Proof of Singlehood: Your Complete Guide to Getting a PSA CENOMAR via PSA Online Appointment

The Certificate of No Marriage Record, universally known as PSA CENOMAR, is the official document issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) that certifies a person has never contracted a marriage in the Philippines. It is a mandatory requirement for securing a marriage license, applying for certain visas, and various other legal procedures.

To obtain your PSA CENOMAR in person, the PSA strictly requires you to book an appointment through the official PSA Online Appointment System for Civil Registration Services (CRS). This shift has eliminated the long lines associated with walk-in requests, offering a streamlined process for citizens.

This ultimate guide will take you step-by-step through securing your online slot, preparing the necessary documents, and navigating the PSA CRS Outlet to obtain your authenticated PSA CENOMAR.

I. Understanding the Importance of the PSA CENOMAR

What the PSA CENOMAR Certifies

The PSA CENOMAR confirms that, based on the PSA's National Marriage Index, the person named has no record of marriage in the Philippines as of the date of issuance.

CENOMAR vs. Advisory on Marriages

It is vital to know that if you apply for a PSA CENOMAR but the system detects one or more marriage records, the PSA will not issue a CENOMAR. Instead, they will issue an Advisory on Marriages (AOM) or a Certificate of Marriage (COM) detailing your marital history.

• CENOMAR: For those who have never been married.
• Advisory on Marriages: For those who have been married, even if the marriage was annulled, dissolved, or the spouse is deceased (widowed).

Key Uses for PSA CENOMAR:

• Applying for a marriage license (The most common use).
• Processing certain types of visas (e.g., K-1 Fiancé/e Visa for the U.S. or spousal visas).
• Legal proceedings, such as those related to property or estate settlement.

Choosing Your Request Method

II. Step-by-Step Guide: Booking Your PSA Online Appointment for CENOMAR

The PSA Online Appointment process is secure, efficient, and free of charge for the booking itself.

Step 1: Navigate to the Official PSA Appointment Portal

Go to the official PSA Civil Registration Services (CRS) Appointment System website: appointment.psa.gov.ph.

Read the guidelines and click "I Agree" and then "Next."

Step 2: Select the PSA CRS Outlet Location

Choose the PSA CRS Outlet where you intend to transact. Ensure it is easily accessible for you on the appointment date.

Click "Next" after confirming your location.

Step 3: Input Requester’s Personal and Contact Details

Provide the information of the person who will personally appear at the PSA office. This is crucial as their ID must match these details.

Step 4: OTP Verification

Retrieve the 6-digit One-Time Password (OTP) sent to your registered email address.

Input the OTP to verify your identity and continue the booking process.

Step 5: Specify the PSA CENOMAR Request Details

On the request screen, select "CENOMAR" (Certificate of No Marriage Record).

• Identify Your Relationship: Select "Self" if you are the person the CENOMAR is for. If you are requesting for an immediate family member (parent, child), select the appropriate relationship.
• Input Document Details (for the Subject Person):
  • - Full Name (Last Name, First Name, Middle Name)
  • - Date of Birth
  • - Place of Birth (City/Municipality and Province)
  • - Father's Full Name
  • - Mother's Full Maiden Name

You can select the number of copies and add other document requests if necessary. Click "Next."

Step 6: Select Your Appointment Schedule

Choose an available date (highlighted) and time slot from the calendar for your visit to the PSA CRS Outlet.

Click "Next" to proceed.

Step 7: Final Review and Confirmation

Carefully review all the entered information, including your personal details, the CENOMAR details, and the selected date/time.

Click "Confirm" to finalize the booking.

Step 8: Save Your CRS Appointment Slip

You will receive the official CRS Appointment Slip (with a QR code and reference number) in your email.

Print this slip or save a digital copy on your mobile device. This document is mandatory for entry and processing at the PSA CRS Outlet.

III. Your Checklist for the PSA Appointment Day

To ensure a successful and quick transaction at the PSA CRS Outlet, preparation is essential.

📝 Required Documents (Original and Photocopy)

• CRS Appointment Slip: The printed or digital copy of the slip with the QR code.
• Valid Government-Issued ID: One (1) valid ID of the Requester (the person who booked the appointment). The name on the ID must match the name on the appointment slip.
• Acceptable IDs include: Passport, Driver's License, UMID, Postal ID (latest), PRC ID.
• Required Fee: The fee for a PSA CENOMAR requested in person is currently P210.00 per copy. Bring exact cash, as not all outlets may have change for large bills.
• Application Form (AF) and Queue Ticket Number (QTN): These will be provided upon arrival and verification of your appointment.

👥 If Requesting for Someone Else (Authorized Representative)

If you are requesting a PSA CENOMAR for an immediate family member (e.g., a parent requesting for a child), you must bring:

• Authorization Letter: A signed letter from the document owner (the subject of the CENOMAR) authorizing you to request and claim the PSA CENOMAR.
• Document Proving Relationship: E.g., your own PSA Birth Certificate or PSA Marriage Certificate to prove your direct relationship to the subject person.
• Valid ID of the Document Owner: Original and one (1) clear photocopy of the subject person's valid government-issued ID.
• Representative's Valid ID: Your original and one (1) clear photocopy of your own valid government-issued ID.

Note: The PSA strictly limits the number of unrelated individuals a representative can process documents for (usually a maximum of 2 unrelated persons).

IV. The In-Person Processing at the PSA CRS Outlet

Follow these steps for a smooth process on the day of your PSA Online Appointment:

1. Verification and Entry

• Arrive On Time: Be at the designated PSA CRS Outlet 30 minutes before your scheduled time. Latecomers may be denied entry and required to book a new PSA Online Appointment.
• Present Appointment Slip: Show your printed or digital CRS Appointment Slip and your valid ID to the Information Marshal/Security Guard for initial validation.

2. Form Submission and Screening

• Receive Forms: Get your Application Form (AF) and Queue Ticket Number (QTN). Fill out the AF completely with the exact details provided during the online booking.
• Transacting Window: When your number is called, present the QTN, the accomplished AF, your valid ID/s, and all supporting authorization documents (if applicable) to the PSA officer.
• Initial Verification: The officer will check your details against the system and confirm the availability of the PSA CENOMAR record.

3. Payment

• If the record is clear (no prior marriages found), you will be directed to the cashier.
• Pay the P210.00 fee per copy.
• Official Receipt (OR): Keep the Official Receipt safe. It serves as your claim stub and proof of payment.

4. Claiming Your PSA CENOMAR

• Release Time: PSA CENOMAR requests are often processed quickly. If the record is readily digitized, it can be released on the same day (usually within a few hours). If the record requires verification or retrieval, the claim time may be set for a later date (1-3 working days).
• Releasing Area: On the scheduled release date/time, proceed to the Releasing Window.
• Claiming: Present your Official Receipt (OR) and your valid ID/s.
• Final Check: Once you receive the authenticated PSA CENOMAR, immediately verify that your full name, date of birth, and parents' names are correct, and that the document states "NO RECORD OF MARRIAGE" on official PSA security paper (SECPA).

V. Troubleshooting and Expert Tips for Your CENOMAR Request

1. If You Receive an "Advisory on Marriages" Instead of a CENOMAR

What it means: The PSA system found a record of marriage under your name. This is standard procedure.

Action: If the marriage was annulled or declared void, you will need to ensure that the court decree is annotated (registered) on your PSA Marriage Certificate and the PSA's central database. Until this annotation is complete, the PSA cannot issue a CENOMAR.

2. If the Record is "Not Available" (NA)

Reason: The system could not locate a record for your name and date of birth. This may be due to clerical errors in the initial record or a common name issue.

Action: Double-check the spelling of your name and the details you entered in the PSA Online Appointment. If the details are correct, the PSA officer may require you to submit additional documents or check back at a later date after manual verification.

3. CENOMAR Validity

While the PSA CENOMAR has no official expiry date printed on it, most agencies (Local Civil Registrars for marriage licenses, and embassies for visas) require a copy issued within the last six (6) months to ensure the document accurately reflects your most current civil status.

4. Alternative Online Ordering

If you are unable to secure a convenient slot via the PSA Online Appointment system, ordering your PSA CENOMAR online through authorized service providers remains the simplest option. Though the fee is higher to cover service and courier costs, it removes the need for a physical office visit altogether.

Conclusion

By meticulously planning your PSA Online Appointment and preparing the exact requirements, you can efficiently and quickly obtain your essential PSA CENOMAR, paving the way for your next big life milestone.