What Is an Affidavit of Marriage?
An Affidavit of Marriage is a sworn statement in which the affiant declares that they are currently married to a named spouse and that the marriage subsists — it has not been annulled, declared void, dissolved, or made the subject of a decree of legal separation. It is used when an office asks for a sworn statement of marital status to support another application.
It is also commonly searched for as a proof of marriage affidavit or a sworn statement of marriage — the same notarized statement under different names — and Filipinos who know sworn documents by their Tagalog name will recognise it as a kind of Sinumpaang Salaysay, sometimes a Sinumpaang Salaysay ng Pagkakasal — the same oath and the same legal weight, whether titled in English or in Filipino.
This affidavit is specifically for someone who is currently married. If you have never been married, use an Affidavit of Singleness. If you were previously married and are now single — widowed, annulled or declared void, legally separated, or covered by a recognized foreign divorce — use an Affidavit of Civil Status instead, which states the prior marriage and your present status accurately.
Affidavit of Marriage vs. PSA Marriage Certificate
This is the most important distinction to understand before you file anything:
- PSA Marriage Certificate — the official government record of your marriage, issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority. This is the primary proof that a marriage exists.
- Affidavit of Marriage — your own sworn statement, notarized before a notary public. It is a supporting or stop-gap document, not a government record.
An Affidavit of Marriage does not replace a PSA marriage certificate. It is typically used alongside the PSA copy, or while the PSA copy is being secured, or while a marriage celebrated abroad is being reported and registered with the PSA. Always confirm the exact requirements with the receiving office before you rely on the affidavit alone.
When Do You Need an Affidavit of Marriage?
- SSS / GSIS dependent or survivor claims — to attest that a spouse is a legal dependent or beneficiary
- PhilHealth and HMO enrollment — to register a spouse as a dependent
- Insurance beneficiary designations — where the insurer asks for a sworn statement of the marital relationship
- Marriage celebrated abroad — as a supporting document while the marriage is being reported to the Philippine Embassy and registered with the PSA
- Bank, employment, or benefit requirements — that call for a sworn declaration of marital status
Required Elements of a Philippine Affidavit of Marriage
- Affiant's identity — full name, citizenship, age (of legal age), and address
- Marriage details — the spouse's full name, the date of marriage, and the place of marriage
- Subsistence declaration — that the marriage subsists and has not been annulled, declared void, dissolved, or subjected to a decree of legal separation
- Present-status clause — that the affiant's present civil status is therefore married
- Cohabitation clause (optional) — that the spouses continue to live together as husband and wife, where relevant
- Purpose clause — why the affidavit is executed and, where relevant, the office or authority it is for
- Jurat — the "SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN" block completed by the notary public, plus the notarial register entries
State only what is true. An affidavit is a sworn statement, and falsely declaring a marriage — or that a dissolved marriage still subsists — can expose the affiant to liability for perjury.
Free Sample — Affidavit of Marriage
I, Juan Dela Cruz, Filipino, of legal age, and a resident of 24 Mabini Street, Barangay Malaya, Quezon City, after having been duly sworn to in accordance with law, hereby depose and state that:
1. That I was lawfully married to Maria Santos Dela Cruz on February 14, 2018 at Quezon City;
2. That the said marriage subsists and remains in full force and effect, and has not been annulled, declared void, or dissolved, nor has any decree of legal separation been issued;
3. That my present civil status is therefore MARRIED;
4. That I am executing this Affidavit to attest to the truth of the foregoing and to declare my present civil status, for the purpose of my SSS dependent claim, and for whatever legal purpose it may serve.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this January 15, 2026 at Quezon City, Philippines.
SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this January 15, 2026 at Quezon City, Philippines, by the above-named affiant, who exhibited to me his/her Philippine Passport bearing No. P1234567A issued on March 3, 2022 at DFA NCR East, Quezon City.
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Generate FreeHow to Draft a Strong Affidavit of Marriage
- Use your full legal name and current address exactly as they appear on your government ID.
- State the marriage details accurately — your spouse's full name, and the date and place of marriage as they appear on the marriage certificate.
- Confirm the marriage subsists — only swear that the marriage is in force if it has not been annulled, declared void, dissolved, or covered by a decree of legal separation.
- Name the purpose — the SSS or GSIS claim, the PhilHealth or HMO enrollment, the insurer, or the specific office the affidavit is for.
- Bring a valid ID and sign before the notary — never sign in advance; the notary must witness the oath to complete the jurat.