Records to discuss with your receiving office
This table is an enquiry checklist, not a declaration that every listed record is required in every case. Ask the responsible local civil registrar to identify the records, format and local steps that apply to both of you.
| Record category | What to discuss | Where it comes from | Question to confirm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identity | Foreign applicant’s passport and the Filipino partner’s accepted identification | Issuing authority shown on the document | Which originals and copies must each partner present? |
| Birth information | Birth records requested by the registrar | Issuing civil registry or PSA, as applicable | Are certified copies, translations or authentication needed? |
| Philippine marriage-record search | CENOMAR or other appropriate civil-registry record | Philippine Statistics Authority | Which civil-status record applies to each partner’s history? |
| Foreign applicant’s legal capacity | Documentation accepted for the applicant’s nationality | Confirm with the registrar and relevant consular guidance | What affidavit or certification and notarization format is currently accepted? |
| A previous marriage | Relevant final divorce, annulment, death or annotated records | Court, civil registry or other competent issuing authority | Does the situation require recognition or other legal steps first? |
| Local application requirements | Application forms and any locally required supporting records | Responsible local civil registrar | What appointments, counseling, originals and attendance apply? |
CENOMAR and legal capacity answer different questions
A CENOMAR is a Philippine Statistics Authority certificate concerning its marriage records. It should not be treated as a universal substitute for nationality-specific legal-capacity documentation. The U.S. government does not issue a general certificate of eligibility to marry. Ask which affidavit and notarization arrangement the receiving registrar currently accepts for a U.S. citizen.
Read the U.S. citizen requirements guide and the records and document-format guide before ordering additional services.
Use a four-column document tracker
For each item, record who needs it, whether the required copy has arrived, any question still open and the next action. Compare names and dates across records. If details differ, ask how the discrepancy should be resolved instead of altering documents or hoping the mismatch will be overlooked.
Prepare copies without losing control of originals
Keep originals protected and accessible during travel. Agree how any provider will review, return and retain sensitive documents before sharing them. Our initial enquiry needs your planning details only. Passport numbers and identity scans should not be included in the first WhatsApp message.
Official background checked November 2, 2026. Philippine Family Code · U.S. Department of State · PSA CENOMAR. Confirm the local checklist and any special circumstances before committing to dates.