip: Check the country's marriage laws and requirements to ensure you have followed the correct legalisation process. 

How can Translayte help you?

Translayte is a professional certified translation company offering notarisation and apostille services.

Here's how we help:

• Providing certified translations into the language required by the foreign registry.
• Provide notarisation, apostille, and embassy legalisation services so the CNI is valid in the country where you’re marrying.
• We offer secure courier delivery worldwide, ensuring you receive your document wherever you are.
• Providing 24/7 multilingual customer support via WhatsApp, Phone and Email
• Offering transparent service fees so you don't have to worry about hidden charges

With Translayte, you save time, avoid bureaucracy, and get peace of mind knowing your CNI will be accepted abroad. Request a free quote to get started.