How to Update Civil Status in Government Records After Marriage or Annulment (Philippines)

Scope: This guide explains, end-to-end, how to update your name and civil status across Philippine government records after (A) marriage, or (B) annulment/declaration of nullity/recognition of foreign divorce. It covers legal bases, sequencing, agency-by-agency checklists, special cases (overseas marriages, Muslim divorces), common pitfalls, and practical tips. (Information reflects general Philippine practice and laws in force through mid-2024; processes and forms evolve—always check the latest agency instructions.)

Key takeaways (read this first)

Your PSA records drive everything. For marriage, wait for your PSA marriage certificate to be available. For annulment/nullity/foreign divorce, wait for the PSA-annotated marriage certificate (and related PSA annotations) after the court decision becomes final.
Taking your spouse’s surname is optional. Philippine law allows a married woman to keep her maiden name or use her husband’s surname (with accepted variants). Choose once and use it consistently across all records.
Sequence matters. Update in this order to minimize hassles:
1. PSA source documents → 2) Passport/PhilSys National ID → 3) SSS/GSIS, Pag-IBIG, PhilHealth → 4) BIR → 5) LTO, PRC, COMELEC, NBI → 6) Banks/insurers/employer, property & vehicle titles, business registrations, schools/boards.
Bring originals + photocopies. Typically: PSA certificates (SECPA), valid IDs, and—if annulment/nullity—court Decision, Entry of Judgment, and Certificate of Finality (plus English translations/apostilles for foreign documents).
Name mismatches cause delays. Decide your format (e.g., First Middle Maiden-Husband or First Maiden Husband) and stick to it; use the same spelling, hyphenation, and order everywhere.

Part I — Legal foundations

Family Code / Civil Code: A married woman may (not must) use her husband’s surname. Standard options in practice:
- First + Middle + Husband’s Surname (e.g., Ana Dela Cruz Santos)
- First + Maiden (as middle) + Husband’s Surname (functional equivalent in most forms)
- First + Middle + Maiden Surname (keep your maiden name) Hyphenation (e.g., Santos-Reyes) is commonly accepted by many agencies.
Reversion to maiden name: Upon annulment/nullity, or widowhood, a woman may revert to her maiden name. Reversion after foreign divorce requires judicial recognition in the Philippines before PSA can annotate the marriage.
Source-record control: The Local Civil Registry (LCR) and PSA keep the authoritative civil registry (birth, marriage, death; court annotations). Most agencies update only after PSA reflects the change.
Clerical errors vs. substantive changes:
- RA 9048/RA 10172 allow administrative correction of clerical/typographical errors (and day/month of birth/sex when due to clerical error).
- Change of surname (other than via marriage/reversion) generally requires judicial change of name.

Part II — First things first: get your PSA documents

A. After marriage

Register the marriage with the LCR where it occurred (your officiant usually files this).
Wait until the record is transmitted to PSA; then request your PSA marriage certificate (SECPA).
For overseas marriages: file a Report of Marriage (ROM) with the Philippine Embassy/Consulate; once the ROM is forwarded and encoded, obtain the PSA-issued ROM copy.

B. After annulment/declaration of nullity/recognition of foreign divorce

Obtain certified copies of the Decision, Entry of Judgment, and Certificate of Finality from the court (or Shari’a Court).
Ensure the LCR and PSA annotate the marriage record. Then request your PSA marriage certificate with annotation (this is what agencies look for).
If divorced abroad: file a Philippine court petition for judicial recognition of foreign divorce. Only after recognition can PSA annotate the marriage, enabling agency updates.
If Muslim divorce: ensure the Shari’a Court decree is registered and PSA-annotated.

Part III — Choosing and standardizing your name

Marriage: You may keep your maiden name or adopt your spouse’s surname (with/without hyphen). There’s no single mandated format across all forms; what matters is consistency.
Annulment/nullity/foreign divorce/widowhood: You may revert to maiden name. Agencies typically require the PSA-annotated marriage certificate (and court finality documents when applicable).
“Middle name” quirks: Philippine forms often treat middle name as your mother’s maiden surname at birth; in practice, many systems treat a married woman’s maiden surname as the middle name when she uses her husband’s surname. Follow each agency’s specific instruction, but keep your final output consistent across IDs.
Married men using wife’s surname: Not automatic under Philippine law; generally requires a judicial change-of-name.

Part IV — The smart sequence to update records

PSA (get the right certificates first; you don’t “update” PSA except through registration/annotation).
Passport (DFA) and PhilSys National ID (these become your high-trust IDs to update others).
SSS/GSIS, Pag-IBIG, PhilHealth (social benefits and employer reporting).
BIR (TIN/registration details for taxes and withholding records).
LTO, PRC, COMELEC, NBI (licenses, voter’s data, police/NBI clearances).
Banks/insurers/e-wallets, property & vehicles (LRA/Registry of Deeds, LTO), business registrations (DTI/SEC, LGU permits), school/board records, loyalty/travel accounts.

Part V — Agency-by-agency checklists

Bring: Originals + photocopies of PSA documents (SECPA), valid IDs, passport/old IDs, 1×1 or 2×2 photos if required, and—if applicable—court Decision, Entry of Judgment, Certificate of Finality, translations/apostilles for foreign documents. Fees and appointment systems vary.

1) DFA — Passport

When to go: After you have the PSA marriage certificate (or PSA-annotated marriage cert + court docs for reversion).
What happens: You renew your passport to reflect the new name/status (no “annotation” inside the old passport).
Typical docs: PSA marriage certificate or PSA-annotated marriage certificate (for annulment/nullity/recognized foreign divorce), valid government ID(s) in your current name, old passport, and, if applicable, court finality papers.
Tip: If traveling soon and your tickets are in the old name, either travel with the old passport (name must match ticket) or rebook. Avoid mismatches.

2) PhilSys — National ID (PhilSys Act, RA 11055)

Where: Any PhilSys registration/update center.
Docs: PSA marriage certificate or PSA-annotated marriage certificate + valid IDs.
Output: Updated PhilID/ePhilID with your chosen married/reverted name and civil status.

3) SSS — Member Data Change

Form: Member Data Change Request (Form E-4/MDCR) (naming may vary in new versions or online).
Docs: PSA certificate(s), valid ID, updated PhilID/passport (if already changed), marriage/annulment court papers if applicable.
Don’t forget: Update beneficiaries and Dependent Records.

4) GSIS — Government employees

Channel: eGSISMO or GSIS branch.
Docs: Same PSA set; office ID; HR endorsement if required.
Also update: Life insurance beneficiaries and AOLI records, if any.

5) Pag-IBIG (HDMF)

Form: Member’s Data Form (MDF) / online via Virtual Pag-IBIG.
Docs: PSA certificate(s), updated ID(s).
Also: Update spousal/next-of-kin and housing loan records.

6) PhilHealth

Form: PMRF (PhilHealth Member Registration Form) for data amendment.
Docs: PSA certificate(s), updated ID(s).
Also: Update dependents (spouse/children).

7) BIR — Taxpayer Registration

Form: BIR Form 1905 (Registration Information Update).
Docs: PSA certificate(s), updated ID(s).
Coordinate with employer: Your employer may also need to reflect changes on payroll/tax reporting (historically BIR Form 2305 or employer processes).

8) LTO — Driver’s License

What to bring: PSA certificate(s), old license, updated ID(s).
What happens: LTO updates name and civil status on your license card and system.

9) PRC — Professional Regulation Commission

Process: Petition for Change of Name/Status (with PRC Form; usually notarized).
Docs: PSA certificate(s), valid IDs, PRC ID, passport-size photos; sometimes publication or additional supporting papers may be required depending on the change.

10) COMELEC — Voter’s Records

Process: File an application for change/correction of entries at your local Office of the Election Officer (during registration/continuing registration periods).
Docs: PSA certificate(s), updated ID(s).

11) NBI Clearance

Process: Apply anew or update details via the NBI Clearance online system and at the center; bring PSA certificate(s) and updated IDs to avoid “hit” complications from name variants.

12) DTI/SEC & Business/LGU Permits

Sole prop (DTI): If business name shows your personal name and you changed it, consider whether to amend records or maintain the registered business name (business names are distinct from your personal legal name).
Corporations/partnerships (SEC): Update director/officer records and KYC details.
Mayor’s/Barangay permits: Update signatory IDs and taxpayer info to match BIR/DTI/SEC records.

13) Property & Vehicles

LRA/Registry of Deeds: For property titles where your married name (or reverted name) must appear, prepare your PSA docs and IDs; coordinate with your notary/registrar when dealing with deeds/annotations.
LTO vehicle CR/OR: Update the registered owner’s name (bring proof of identity and ownership; follow LTO guidance).
RPT (Real Property Tax): Update taxpayer’s details with the LGU treasurer’s office.

14) Banks, Insurers, e-wallets, telco/utilities, school/board records

KYC: Bring PSA certificate(s) and updated ID(s).
Insurance: Update policy owner/insured name and beneficiaries (marriage often calls for a beneficiary review).
E-wallets/fintech: KYC update to prevent account freezes.
Alumni/boards: If your license/diploma bears your maiden name, you can typically keep it and still update your current name in their systems.

Part VI — Special situations & nuances

Overseas marriage

File a Report of Marriage with the Philippine Embassy/Consulate where you married (or with the nearest/appropriate post). After the ROM is forwarded and encoded, get the PSA copy. Then proceed with Philippine agency updates.

Foreign divorce (one or both spouses are/ were Filipino)

A foreign divorce must be judicially recognized by a Philippine court before PSA will annotate the marriage. Without recognition, agencies generally won’t update records to reflect that you are single again. After recognition, secure the PSA-annotated marriage cert and proceed.

Muslim marriages and divorces

Shari’a Courts handle divorce decrees. Ensure the decree is registered and PSA-annotated before agency updates.

Death of spouse (widow/widower)

You may continue using the married name or revert to maiden name (if desired). For reversion across agencies, bring the PSA death certificate of the spouse and update sequentially (PSA annotation to marriage record may not be required for reversion, but the death certificate is essential).

Children’s records

Your own change of name/status does not automatically change your children’s birth certificates. Some situations (e.g., change of filiation/surname) require specific legal processes (RA 9255 acknowledgments, legitimation, court petitions). Consult counsel for child-record changes.

Part VII — Practical tips to avoid delays

Wait for PSA first. Many rejections happen because the PSA annotation isn’t in the system yet.
One name, one format. Decide your spelling/hyphenation and use it everywhere. Differences (e.g., “De la Cruz” vs “Dela Cruz”) can trigger verification holds.
Bring more than you think you need. Multiple PSA copies (SECPA), court Decision/Finality/Entry of Judgment, photocopies, and translations/apostilles for foreign documents.
Tell HR/payroll early. Your tax/benefits reporting (SSS/PhilHealth/Pag-IBIG/BIR) depends on it.
Travel bookings: The name on your ticket must match your passport. Don’t switch names mid-travel cycle.
Data Privacy: Court decisions contain sensitive details; show only what’s necessary and keep copies secure.

Part VIII — Quick reference: what each agency typically asks for

Agency	Trigger	Core documents to prepare
PSA	Source record	Marriage: PSA marriage cert. Annulment/divorce: PSA-annotated marriage cert + court Decision, Entry of Judgment, Finality.
DFA Passport	Name/status change	PSA cert(s), old passport, valid ID; court papers for reversion/foreign divorce. Renew passport in new name.
PhilSys	Name/status	PSA cert(s), valid ID(s).
SSS/GSIS	Name/status; beneficiaries	PSA cert(s), updated ID(s), agency forms; update dependents/beneficiaries.
Pag-IBIG	Name/status	PSA cert(s), updated ID(s), MDF/online update.
PhilHealth	Name/status; dependents	PSA cert(s), updated ID(s), PMRF.
BIR	Name/status; employer reporting	PSA cert(s), updated ID(s), BIR 1905; coordinate with employer for payroll records.
LTO	Driver’s license	PSA cert(s), old license, updated ID(s).
PRC	License card/certificates	Petition form (often notarized), PSA cert(s), PRC ID, photos.
COMELEC	Voter’s records	PSA cert(s), updated ID(s), local application during registration period.
NBI	Clearance	PSA cert(s), updated ID(s) when re-applying.
Banks/Insurers	KYC, policies	PSA cert(s), updated IDs; update beneficiaries.
Property/Vehicles	Titles/CR/OR	PSA cert(s), IDs; follow LRA/LTO procedures for annotations/updates.
Business (DTI/SEC/LGU)	KYC, permits	Update personal signatory/owner details; assess if business name amendment is needed.

Part IX — Sample one-page request (you can reuse)

Subject: Request to Update Name and Civil Status To: [Agency/Institution] I, [Full Name in New Format], formerly [Full Name in Old Format], request that my records be updated to reflect my [marriage / annulment / declaration of nullity / court-recognized foreign divorce]. Attached: PSA [marriage certificate / PSA-annotated marriage certificate]; [Decision/Entry of Judgment/Finality, if applicable]; valid ID(s) [passport/PhilID]. Please update all entries and linked accounts/benefits accordingly. Signature / Date / Contact details

Part X — FAQs

1) Is adopting my husband’s surname mandatory? No. Philippine law allows you to keep your maiden name or adopt your husband’s surname (with common formats including hyphenation). Choose and be consistent.

2) Can I revert to my maiden name after annulment or foreign divorce? Yes—once the PSA has annotated your marriage based on a final court judgment (and recognition of foreign divorce where applicable).

3) How long do I wait before updating agencies? There’s no fixed legal “deadline,” but update soon after the PSA record is available to avoid mismatches in taxes, benefits, or travel.

4) My ticket uses my maiden name but my new passport has my husband’s surname. Rebook to match the passport name, or defer renewing your passport until after travel. Name must match the passport used.

5) What if my PSA or IDs have clerical errors? Simple typographical errors can often be corrected administratively under RA 9048/10172. Substantive changes to surname require judicial steps.

Final reminders

Keep a document kit: multiple PSA copies, court papers, IDs, and photocopies.
Make digital scans for your records.
Expect appointment systems and fees; bring cash and government-issued IDs.
When in doubt—especially for foreign divorces, Muslim divorces, or child surname/filiation issues—consult a Philippine lawyer to map out the correct sequence and evidence.

If you’d like, tell me your current situation (marriage vs. annulment/divorce, local vs. overseas), your chosen name format, and which IDs you already hold—I can generate a personalized, step-by-step checklist tailored to you.