Certificate of No Impediment
What is a Certificate of No Impediment?
A Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) is a legal document issued by the General Register Office or local authorities confirming that there is no legal barrier preventing a British national from getting married abroad.
This document is essential if you are planning a proposed marriage in a foreign country, ensuring that all legal requirements are met.
In many countries you may need an Apostille on your CNI which is a certificate from the UK Government confirming it’s authenticity.
CNIs are sometimes referred to as a ‘Certificate of Nulla Osta’ or a ‘Certificate of Freedom to Marry’.
A ‘Letter of No Trace’ is similar to a CNI but is specifically for non British citizens or have lived overseas.
It confirms that no record of a marriage exists for that person in England and Wales. It’s important to note that a ‘Letter of No Trace’ is not the same as a CNI and may not be accepted in all countries.
To ensure you have the correct documentation, it’s essential to check the specific requirements of the country where you intend to marry.
Do you need an Apostille on a Certificate of No Impediment?
Unfortunately the answer is: it depends.
It depends on where you are getting married.
BEST ADVICE – ask the celebrant of the marriage or the person or company helping you organise your wedding.
For Certificates of No Impediment, you don’t need notarisation. The Apostille will go directly on the back of the CNI and is the UK Government confirming that the document is genuine as per the terms of the Hague Apostille Convention.
We know that most British people may never have heard of Apostilles. So take a look our Apostille Service page, our Apostille London page or our Apostille Definition page for more information on Apostilles.
Translations
If you need a translation of your CNI, we can help. Give us a ring now if you have any questions on 020 7499 2605. Or better still upload your CNI, so we can get you a quick translation quote.
Are there alternatives to CNIs?
In some cases, a CNI may not be required or accepted, and alternative documents may be necessary. These alternatives can include:
- Affidavit or Sworn Declaration: This is a written statement made under oath in front of an authorised person, such as a notary public, confirming your freedom to marry.
- Statutory Declaration of Single Status: Similar to an affidavit, this is a formal declaration stating that you are legally single and free to marry. It must be signed in the presence of notary public.
- Consular Services: In certain situations, the British embassy or consulate in the country where you plan to marry may offer assistance or provide alternative documents that can be used in place of a CNI. This could involve issuing a consular letter stating that the UK government has no objections to the marriage.
Why You Need a Certificate of No Impediment?
A Certificate of No Impediment does exactly what it says on the tin really.
It is official confirmation that there is no impediment to you marrying.
Different countries have different rules for marriage, and a Certificate of No Impediment may be required as part of your legal paperwork.
How to Apply for a Certificate of No Impediment
Step 1: Check the Requirements
Before you do anything, ask the wedding specialist or registrar in the place where you are getting married.
Next, check the GOV.UK website for specific legal requirements in the relevant countries where you intend to get married.
For Commonwealth countries CNIs are not issued by the UK. So you may need to create a Statutory Declaration.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
To apply, you will need the following documents:
- Birth certificate (Original or certified copy)
- Deed Poll (If you’ve changed your name)
- Adoption Certificate (if you’re adopted)
- Proof of address (Such as a utility bill or bank statement). See our ultimate guide to proof of address documents.
- Passport or Photo Driving Licence
You may also need the following depending on your circumstances:
- Divorce certificate (If previously married and divorced)
- Death certificate (If widowed) See our guide on how to obtain one.
- Statutory Declaration signed by a notary public. Our handy guide will help you make one.
- Letter of No Trace (Also called a No Trace or Trace Letter)
Step 3: Book a Notice Appointment
You must visit a local register office in the UK to submit your application. This includes completing an application form and can include signing a Statutory Declaration confirming your marital status.
Step 4: Processing and Issuance
The General Register Office will process your request, and once approved, your Certificate of No Impediment will be issued by the relevant authority. The expiry date of the document may vary depending on the foreign country where you plan to marry.
Special Considerations
- Irish Republic: UK citizens marrying in the Irish Republic may need to provide additional documents.
- Commonwealth Office: Some marriages in Commonwealth countries require authentication from the British embassy.
- Further Information: Contact the UK government or relevant foreign national authorities for up-to-date guidance.
Getting Married in Ireland
If you are planning to get married in Ireland, the process differs slightly from getting married in other countries. You and your partner will need to give at least three months’ notice to a civil registration service in Ireland and attend a marriage notification appointment.
During this appointment, you will both need to sign a declaration stating that you are free to marry and are not aware of any legal reasons why the marriage cannot take place.
Both partners must attend the marriage notification appointment and provide the following documents:
- Original and a photocopy of your passports or alternative valid photo identification.
- Original and a photocopy of your birth certificates.
- Proof of address, including an original and a photocopy of a utility bill dated within the last three months.
- Your Personal Public Service (PPS) Numbers if you are Irish citizens.
If one or both of you are not EU citizens, you will also need to provide evidence of your immigration status.
If you and your partner communicate in a language other than English or Irish, you must have an interpreter present during the notification appointment and the marriage ceremony.
The marriage registration form issued during this appointment is valid for six months from the intended date of marriage.
Getting Married in Italy
Affidavit (Atto Notorio): In some Italian regions, you may also be asked to obtain an “Atto Notorio” in addition to, or in place of, a CNI. This is a sworn statement before a Notary to say you’ve never been married before.
You can find out more here:
and here:
And, as always, ask the people you are dealing with for specific requirements.
Conclusion
A Certificate of No Impediment is an essential document for British citizens planning to marry abroad. Understanding the legal requirements and preparing the necessary documents will ensure a smooth application process. Visit the GOV.UK website for the most recent information and guidance on getting a CNI before your proposed marriage.
