CENOMAR vs CEMAR (2026): Which PSA Civil Status Certificate Do You Need?
Last Updated on October 3, 2026 by gillani
Asked for a CENOMAR or a CEMAR and not sure which one is right? The two documents answer opposite questions — ordering the wrong one can delay a marriage license, visa application, or embassy requirement. This guide explains the difference, the verified fees, and how to choose.
CENOMAR vs CEMAR: Quick Comparison
| CENOMAR | CEMAR | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Certificate of No Marriage Record | Advisory on Marriages (commonly called CEMAR) |
| What it shows | PSA found no marriage record under the person’s name, as of the date of search | Lists the marriage record(s) found under the person’s name, with details and annotations |
| Who usually needs it | Never-married persons: marriage license applicants, some visa/embassy requirements | Previously married, annulled, or widowed persons proving marriage history |
What Is a CENOMAR?
The CENOMAR (Certificate of No Marriage Record) — often called the “certificate of singleness” — is PSA’s certification that no marriage record was found for the person in the civil registry as of the date of search. It is not a lifetime guarantee — it is a snapshot based on PSA’s searchable records at the time it was issued. Common uses:
- Marriage license applications — local civil registrars routinely require it.
- Visa and embassy requirements — some foreign posts ask for it.
- General proof of single civil status on PSA records.
If the PSA search finds a marriage record, the result issued may be an Advisory on Marriages instead of a CENOMAR.
What Is a CEMAR (Advisory on Marriages)?
CEMAR is the term many Filipinos and institutions use for PSA’s Advisory on Marriages — a report that lists the marriage record(s) found under a person’s name, with details such as the spouse, date, and place of marriage, plus any annotations (for example, an annulment or the death of a spouse). It is typically requested by or for:
- Previously married, annulled, or widowed persons documenting their marriage history.
- Remarriage, estate settlement, and benefits paperwork.
- Embassies or agencies verifying past marriages.
Note: the Advisory on Marriages is not the same as a PSA marriage certificate — the marriage certificate is the official copy of one specific registered marriage. If the office uses the word “CEMAR,” ask whether it means the Advisory on Marriages, the marriage certificate, or both.
CENOMAR Fees by Channel (2026)
| Channel | Fee per copy | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CRS outlet (with online appointment) | ₱210 | Free appointment mandatory since 23 Mar 2026 |
| PSAHelpline.ph (online + delivery) | ₱420 | Paper copy delivered; check site for current estimates |
| PSA E-Certificate (digital) | ₱345 | Digitally signed, QR-verifiable PDF |
| Viewable Online + DocPrint | ₱185 + ₱80 | View 60 days; print at outlet, no appointment needed |
For an Advisory on Marriages (CEMAR), confirm the current per-copy fee at the outlet or on the official online channel before paying — PSA pricing can change.
Which One Do You Need?
- Never been married? → Get a CENOMAR. How to book a CENOMAR appointment.
- Ever been married (even if annulled or your spouse has died)? → Offices typically ask for the Advisory on Marriages, and often the annotated marriage certificate or spouse’s death certificate as well.
- Need to prove one specific marriage? → Get the PSA marriage certificate, not a CENOMAR.
Some offices ask for a copy issued within the last few months — confirm with the office requesting it how recent the document must be.
CENOMAR vs CEMAR FAQs
What is the difference between CENOMAR and CEMAR?
A CENOMAR (Certificate of No Marriage Record) certifies that PSA found no marriage record under the person’s name as of the date of search. A CEMAR — properly called the Advisory on Marriages — lists the marriage record(s) found under the person’s name, with details and annotations.
Do I need a CENOMAR if I was annulled or widowed?
Agencies typically ask for the Advisory on Marriages (CEMAR) plus supporting documents like the annotated marriage certificate or the spouse’s death certificate. Confirm with the office requesting it.
How much is a CENOMAR in 2026?
₱210 per copy at a CRS outlet (with a free online appointment), ₱420 via PSAHelpline with delivery, ₱345 for the digital e-Certificate, or ₱185 via Viewable Online (+ ₱80 DocPrint at the outlet).
What happens if PSA finds a marriage record when I request a CENOMAR?
The result issued may be an Advisory on Marriages instead of a CENOMAR, since the search found a record under your name.
Is a CENOMAR the same as a marriage certificate?
No. A CENOMAR certifies that no marriage record was found. A PSA marriage certificate is the official copy of one specific registered marriage. CEMAR (Advisory on Marriages) lists marriages found on record.
How recent must my CENOMAR be?
Confirm with the requesting office — some offices ask for copies issued within the last few months. A CENOMAR reflects the records as of its date of search.
Can I get a CENOMAR online without visiting an outlet?
Yes. Order through PSAHelpline.ph (₱420, delivered), get the digital e-Certificate (₱345), or use Viewable Online (₱185) with DocPrint (₱80) at any outlet — no appointment needed for DocPrint.
