A CENOMAR is a Certificate of No Marriage Record. It is an official document issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) certifying that a person has no recorded marriage in the Philippine civil registry as of the date the certificate was issued. For individuals whose marriages have already been legally dissolved through annulment, declaration of nullity, or whose previous spouse has died and the records have been properly updated, the PSA may instead issue a document reflecting their current civil status. Because of this, many people also refer to it as proof that a person is legally free to marry.
A CENOMAR is one of the most commonly requested PSA-issued documents in the Philippines. It is primarily required when applying for a marriage license, but many government agencies, employers, foreign embassies, and educational institutions may also require it as proof of civil status. Since it is issued directly by the PSA, it is considered an official and reliable document accepted nationwide.
A couple cannot obtain a marriage license for either a civil or church wedding without a CENOMAR. The Family Code of the Philippines considers any marriage in which one party is still legally married to another person as void unless the previous marriage has been legally terminated or declared invalid. Likewise, bigamy is punishable under the Revised Penal Code and may result in criminal liability for a person who contracts another marriage while a valid previous marriage still exists.
Aside from marriage, a CENOMAR is commonly required for certain employment applications where applicants must prove they are single. It may also be requested when applying for a fiancé or spouse visa, immigrating abroad, adopting a child, or processing other legal documents. Some foreign embassies and Philippine consulates likewise require a recently issued CENOMAR before processing marriage-related documents involving Filipino citizens.
How to Apply for CENOMAR Online
You can get a copy of your CENOMAR online if you don’t have the time to go out and complete it in person. Requests for Certificates of No Marriage (CENOMAR) can be done online via the PSA Serbilis or using the PSA Helpline websites. These services are easy and straightforward to use; all you need is a computer with internet access. Your document will be sent to you in 3 to 13 business days.
The PSA has made requesting civil registry documents much easier through its online services. Instead of personally visiting a PSA outlet, applicants can submit their requests online, pay electronically or through partner payment centers, and have the document delivered directly to their home or office. This is especially convenient for busy professionals, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), senior citizens, and individuals who live far from a PSA Civil Registry System outlet.
CENOMAR Requirements
To apply online, you must provide the following information:
- Complete name of the person to be certified
- Complete name of the father
- The complete maiden name of the mother
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
- Complete name and address of the requesting party
- Number of copies needed
- The purpose of the certification
Please be reminded that it is not allowed to request a copy of someone else’s CENOMAR if you are below 18 years old. Make sure that all names, dates, and places are entered exactly as they appear on the person’s PSA Birth Certificate. Even small typographical errors, incorrect spellings, or missing middle names may result in delays during processing or the issuance of a certificate that does not accurately reflect the person’s civil registry records.
1. Visit the PSA Serbilis Website
Using a computer with a good internet connection, go to https://www.psaserbilis.com.ph/ using your favorite internet browser. A pop-up window will appear. Read and confirm if you are allowed to request a CENOMAR from PSA by clicking the Got it button.
2. Request CENOMAR
First, click the CENOMAR icon to request a copy of the certificate. Read the Terms and Conditions and Data Privacy Notice then put a check on the radio buttons to agree. Finally, click the Next button to proceed to the next step.
3. Fill out the Application Form
Fill out the request form with the pertinent information. Indicate the purpose of the request, the number of copies you intend to acquire, and the relationship to the document owner by using the drop-down menu. Click Next to proceed to the next step.
4. Fill out the Requesters Details
FIll-out the delivery and the requester’s details. Enter the address information by using the drop-down menu. Make sure to indicate the correct ZIP code to avoid unnecessary delays in delivery. You can use the PHLPost ZIP Code Finder if you do not know the code. To proceed to the next step, click Next.
5. Confirm if the Delivery Details are Correct
Read the disclaimer notice. Check if the delivery details are correct then click the Confirm button. Otherwise, click the edit button to enter the correct information. Check the summary if all the entries are correct. If you intend to make another document request, click the Add New Request button.
6. Proceed to Payment
Following the completion of your online application, you will be assigned a Reference Number. It is recommended that you save these numbers because you will need them when paying for your document requests.
Processing, delivery, and government taxes are all included in the fees. The fees and payment methods available are determined by whether your delivery address is within or outside of the Philippines. The fee is P430 per copy for local delivery and $25.30 for international delivery. Credit card payment, GCash, BDO online banking, and Unionbank online banking are all acceptable methods of payment. You may also make payments using Bayad Center.
7. Wait for Delivery
After payment, wait between 3 and 13 working days for delivery (6-8 weeks for abroad). Make sure to use an address where you can personally receive the requested PSA document. To claim the CENOMAR, you must present a valid identification card or barangay certificate. If you are unable to collect it personally for any reason, you may appoint a representative to do so on your behalf. He/she only needs to present an authorization letter and a valid ID.
If you want to check the status of your request, you can easily do so by entering your reference number at the “Check Request Status” tab in the header.
Upon delivery, carefully inspect the envelope and verify that the information printed on the certificate is accurate. Check the spelling of your name, your date of birth, and other personal details. If you notice any discrepancy, immediately contact the PSA or the customer service of the online service provider for guidance on how to resolve the issue.
CENOMAR Validity
Technically, a CENOMAR does not expire because it simply reflects the status of the PSA’s civil registry records on the date it was issued. However, many government agencies, embassies, banks, and private employers require a recently issued copy, usually one issued within the last three to six months. This policy ensures that the information being presented is as current as possible, particularly for transactions involving marriage, immigration, or legal proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I request someone else’s CENOMAR?
Yes. The PSA allows authorized individuals to request another person’s CENOMAR provided they meet the requirements under the Data Privacy Act and PSA guidelines.
Can I get a CENOMAR at a PSA outlet instead of online?
Yes. If you prefer not to request online, you may personally visit any PSA Civil Registry System outlet or an authorized PSA partner outlet and submit your request over the counter.
What happens if PSA finds a marriage record?
If the PSA database contains a registered marriage under your name, the PSA will not issue a Certificate of No Marriage Record. Instead, it may issue a Certification of Marriage or another appropriate certification reflecting the available civil registry records.
Can OFWs request a CENOMAR?
Yes. Overseas Filipinos can request a CENOMAR through PSA’s online services and have it delivered to an overseas address in selected countries.
Conclusion
A CENOMAR is one of the most important civil registry documents issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority because it serves as official proof of a person’s marital status based on the records maintained by the government. Whether you are planning to get married, apply for employment, process immigration documents, or complete other legal transactions, obtaining a recent CENOMAR helps establish your eligibility and avoids unnecessary delays during the application process.
Fortunately, requesting a CENOMAR has become much more convenient through the PSA’s online services. By preparing the required information, completing the online application accurately, and monitoring your request using the provided reference number, you can receive your certificate without having to visit a PSA office personally. As with any official document, always verify that the information on your CENOMAR is correct upon receipt and keep it in a safe place for future transactions. This small preparation can save you significant time and effort when dealing with government agencies, employers, or foreign embassies.