PSA Marriage Certificate: How to Get One
A PSA Marriage Certificate is the certified, security-paper copy of your marriage record. It is required for spousal benefits, visa applications, name change, and most legal transactions. For use abroad, you will usually need a DFA Apostille on top of the PSA copy.
What is a PSA Marriage Certificate?
- Official certified true copy of your marriage record
- Printed on security paper (SECPA) with watermarks
- Authenticated by the PSA (Philippine Statistics Authority)
- Contains details of both spouses, date and place of marriage
- Required for immigration, spousal benefits, and legal matters
- Must be obtained from PSA for official transactions
Requirements
For Personal Application:
- Valid Government-issued ID (with photo and signature) of either spouse
- Payment Fee: ₱155 per copy
- Required Information:
- Full name of husband
- Full maiden name of wife
- Date of marriage
- Place of marriage (city/municipality)
For Authorized Representative:
- Authorization letter from either spouse
- Valid ID of the authorizing spouse (photocopy)
- Valid ID of the representative (original)
- Payment fee: ₱155 per copy
Step-by-Step Application Process
Option 1: Walk-in at PSA Serbilis Outlets
Locate nearest PSA Serbilis outlet
- •Available in malls and government centers
- •No need for appointment
Prepare requirements
- •Valid ID of either spouse
- •Complete marriage details
- •Cash payment (₱155 per copy)
Fill out application form
- •Indicate husband's full name
- •Wife's full maiden name (before marriage)
- •Date and place of marriage
- •Number of copies needed
Pay and get claim stub
- •Pay ₱155 per copy
- •Keep official receipt and claim stub
Claim your certificate
- •Processing: 30 minutes to 3 working days
- •Bring claim stub and valid ID
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 Marriage Certificate
- •Select 'Marriage Certificate'
- •Husband's full name, wife's full maiden name
- •Exact date and place of marriage
- •Indicate number of copies
Pay online
- •Credit/Debit Card via PesoPay
- •Fee: ₱300 per copy delivered (inclusive of taxes and delivery)
- •Or ₱130 per copy for 'Viewable Online Only'
Wait for delivery
- •Domestic delivery within a few business days
- •Worldwide delivery available
- •Track through the portal
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 order
- •Select 'Marriage Certificate'
- •Provide complete marriage details
- •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 | ₱155 per copy |
| Online — delivered (PSASerbilis or PSAHelpline) | A few business days domestic; longer abroad | ₱300 per copy delivered (PSASerbilis posted rate) |
| Online — viewable only (PSASerbilis) | Same-day after payment | ₱130 per copy (digital view only, no SECPA paper) |
Important Notes
- Wait period: Allow 1-3 months after marriage registration before requesting from PSA
- Wife's maiden name: Always use the wife's full maiden name (before marriage)
- Either spouse can apply: No need for both to be present
- Valid ID required: Must present original government-issued ID
- For foreign marriages: Must be reported to the Philippine Embassy/Consulate via a Report of Marriage, then transmitted to PSA before a PSA Marriage Certificate can be issued.
- For use abroad: Get a DFA Apostille on top of the PSA copy before submitting it to a foreign embassy or institution.
- Name change: Wife can use marriage certificate to change surname in documents
- For annulment: This won't show annulment; check CENOMAR for marital status
Common Uses
For Immigration
- Spousal visa application
- Petition for spouse abroad
- Tourist visa with spouse
- Permanent residency
For Benefits
- SSS/GSIS dependent benefits
- PhilHealth dependent
- Company insurance
- Housing loan
For Name Change
- Passport update
- Driver's license
- Bank accounts
- Professional licenses
For Legal Matters
- Property purchase
- Joint accounts
- Estate planning
- Legal representation
Complete Example: Anna and Mark's Online Request
Scenario: Anna and Mark married six months ago. Anna needs a PSA Marriage Certificate to apply for a spousal visa to Australia.
- Anna logged in to PSASerbilis.com.ph (PSA-managed online portal).
- Filled in: husband's full name, her full maiden name, exact date and place of marriage. Ordered 2 copies for delivery.
- Paid ₱600 (₱300 × 2 copies) by credit card via PesoPay. The price was inclusive of taxes and domestic courier delivery.
- Received the two SECPA copies at home about 5 business days later.
- Brought one copy to a DFA office for Apostille authentication before submitting it with her Australian visa application.
Total cost (PSA portion): ₱600 · Total time: about one week, no PSA queue visit needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my husband's surname immediately after marriage?
Yes, but you need the marriage certificate to officially change your surname in all documents. Start with passport, driver's license, and bank accounts.
What if we got married abroad?
Foreign marriages must first be reported to the Philippine Embassy/Consulate via a Report of Marriage. The Consulate then forwards the report to the PSA for registration. Only after PSA receives and registers the Report of Marriage can a PSA Marriage Certificate reflecting the foreign marriage be issued.
How soon can I get the certificate after getting married?
Wait at least 1-3 months after the wedding for your marriage to be registered in the PSA database. The local civil registrar needs time to transmit records to PSA.
Do both spouses need to be present when requesting?
No, either spouse can request the marriage certificate. Just bring a valid ID of the requesting spouse.
Sources
- PSA — Official online channels: psaserbilis.com.ph (PSA-managed) and psahelpline.ph (PSA-authorized exclusive partner).
- PSA — psa.gov.ph (civil registration documents and SECPA security paper).
- Family Code of the Philippines (Executive Order No. 209) — marriage formal and essential requisites.
- Act No. 3753 — Civil Registry Law (statutory basis for registering marriages).
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.