How to Obtain a CENOMAR from Abroad (Philippine Context)
A comprehensive legal guide for Filipinos and foreign nationals who need a Philippine Certificate of No Marriage Record (CENOMAR) while outside the Philippines.
1. What a CENOMAR Is and Why It Matters
| Element | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Definition | A Certificate of No Marriage Record (CENOMAR) is an official certification issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) stating that, based on PSA civil registry files, a person has never contracted a valid marriage in the Philippines, or that any marriage once contracted has been annulled and recorded as such. |
| Legal Basis | The PSA is mandated under Republic Act No. 10625 (Philippine Statistical Act of 2013) and its implementing rules to maintain the Civil Registry System, including the issuance of civil registry certificates. |
| Common Uses | • Marriage license applications (local or abroad) • Visa‐immigration requirements • Fiancé(e) visa petitions • Employment or scholarship documentary compliance • Property transactions or estate settlement where civil status must be established |
2. General Modes of Application from Overseas
There are three primary channels for requesting a CENOMAR while abroad:
| Channel | Where/How to File | Typical Processing Time* | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| A. PSA Serbilis Online Application | Via the PSA Serbilis portal (https://www.psaserbilis.com.ph) accessible worldwide | 3–5 working days for PSA processing + international courier transit (7–30 days, country‑dependent) | Fastest, no embassy visit needed; accepts credit/debit card (Visa/Mastercard/JCB), PayPal, or over‑the‑counter remittance partners. |
| B. PSA Helpline PH (formerly NSOHelpline) | https://www.psahelpline.ph | Similar to Serbilis; courier reach limited to selected territories (e.g., Middle East hubs, North America, parts of Europe & Asia) | Third‑party service accredited by PSA; slightly higher fees but often smoother UX. |
| C. Through a Philippine Embassy/Consulate | File at the Consular Section; embassy forwards request to PSA HQ in Manila | 2–3 months on average (embassy pouch + back‑and‑forth) | Best for applicants who also need authentication/apostille done in one go; embassy can notarize SPA/ID copies. |
*Transit and customs delays vary. Always buffer extra time, especially if the certificate will be used to meet a foreign government deadline.
3. Documentary Requirements
| Applicant Type | Mandatory Documents | Additional / Situational |
|---|---|---|
| Self‑requesting Filipino | 1. Duly completed online form or PSA‑issued CENOMAR application form 2. One valid government‑issued ID (passport preferred) – scanned/uploaded for online, photocopy for embassy |
If passport has no signature, attach any other signed photo ID. |
| Self‑requesting Foreign National with record in PH | Same as above, plus evidence of identity tie to the Philippine civil registry record (e.g., birth certificate or old CENOMAR number). | |
| Authorized Representative in PH | 1. Original Authorization Letter or Special Power of Attorney (SPA) signed by applicant abroad 2. Photocopy of applicant’s passport/ID 3. Representative’s valid ID (original & copy) |
Most LGUs/registrars accept SPA notarized abroad then apostilled (under the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention, which the PH joined in 2019). |
| Embassy Route | Embassy application form + passport + local address form. Embassy will create a “note verbale” or certification. | Some posts require an appointment; check their website. |
4. Step‑by‑Step Procedures
A. Via PSA Serbilis (Pure Online)
Create an account on PSA Serbilis.
Fill out the CENOMAR request form:
- Full name (as on birth certificate)
- Sex, date/place of birth
- Father’s & mother’s full names
Select “Delivery Outside the Philippines.” Provide complete international address (no PO boxes).
Pay online. Fee schedule (as of 2025): PHP 430 per copy + PHP 2,000–2,500 global courier.
Track order via the portal; an air‑waybill (AWB) link appears once dispatched.
Receive CENOMAR. Envelope bears a dry‑seal and QR code for authenticity verification.
B. Via Authorized Representative
Prepare an SPA:
- State full authority “to request, receive, and sign for my PSA CENOMAR.”
- Sign before a Philippine consular officer abroad or a local notary then have the notary certificate apostilled.
Courier original SPA & ID copy to your representative.
Representative proceeds to any PSA CRS Outlet in the Philippines with:
- PSA CENOMAR application form (prefilled)
- Your SPA & passport copy
- Their own ID
Pay the walk‑in fee (PHP 210 per copy) and claim the certificate usually the next working day.
Representative can then:
- DFA‑Apostille the CENOMAR for use abroad; or
- Scan and email you a copy while forwarding the original via courier.
C. Via Embassy/Consulate
Secure an appointment (if required) and bring a valid passport.
Fill in the embassy’s Civil Registry Service request form.
Pay consular fee (varies; typically USD 25–30).
Embassy transmits request to PSA. Once the CENOMAR arrives:
- You may request consular legalization or apostille in one transaction.
Collect or arrange courier of the final document.
5. Payment Options from Overseas
| Method | Platforms | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Credit/Debit Card | Serbilis, Helpline | Instant confirmation; foreign‑currency fees may apply. |
| PayPal / GCash / Maya | Serbilis (PayPal), Helpline (mobile wallets) | Must match the requestor’s name or provide proof of relationship. |
| Bank Remittance / Over‑the‑Counter | Serbilis partner banks (BPI, Metrobank, Landbank) | Often impractical from abroad unless you have a PH online account. |
| Western Union / i‑Remit | Helpline | Present reference code generated online; pay in local currency. |
6. Apostille / Legalization
If the CENOMAR will be submitted to a foreign authority, it usually must be apostilled by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
Two routes:
- Representative in PH brings the PSA‑issued CENOMAR to any DFA Consular Office for apostille (regular ~ ₱200, expedited ~ ₱500).
- Embassy route: Some embassies accept PSA documents and issue the apostille in‑house (check post‑specific rules).
Countries not party to the Hague Convention may still require consular legalization—follow that country’s embassy requirements after DFA apostille.
7. Validity Period
PSA itself assigns no formal expiry, but:
- Philippine Local Civil Registrars accept CENOMARs issued within the last 6 months.
- Foreign immigration and marriage authorities usually specify “not older than 3 or 6 months.”
Always verify the target agency’s date‑freshness rule before requesting to avoid re‑ordering.
8. Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
| Pitfall | Mitigation |
|---|---|
| Name Mismatch (e.g., José vs. Jose) | Use the exact spelling on PSA birth certificate; diacritics are ignored by PSA. |
| Multiple PSA Records (due to late registration) | Indicate remarks in the application (“late registered under ____”) and prepare supporting docs. |
| Courier Hold/Return | Provide full address and a mobile number with country code; track shipment daily. |
| SPA Not Recognized | Ensure SPA is apostilled or notarized by a PH consular officer—plain foreign notarization is not accepted by PSA. |
| Using Photocopies | End‑users often require the original with PSA security paper; plan shipping time. |
9. Recent and Forthcoming Updates (2024‑2025)
- PSA PayGate Integration (Q2 2025) – adds UnionPay and more e‑wallets for offshore users.
- Digital Civil Registry System (DCRS) Roll‑Out – aims to enable PDF‑certified copies with blockchain hash by late 2025; pilot covers CENOMAR and Birth Certificates.
- E‑Apostille Verification Portal – DFA launched a QR‑based apostille checker (March 2025) simplifying authenticity validation for foreign agencies.
10. Frequently Asked Questions
Q 1: Can I request my foreign fiancé(e)’s CENOMAR on their behalf?
Yes, via an authorization letter or SPA signed by your fiancé(e), duly apostilled.
Q 2: I was married abroad but never registered it in the Philippines. Will my CENOMAR show “Single”?
Yes. PSA records only reflect marriages registered with Philippine civil registrars or through Report of Marriage filed with a Philippine diplomatic post.
Q 3: How do I correct a wrong entry found after I receive the CENOMAR?
File a Petition for Correction under R.A. 9048/10172 with the Local Civil Registrar where the erroneous entry originated (or via the embassy if abroad).
Q 4: Can I expedite PSA processing if I’m abroad and facing a deadline?
Not directly. Your best option is to authorize someone in Manila for over‑the‑counter claiming (1 day) and same‑week courier to you.
11. Practical Timeline Example
| Day | Action |
|---|---|
| 0 | Submit Serbilis online request, pay by card. |
| 3 | PSA releases CENOMAR; DHL picks up. |
| 7–10 | Certificate arrives in Sydney. Still needs apostille. |
| 10 | Send original to representative in Manila via FedEx. |
| 12 | Representative apostilles at DFA (express). |
| 15 | Return courier to Sydney. Total: ~15 days if no delays. |
12. Key Takeaways
- Plan at least 4–6 weeks lead‑time if relying solely on PSA international courier.
- Use a trusted representative + DFA apostille for urgent needs.
- Ensure SPA validity (apostilled or consularized) to avoid processing refusals.
- Check the receiving authority’s freshness rule (3 vs 6 months) before ordering.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Procedures and fees may change; always confirm with the PSA, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, and the relevant Philippine Embassy/Consulate before acting.