Letter of No Trace
Notarisation and Apostille Services for Letter of No Trace
A Letter of No Trace is a document similar to a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) and serves as proof of a person’s single status in the United Kingdom, verifying they are legally free to marry. If you are planning to marry outside of the UK, Wharf Notaries offers a professional service to notarise and apostille your Letter of No Trace, ensuring it is recognized abroad.
What is a Letter of No Trace / Certificate of No Impediment?
A Letter of No Trace is essential for confirming your single status when marrying abroad.
- CNI: Issued to UK citizens by their local Registry Office.
- Letter of No Trace: Available to foreign citizens, confirming no marriage has occurred within a specified timeframe.
Both documents verify that any previous marriages were legally dissolved. In the UK, the only barrier to marriage is being currently married, as polygamy is illegal. The Letter of No Trace indicates no record of marriage in England or Wales during the stated period.
Foreign authorities typically require a CNI or Letter of No Trace, which should include:
- Full Names
- Age
- Marital Status (Single or Previous Marriage Legally Dissolved)
- Occupation(s)
- Residential Address
- Duration of Residence
- Location of Wedding
- Nationalities and District of Residence
How Are the Certificate of No Impediment and Letter of No Trace Issued?
- Letter of No Trace: Obtainable from the General Register Office (GRO) via phone, with a physical hard copy issued.
- Certificate of No Impediment (CNI): Available through local Registry Offices for UK citizens. If planning a wedding abroad, the CNI should be requested at least 28 days in advance.
When Should a Certificate of No Impediment Be Notarised and Apostilled?
To avoid complications at your wedding destination, it’s recommended to confirm with local authorities whether a notarised or apostilled Certificate of No Impediment or Letter of No Trace is necessary. Having it notarised and apostilled preemptively can help ensure a smooth process abroad, especially when navigating local legal requirements.
Process for Apostilling a Certificate of No Impediment or Letter of No Trace
To apostille your Certificate of No Impediment or Letter of No Trace, provide us with the original document issued by the Registry Office or GRO. Wharf Notaries offers same-day apostille services for these documents, as well as additional assistance with marriage certificates, to ensure your documents are fully prepared for your wedding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Letter of No Trace
What is the difference between a Certificate of No Impediment and a Letter of No Trace?
A Certificate of No Impediment is a formal declaration issued to UK citizens by the local registry office, affirming their single status. A Letter of No Trace, on the other hand, is available to foreign nationals and confirms that there is no record of a marriage within a specific timeframe in the UK.
What is the cost for notarising and apostilling a Letter of No Trace?
The cost varies depending on the services required (e.g., notarisation, apostille, embassy legalisation) and processing speed (e.g., standard or premium service). Contact Wharf Notaries for a detailed quote based on your specific requirements.
How long does it take to apostille a Letter of No Trace?
Our standard apostille service takes approximately 3 working days, but we offer a premium same-day or next-day apostille service for urgent requests. eApostille services, which provide a digital version, are also available and typically take 2 working days.
Can I use a Letter of No Trace in any country?
While many countries accept a Letter of No Trace with notarisation and apostille, requirements can vary. Some countries may also require embassy legalisation, especially outside of the Hague Convention. Wharf Notaries can guide you based on the country where your wedding will take place.
How do I obtain a Letter of No Trace?
You can request a Letter of No Trace by contacting the General Register Office (GRO) over the phone. After confirming your information, the GRO will issue a physical hard copy of the document.
How long is a Letter of No Trace valid?
A Letter of No Trace generally does not have an expiration date, but some foreign authorities may require it to be issued within a specific timeframe (e.g., within six months before the wedding). It’s best to check with the relevant embassy or consulate to confirm the validity period.
Contact Us Today for Letter of No Trace Notarisation and Apostille Services
If you need a Letter of No Trace notarised in London, Wharf Notaries is here to assist. Our experienced team provides a seamless, efficient, and professional notarisation and apostille service tailored to ensure your documentation is fully recognised for international use. Reach out to us today to get started!