How to Authenticate and Verify a CENOMAR for Use in the USA (Philippine Context)

This guide explains what a CENOMAR is, when and why U.S. authorities ask for it, and the exact chain of steps to make it valid (and verifiable) in the United States—post-Apostille Convention. It is general information, not legal advice.

Quick Take

CENOMAR = Certificate of No Marriage Record issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). It certifies the PSA has no record of your marriage under the identity you specify.
For the USA, you must present the PSA original and have it apostilled by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). An apostille replaces the old “red ribbon” legalization.
No U.S. consular legalization is needed for an apostilled Philippine public document.
Typical use cases: U.S. immigration (e.g., K-1 fiancé(e), spousal visas), some state marriage license offices, banks, courts, and schools—whenever proof of civil status is requested.
Validity window: Many U.S. and Philippine authorities treat a CENOMAR as valid for 6 months from issue. Always check the exact agency’s current rule.

1) What exactly is a CENOMAR?

Issuer: Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
Purpose: Proves the PSA has no marriage record for the named person (based on the data you submit).
Format: Printed on PSA security paper with anti-fraud features.
Related document:
- CEMAR / Advisory on Marriages (AOM) – If you’ve ever been married, PSA issues an advisory listing recorded marriage(s), not a CENOMAR. U.S. agencies often ask for CENOMAR (if never married) or CEMAR/AOM (if previously married), plus supporting civil registry documents (e.g., marriage certificate with court annotation of annulment, or spouse’s death certificate).

2) Why U.S. authorities ask for it

U.S. immigration cases: The NVC and the U.S. Embassy in Manila commonly require PSA civil documents to verify personal and family status. A CENOMAR (or AOM) helps confirm you are free to marry or explains prior marriages.
U.S. marriage licenses: Some U.S. counties may request proof that a foreign national is single. Requirements vary by state/county; many accept a sworn “single-status affidavit,” while others are more comfortable with a PSA CENOMAR + apostille.
Courts/administrative needs: Probate, adoption, school enrollment, name change, or benefits may prompt requests for civil status proof.

Tip: Always confirm the exact document the requesting U.S. office wants (CENOMAR vs. AOM; originals vs. copies; apostille required or not).

3) Legal basis: Apostille (no more “red ribbon”)

The Hague Apostille Convention (1961) abolishes consular legalization between member states, replacing it with an apostille issued by the document’s country of origin.
The Philippines (via the DFA) issues apostilles for Philippine public documents; the USA recognizes those apostilles.
Effect: A CENOMAR + DFA apostille is enough for use in the USA. You do not take it to a U.S. Embassy for legalization.

4) The end-to-end process (Philippines → USA)

Step A — Obtain your PSA document

Decide which PSA document you need:
- CENOMAR if you have never married.
- CEMAR/AOM if you have been married (or your records show a marriage).
Prepare details: Full name (and variations), sex, date/place of birth, parents’ full names, and any prior names (e.g., after a legal name change).
Request from PSA:
- In person at a PSA Civil Registry System (CRS) outlet (bring a valid government ID).
- Authorized representative: Provide a signed authorization letter, photocopy of your valid ID, and the representative’s valid ID.
- Online delivery (PSA-authorized channels): Enter the same details and arrange courier delivery to a Philippine address.
Check the print: Ensure the spelling of your name, birth details, and parents’ names match your passport and other civil docs. If not, resolve discrepancies before apostille (to avoid U.S. rejections).

Heads-up on results:

If PSA finds no marriage, you get a CENOMAR.

If PSA finds any marriage, you get a CEMAR/AOM listing them (you will not receive a “no marriage” certificate in that case).

Step B — Apostille the PSA original at DFA

What you bring/submit:
- Original PSA CENOMAR/CEMAR (on PSA security paper).
- Photocopy of the document (some counters ask).
- Valid government-issued ID of the submitter.
- If a representative files: authorization letter + photocopies of IDs.
Where: DFA Office of Consular Affairs / DFA Apostille sections (various sites). Some sites require online appointment; walk-in capacity varies.
Processing: Standard vs. expedited timelines depend on site and volume. Plan for days, not hours, especially if you must travel or courier the document.
Output: DFA attaches an apostille certificate to your PSA document. Keep the staples and seals intact—U.S. authorities may reject if the bundle appears tampered.

Do not notarize PSA documents. DFA apostilles the government document itself; notarization is for private documents or sworn affidavits.

Step C — Send to (or present in) the USA

If you’re abroad, you can authorize a representative in the Philippines to do Steps A–B and then courier the apostilled originals to you.
Present the apostilled set to the U.S. agency that requested it. No further U.S. Embassy/consulate legalization needed.

5) Verification & authenticity checks (how U.S. recipients confirm)

PSA layer: The document is on PSA security paper with serials and security features.
Apostille layer: The DFA apostille certificate uniquely identifies the document and the issuing official. U.S. recipients accept an apostille as proof of origin/authenticity of the attached Philippine public document.
Practical advice:
- Submit originals (apostille + PSA security paper).
- If the U.S. office has doubts, they can verify with DFA/PSA using the apostille certificate’s identifying details.
- Keep photocopies for your records, but understand that many offices require the original apostilled set.

6) Special scenarios & edge cases

A) Prior marriage, annulment, or widow/er status

If PSA shows a prior marriage (CEMAR/AOM), U.S. immigration and courts usually want the PSA marriage certificate plus proof of termination of that marriage:
- Annulment/Nullity: PSA marriage certificate with court annotation + a certified court decision (and often the certificate of finality). Apostille relevant documents as needed.
- Death of spouse: PSA death certificate of the spouse (apostille if requested).
Expect to apostille all core civil documents that prove your current legal capacity to marry.

B) Name changes and record mismatches

Differences in name order, middle name usage, suffixes (Jr./II), or spelling can trigger U.S. queries. Align your PSA entries with your passport and other civil documents, or prepare supporting evidence (e.g., court-approved name change, annotated PSA records).

C) Living in the USA with no representative in PH

Philippine consulates in the USA do not apostille Philippine-issued documents; only the DFA in the Philippines can.
Options:
1. Authorize a trusted representative in the Philippines; or
2. Retain a reputable courier/liaison service that files with PSA/DFA on your behalf (ensure they follow PSA/DFA rules on authorizations and IDs).

D) Translation

PSA civil registry documents are in English. No translation is typically required for U.S. use.

7) Common pitfalls (and how to avoid them)

Using an old CENOMAR: Agencies often require issuance within the last 6 months. Order fresh copies close to your filing/interview date.
Submitting photocopies only: U.S. authorities almost always require original apostilled documents.
Wrong document: If PSA lists a marriage, do not submit a CENOMAR request—get the CEMAR/AOM and the marriage/termination documents instead.
Not apostilling: A plain PSA printout may be rejected in the U.S. when an apostille is required by law/policy.
Tampering with staples/seals: Never detach the apostille from the PSA document.
Mismatched identity: Ensure your passport, PSA records, and U.S. filings use the same full legal name (watch middle names vs. middle initials).

8) Practical timelines & logistics

PSA issuance: Same day to several days (varies by outlet and delivery channel).
DFA apostille: Plan for a few days; expedite may be quicker depending on site capacity.
Courier to USA: Add international delivery time.

Plan backward from your U.S. deadline/interview and build in a buffer for re-prints or corrections.

9) Document checklist

For PSA request

Valid government ID (yours or representative’s).
Your personal details (full name, birth details, parents’ names, prior names).
Authorization letter + ID copies (if a representative files).

For DFA apostille

Original PSA CENOMAR/CEMAR on security paper.
Photocopy of the PSA document.
Valid ID of filer.
Authorization letter + ID copies (if representative).
Fees (exact amounts vary; bring cash/card per site rules).

For U.S. submission

Apostilled original (keep photocopies for your records).
Any supporting civil documents (marriage certificates, annotated court decisions, death certificates)—also apostilled if requested.

10) Authorization letter template (Philippines)

Date: [DD Month YYYY]

To: Philippine Statistics Authority / DFA Apostille
I, [Your Full Name], [Nationality], born on [Date of Birth] in [Place of Birth],
with valid ID [Type/No.], hereby authorize [Representative’s Full Name],
[Relationship], with valid ID [Type/No.], to (1) request and claim my PSA
[CENOMAR / CEMAR], and (2) submit and claim the same for DFA Apostille on my behalf.

Attached are copies of our valid IDs for verification.

Signature: ______________________
Printed Name: [Your Full Name]
Current Address: [Your Address]
Contact No.: [Your Phone/Email]

(Attach clear ID copies; sign consistently with your ID/passport.)

11) FAQs

Q: Do I still need the U.S. Embassy to legalize my apostilled CENOMAR? A: No. An apostille is the final authentication under the Hague Convention between the Philippines and the USA.

Q: Can I notarize the CENOMAR instead of apostilling it? A: No. Notarization is not a substitute for DFA apostille of a PSA public document.

Q: Can DFA apostille a photocopy? A: Apostille generally applies to original public documents. Photocopies are typically not apostillable unless first converted into a true certified copy by the competent Philippine authority whose signature DFA can verify.

Q: My PSA record shows a marriage I don’t recognize. What do I do? A: Resolve it before apostille: consult PSA for verification/correction procedures (and legal counsel if needed). U.S. adjudicators will rely on PSA records.

Q: How long is a CENOMAR “valid”? A: The document does not formally expire, but many institutions treat it as current only if issued within 6 months. Follow the recipient’s rule.

Q: Will a U.S. county accept a single-status affidavit instead? A: Some do; rules vary. For immigration and many official purposes, the PSA CENOMAR or AOM with apostille is safest.

12) Compliance tips for a smooth U.S. filing

Order close to your deadline so it’s “fresh,” but leave buffer for apostille and shipping.
Use exactly the same name across PSA, passport, and U.S. forms.
Bundle supporting evidence (e.g., annotated marriage certificate + court decision) and apostille them if the U.S. office requires.
Keep the apostille attached—do not unfasten the staples.
Bring photocopies to hand over when an office wants to keep a copy but return your original.

13) Bottom line

For U.S. use, a PSA-issued CENOMAR (or CEMAR/AOM) must be apostilled by the DFA. Once apostilled, no further U.S. consular legalization is required. Pay close attention to identity consistency, the 6-month “freshness” expectation, and whether you actually need a CENOMAR vs. a CEMAR/AOM plus termination-of-marriage evidence.

If you want, I can turn this into a printable one-page checklist or draft your authorization letter with your details.