In the Philippine legal system, the Certificate of No Marriage Record (CENOMAR) is a vital document issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). It serves as official certification that a person has no recorded marriage in the National Indices of Marriages. This document is a standard requirement for various legal transactions, most notably for individuals intending to contract marriage, both locally and abroad.

The transition toward digital governance has streamlined the acquisition of this document. Below is a comprehensive guide on the requirements and the step-by-step procedure for obtaining a CENOMAR online.

I. Legal Significance of the CENOMAR

Under the Family Code of the Philippines, "legal capacity of the contracting parties" is an essential requisite for a valid marriage. The CENOMAR acts as primary evidence that an individual is not currently "shackled by a prior subsisting marriage," thereby preventing bigamous or polygamous unions, which are void ab initio (from the beginning) under Philippine law.

Beyond marriage, a CENOMAR is frequently required for:

Visa Applications: Many foreign embassies require it to prove single status.
Employment: Particularly for government positions or overseas placements.
Claims and Benefits: Often required by the SSS, GSIS, or for processing insurance claims of a deceased partner.

II. Requirements for Online Application

To apply for a CENOMAR through the official PSA Serbilis or PSA Helpline portals, the applicant must provide specific information. Unlike physical applications, "requirements" online primarily consist of data entry:

Personal Information: Full name (as appearing in the Birth Certificate), sex, and date of birth.
Place of Birth: City/Municipality and Province.
Parental Information: Full name of the father and the maiden name of the mother.
Purpose of Request: The specific reason for the application (e.g., marriage, passport, etc.).
Delivery Details: A valid government-issued ID (to be presented upon delivery) and a complete delivery address within the Philippines.

III. The Online Procedure: Step-by-Step

The PSA utilizes two primary platforms: PSA Serbilis (the traditional online portal) and PSA Helpline (a more modernized interface).

1. Registration and Application

Access the official website (https://www.google.com/search?q=psaserbilis.com.ph or psahelpline.ph).
Select "CENOMAR" from the list of certificates.
Accept the Terms and Conditions and the Privacy Policy regarding data handling.
Fill out the online application form with the required personal details mentioned above. Ensure all spellings match the Birth Certificate to avoid "No Record" results due to clerical errors.

2. Payment of Fees

As of 2024, the standard fee for a CENOMAR requested online is generally higher than walk-in requests due to service and delivery charges.

Approximate Cost: PHP 430.00 to PHP 465.00 per copy.
Payment Channels: Payments can be settled via credit/debit cards, e-wallets (GCash, PayMaya), or over-the-counter at authorized partners (7-Eleven, Bayad Center, or major banks).

3. Processing and Delivery

Once payment is confirmed, the PSA processes the request.

Metro Manila: Delivery usually takes 3 to 5 working days.
Provincial Areas: Delivery usually takes 7 to 9 working days.

Important Note on Delivery: The courier will only release the document to the owner or an authorized representative. If an authorized representative is receiving the document, they must present a signed Authorization Letter, a valid ID of the owner, and their own valid ID.

IV. Validity and Limitations

A CENOMAR is generally considered "valid" by most requesting agencies (such as the DFA or foreign embassies) for only six (6) months from the date of issuance. This is because a person’s marital status is subject to change.

Furthermore, if a person was previously married but that marriage was legally dissolved (through Annulment, Declaration of Nullity, or a recognized Foreign Divorce), the PSA will not issue a "CENOMAR." Instead, they will issue an Advisory on Marriages, which lists the previous marriage and the subsequent legal entries proving its dissolution.

V. Summary Table: Online vs. Walk-in

Feature	Online (PSA Serbilis/Helpline)	Walk-in (PSA CRS Outlet)
Convenience	High (Door-to-door delivery)	Moderate (Requires appointment)
Cost	PHP 430.00+	PHP 210.00
Processing Time	3–9 Working Days	Same day (usually)
Requirement	Digital Data Entry	Physical Application Form & ID