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| CENOMAR, a required document in the Philippines certifying one's single status, is now easily obtainable online. Learn more here. |
(UPDATED) The Certificate of No Marriage Record (CENOMAR), also known as a Certificate of Singleness, is an important document in the Philippines. It is issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), a government body responsible for collecting and disseminating statistical information in the country. The CENOMAR certifies that a person has no record of being married in the country.
This document is a formal and legal assertion of an individual's marital status based on the PSA's national database of registered marriages.
The CENOMAR holds significant importance and has a variety of use cases. It is often required during the marriage license application process to ensure that both parties are legally eligible to marry. In addition, it can be used in legal proceedings or investigations where marital status could be a factor, such as inheritance disputes or in cases of bigamy.
It also plays a role in particular employment or immigration situations where proof of marital status is needed. Given its legal implications, the CENOMAR is a key document for verifying individuals' marital status within the country's jurisdiction.
The process of applying for a CENOMAR has been made increasingly accessible, with the option to apply online. This is a welcome development for those needing the document, as it significantly reduces the time and effort required to obtain one. However, like any other official document, receiving a CENOMAR involves a specific procedure and a set of requirements that applicants must meet.
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What is a CENOMAR?
A CENOMAR is an official document issued in the Philippines that verifies a person's marital status, specifically confirming that they have never been married. It acts as a Certificate of Singleness, affirming their legal single status.
It is typically obtained by the bride, groom, or their families as a prerequisite when applying for a marriage license or by individuals needing it as part of documentary requirements.
Why getting a CENOMAR is important?
A Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR), also known as a Certificate of Singleness, is a document issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) that certifies a person has not contracted any marriage in the Philippines. It's an important document for a few reasons:
- Proof of Singleness – If you plan to get married in the Philippines or abroad, you may need to provide a CENOMAR to prove you are single and have never been married. This prevents bigamy or polygamy, which are illegal in many countries.
- Legal Requirements – Some legal proceedings, such as annulment or divorce, might require a CENOMAR as part of the supporting documents.
- Employment – Some employers, particularly overseas, may require a CENOMAR as part of their background check process. This is less common, but it does happen.
- Verification – A CENOMAR can also be used to verify the marital status of a potential partner.
Generally, it serves as legal proof and documentation of one's civil status. However, the need for a CENOMAR can vary depending on the specific requirements of institutions or authorities in and outside the Philippines.
Online Application for CENOMAR
The PSA has made the process of obtaining a CENOMAR convenient by providing an online application option through the PSA Serbilis and PSA Helpline websites. These platforms offer a straightforward process for requesting a CENOMAR, accessible via any device with internet connectivity.
Once requested, the CENOMAR is typically delivered within 3 to 13 business days for local requests, while international requests may take 6 to 8 weeks.
Required Information for Online Application
When applying for a Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the interested party must provide the following information. This information is crucial to facilitate a smooth verification process and ensure the correct issuance of the certification:
- Complete name of the person – The full legal name of the individual for whom the CENOMAR is requested. This should match the name as it appears on official documents.
- Complete name of the father – The full legal name of the father of the individual for whom the CENOMAR is being requested.
- Complete maiden name of the mother – The full maiden name (i.e., the surname at birth, before marriage) of the mother of the individual for whom the CENOMAR is requested.
- Date of birth – The date of birth of the individual for whom the CENOMAR is requested.
- Place of birth – The city or municipality and the country where the individual for whom the CENOMAR is being requested was born.
- Complete name and address of the requesting party –The full legal name and current residential or mailing address of the person making the request. This could be the individual themselves or someone else making the request on their behalf (provided they are over 18 years old).
- Number of copies needed –The number of required physical copies of the CENOMAR.
- Purpose of the certification – The reason the CENOMAR is being requested. This could be for marriage, legal proceedings, employment verification, or other legitimate purposes.
Providing this information wholly and accurately is essential for the timely processing of the CENOMAR request.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a CENOMAR Online
Those who want to obtain a CENOMAR online only need to visit the PSA Serbilis portal and initiate a request. They only need to click the CENOMAR icon on the homepage and then follow the on-screen instructions.
Here's a step-by-step guide to applying for a CENOMAR online:
Step 1 – Visit the Website and Initiate Request
Visit the PSA Serbilis website (https://www.psaserbilis.com.ph/) and click the CENOMAR icon to start your application process.
Make sure to read and understand the Terms and Conditions and the Data Privacy Notice. After that, check the box to indicate that you agree with both conditions. To proceed, click the "Next" button.
Step 2 – Fill Out the Application and Requester's Details
You're required to provide specific information in the application form. This includes the purpose of your CENOMAR request (e.g., for marriage, travel, employment), the number of copies you need, and your relationship to the person for whom the document is intended (which is yourself in most cases). Click on the "Next" button once done.
Subsequently, fill out your personal details, including full name, date, place of birth, and names of your parents, etc. You will be asked to confirm the details you have entered, click on the "Confirm" button to continue.
On the next page, you must provide delivery information and input the correct ZIP code to prevent delivery delays. If you're unsure of your ZIP code, consider using online tools such as the PHLPost ZIP Code Finder.
Step 3 – Confirm Details and Proceed to Payment
Review all the information you've provided. Make sure all personal and delivery details are correct before confirming.
After confirming, you'll receive a unique reference number. It's important to save this number as you'll need it for payment and potential future reference, for instance, if you need to follow up on your request.
Step 4 – Make payment through your preferred channel
You must make a payment once you're done filling out the details. The fee for the CENOMAR varies depending on your location: P430 per copy for local delivery within the Philippines and $25.30 per copy for international delivery.
Multiple payment options are available, including credit card, GCash, BDO online banking, Unionbank online banking, and Bayad Center. Choose the one most convenient for you and follow the payment instructions provided.
Step 5 – Wait for Delivery and Check Status
Once your payment is completed, your CENOMAR will be processed for delivery. The delivery time varies: expect it within 3 to 13 working days for local requests or 6-8 weeks for international requests.
You can check the status of your request anytime by entering your reference number in the "Check Request Status" tab on the website. You or a representative (with an authorization letter and a valid ID) must present a valid ID or barangay certificate upon receipt of the document.
Conclusion
Obtaining a CENOMAR online is a convenient and straightforward process. This guide aims to simplify the process and help you understand how to get a CENOMAR online. Always ensure that you have all the necessary information before initiating the application process for a hassle-free experience. —iTacloban/AJ Yes