PSA CENOMAR: How to Get a CENOMAR
CENOMAR (Certificate of No Marriage Record) is the official, security-paper certificate stating that the PSA has no marriage record on file under your name. It is required for marriage license applications, OFW deployment, and several legal transactions, and is valid for 6 months from issue. For use abroad, you will usually need a DFA Apostille on top of the PSA copy.
What is CENOMAR?
- CENOMAR stands for Certificate of No Marriage Record
- Also called Certificate of No Marriage (CENOM)
- Certifies that no marriage record exists in PSA database
- Printed on security paper (SECPA) with watermarks
- Required for marriage license application in the Philippines
- Needed for working abroad in some countries
- Valid for 6 months from date of issue
When Do You Need CENOMAR?
For Marriage
- Applying for marriage license
- Proof of single status
- Church wedding requirements
- Both parties need CENOMAR
For Employment Abroad
- OFW deployment requirements
- Work visa applications
- Employer requirements
- Embassy authentication
For Legal Matters
- Legal proceedings
- Estate settlement
- Affidavit requirements
- Immigration purposes
For Personal Records
- Proof of civil status
- Personal documentation
- Background verification
- Loan applications
Requirements
For Personal Application:
- Valid Government-issued ID (with photo and signature)
- Philippine Passport
- Driver's License
- Postal ID, UMID
- SSS/GSIS ID
- PRC License
- Payment Fee: ₱210 per copy
- Required Information:
- Full name (including all given names)
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
- Father's full name
- Mother's full maiden name
For Authorized Representative:
- Authorization letter from the document owner
- Valid ID of the document owner (photocopy)
- Valid ID of the representative (original)
- Payment fee: ₱210 per copy
Step-by-Step Application Process
Option 1: Walk-in at PSA Serbilis Outlets
Find nearest PSA Serbilis outlet
- •Check PSA website for branches
- •Available in malls nationwide
- •No appointment needed
Bring requirements
- •Valid government-issued ID (original)
- •Complete birth information
- •Cash for payment (₱210 per copy)
Fill out CENOMAR application form
- •Provide your full name (exactly as in birth certificate)
- •Include middle name if you have one
- •Provide mother's full maiden name
- •Indicate purpose (e.g., "For Marriage")
Pay the fee
- •₱210 per copy
- •Get official receipt and claim stub
- •Keep for claiming
Claim your CENOMAR
- •Processing: 30 minutes to 3 working days
- •Bring claim stub and valid ID
- •Check document before leaving
Option 2: Online via PSASerbilis.com.ph (PSA-managed)
Visit PSASerbilis.com.ph
- •PSA's directly-managed online portal (with Unisys)
- •Create an account or log in
Order CENOMAR
- •Select 'Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR)'
- •Enter exact name as in your PSA birth certificate, incl. middle name
- •Provide complete birth details and purpose
- •Indicate number of copies
Pay online
- •Credit/Debit Card via PesoPay
- •Fee: ₱360 per copy delivered (inclusive of taxes and delivery)
- •Or ₱185 per copy for 'Viewable Online Only'
Wait for delivery
- •Domestic delivery within a few business days
- •Worldwide delivery available
- •CENOMAR is valid for 6 months from issue date
Option 3: Online via PSAHelpline.ph (authorized partner)
Visit PSAHelpline.ph
- •PSA's exclusive third-party online channel (partner since 2000)
- •Confirm pricing at checkout — partner rates may differ from PSASerbilis
Place the CENOMAR order
- •Enter your name exactly as in the PSA birth certificate
- •Provide complete birth details and purpose
- •Choose courier delivery to your Philippine or overseas address
Pay online
- •Credit/Debit Card, GCash, PayMaya, bank deposit
- •Confirm the all-in price (certificate + courier) at checkout
Wait for delivery
- •Processing: typically a few business days
- •Delivery: domestic and worldwide
- •Track online with reference number
Processing Time & Fees
| Method | Processing Time | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| PSA Serbilis (walk-in pick-up) | 30 minutes – 3 working days | ₱210 per copy |
| Online — delivered (PSASerbilis or PSAHelpline) | A few business days domestic; longer abroad | ₱360 per copy delivered (PSASerbilis posted rate) |
| Online — viewable only (PSASerbilis) | Same-day after payment | ₱185 per copy (digital view only, no SECPA paper) |
* CENOMAR is priced higher than other PSA documents (₱210 walk-in vs ₱155; ₱360 delivered vs ₱300) because PSA searches the full marriage database for any record under your name.
Important Notes
- Validity: CENOMAR is valid for 6 months from date of issue
- Name must match: Use exact name as it appears in your birth certificate
- Include all names: First name, middle name (if any), and surname
- For divorcees: If divorced abroad, marriage will still appear in PSA; get Advisory on Marriage instead
- For widows/widowers: Marriage record will exist; state purpose clearly
- For annulled marriages: Get Advisory on Marriage, not CENOMAR
- Marriage abroad: If married abroad and not reported to PSA, it won't show
- Get it early: Apply 2-3 weeks before your wedding or deadline
- Check carefully: Verify all information before leaving the outlet
CENOMAR vs Advisory on Marriage
| Document | Purpose | Who Needs It |
|---|---|---|
| CENOMAR | Certifies NO marriage record exists | Single persons, never married |
| Advisory on Marriage | Lists all marriage records on file | Previously married: widowed, annulled, or divorced abroad |
Tips for Marriage License Application
Both parties need:
- PSA Birth Certificate (not local civil registry copy)
- CENOMAR issued within 6 months
- If previously married: Death Certificate of spouse OR Annotated Marriage Contract (for annulment)
- Valid IDs
- Community Tax Certificate (Cedula)
💡 Pro tip: Apply for your CENOMAR at least 2-3 weeks before going to the local civil registrar to avoid delays.
Complete Example: Karla's Pre-Wedding CENOMAR
Scenario: Karla and her fiancé are applying for a marriage license. The local civil registrar requires a PSA-issued CENOMAR from each of them, dated within the last 6 months.
- Karla logged in to PSASerbilis.com.ph and ordered 1 copy of her CENOMAR for delivery.
- Entered her name exactly as it appears on her PSA birth certificate, plus her parents' full names and her purpose (“Marriage License”).
- Paid ₱360 by credit card via PesoPay — inclusive of taxes and domestic courier delivery.
- Received the SECPA copy at home about 4 business days later. CENOMAR was valid for 6 months — enough lead time to file for the marriage license and complete church requirements.
Total cost (PSA portion): ₱360 · Total time: about one week, no PSA queue visit needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is CENOMAR valid?
CENOMAR is valid for 6 months from the date of issue. If you're planning to get married, apply no earlier than 6 months before your wedding date.
What if I was married before but it was annulled?
You cannot get a CENOMAR because you have a marriage record. Instead, request an "Advisory on Marriage" which will show your marriage and its annotation (annulment). Bring your Annotated Marriage Certificate.
Why is CENOMAR more expensive than other PSA documents?
CENOMAR costs ₱210 (vs ₱155 for certificates) because PSA needs to search their entire marriage database to verify that no marriage record exists for you.
Can I use my local civil registry CENOMAR?
No. For marriage license application and most official purposes, you need the PSA-issued CENOMAR, not from the local civil registry.
What if my name in my ID is different from my birth certificate?
Use the name exactly as it appears in your PSA birth certificate when applying for CENOMAR. If your ID shows a different name, bring both documents and explain the discrepancy.
Sources
- PSA — CENOMAR official page.
- PSA — Official online channels: psaserbilis.com.ph (PSA-managed) and psahelpline.ph (PSA-authorized exclusive partner).
- Family Code of the Philippines (Executive Order No. 209) — marriage license and capacity-to-marry requirements.
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only. The requirements, steps, fees, and procedures mentioned here may vary depending on the PSA office you visit. We recommend visiting your nearest PSA office first to confirm the specific requirements and process before preparing your documents.