Report of Marriage (ROM) – A Philippine Government Requirement

By Erika Presson
Last Updated: June 14, 2015

Report of Marriage (ROM) is a requirement for Filipinos overseas who have contracted a marriage abroad, whether to a fellow Filipino or a foreign spouse. This is mandated by the “Law on Registry of Civil Status” / “Civil Registry Law” (Act No. 3753) and also found on “The Family Code of the Philippines” (Executive Order No. 209, Articles 23 & 26).

 

What is Act 3753, Civil Registry Law?

This is a law that covers compulsory recording of vital events including, but not limited to, Report of Birth, Death and Marriage. This also covers Change of Name, Registration of Annulments and/or Divorce just to name a few.

You can read more about this here: Philippine Statistics Authority, Civil Registry Law, Act No. 3753

 

I just got married in the United States, where do I file this Report of Marriage (ROM)?

You may file this with the Philippine Embassy / Consulate that has jurisdiction over your state. You can check the list of Philippine Embassy / Consulates in the U.S. on this page:

• MrsPresson.com | Philippine Consulates in the U.S.

 

How much does this Report of Marriage (ROM) cost?

The Report of Marriage (ROM) processing fee is $25.

If you’re applying by mail, you will need to pay for shipping and tracking, notarization of documents, and include a prepaid envelope from your desired courier (with tracking) inside your package if you wish to have a copy of your document back.

Please read the PDF Requirements below. Zoom in on the PDF for details.

So wait, if I choose to apply by mail, I would have to go to a U.S. Notary Public to have my documents notarized?

Yes, this is required if you are applying by mail.

You don’t have to notarize your documents if both you and your U.S. Citizen Spouse are applying in person at a Philippine Consulate. However, if your U.S. Citizen spouse cannot be present at the time of application, you will have to have your forms with his signature notarized, too.

 

 

What if I don’t want to mail my Report of Marriage (ROM) documents? What are my options?

Like what was said above, this is compulsory and mandated by Philippine law. You will have to report your marriage through any of the following:

• Personal appearance at the Philippine Embassy / Consulate in the U.S.

• Apply for Report of Marriage (ROM) through mail / courier.

• Go to a Philippine Consular Outreach event by your designated Consulate. You can’t just do a “walk-in” though, there are appointments that need to be set. Contact your Philippine Consulate.
  » Read more about 2015 Philippine Consulate Outreaches in the United States

 

When do I need to file this Report of Marriage (ROM)?

As soon as possible. Some consulates have a 30-day requirement. If there’s a lapse, you will have to include a duly notarized Affidavit of Delayed Registration along with your application for Report of Marriage.

Please refer to the requirements table below. Zoom in on the PDF for details.

 

I want to renew my Philippine passport using my married name. Can I do this and skip the Report of Marriage?

The Report of Marriage (ROM) is a pre-requisite to renewing your Philippine passport if you wish to use your married name. This means you are required to report your marriage first, only then you can use your married name on your passport. You can also do this both at the same time but you cannot skip the “Report of Marriage”.

 

What are the requirements for this Report of Marriage (ROM)?

I have made a PDF Table of Report of Marriage (ROM) requirements to make it easier for everyone looking for information about this subject. I’ve also noted how many “originals / certified copies” and “normal” photocopies you need per documentary requirement. Some consulates have the same requirements, some require a few more documents/items. Refer to the Philippine Consulate that has jurisdiction over your state.

You can click the download link / image below to open the PDF File. You can zoom in on the PDF for details.

Download “Philippine Consulate Report of Marriage (ROM) Requirements” PDF here.

 

Please take note that these information may change over time. It is your duty to check with your Philippine Consulate for updated information.

 

Do I write my Maiden Name or my Married Name on the Report of Marriage (ROM) Form?

Filipino spouses must write their MAIDEN NAME on the Report of Marriage Form.

 

 

Why do I need to file a Report of Marriage?

 

• To register your marriage with the Philippine Statistics Authority (previously known as National Statistics Office / NSO). Technically, if you don’t file a Report of Marriage, you’re still “single” in the Philippines.

• A Report of Marriage is required if renewing your passport under your married name.

• The Philippine Law applies to all Filipino Citizens, even if they’re in the U.S. (and for as long as they haven’t renounced their Filipino Citizenship). That also means people who are or wish to be dual-citizens.

• If in the future you need something changed with your Life Insurance Policy in the Philippines (Such as SunLife, etc.) / SSS / Pag-ibig benefits, change of name, change of heir/beneficiary, they will require you to furnish a PSA/NSO Marriage Certificate. A Philippine PSA/NSO Marriage Certificate can only be obtained if you filed a Report of Marriage.

 

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