No Expiration! Permanent Validity Of Birth, Death, Marriage Certificates Act Now A Law

Finally, the bill that establishes the permanent validity of certificates of live birth, death, and marriage is now a law. 

Republic Act No. 11909 or the Permanent Validity of the Certificates of Live Birth, Death, and Marriage Act covers live birth, death, and marriage certificates issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), its predecessor the National Statistics Office (NSO), and local civil registries. It also applies to certificates registered and issued by the Philippine Foreign Service Posts, and transmitted to the PSA.

The Senate passed the measure on May 23, 2022, and was due for the President's signature on June 27, 2022.  The bill lapsed into law on August 2, 2022.

Former Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan, the principal author of the bill expressed his gratitude to his fellow senators for their support.

"Ikinagagalak natin na isa nang ganap na batas ang Republic Act 11909 o ang “Permanent Validity of the Certificates of Live Birth, Death, and Marriage Act.”

Prior to this, some government agencies and private entities require certificates that are valid within six months.

Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla, Jr., one of the bill's sponsors said this law will help ease the burden of Filipinos.

"With this piece of legislation, we have clearly and categorically provided the permanent validity of the civil registry documents regardless of the date of issuance. As such, they will be recognized and accepted in all government or private transactions. Through this, our people do not have to unnecessarily spend time and money in securing new copies of their documents," Revilla said.

Senator Win Gatchalian, one of the bill's co-authors, hailed the passage of the new law. 

"Dapat padaliin natin para sa ating mga kababayan ang pagkuha ng mga importanteng dokumento. Kaya naman isinulong nating magkaroon ng permanent validity ang ating mga birth, death, at marriage certificates upang hindi na mahirapan ang publiko sa pagkuha ng mga dokumentong ito," said Gatchalian.

Listed as co-authors of the bill are Joel Villanueva, Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara, Grace Poe, Cynthia Villar, and Nancy Binay.

READ ALSO: Everything You Need to Know About Organizing Important Documents

What you need to know

Documents must remain intact and readable

According to the Senate press release, regardless of the date of issuance, these certificates shall be recognized and accepted in all government or private transactions or services requiring their submission as proof of identity and legal status.

These documents, however, should remain intact and readable, and should still visibly contain the authenticity and security features.

READ ALSO: PSA Clarifies, Birth Certificates Don't Have Expiry Dates

On marriage certificates

The permanent validity of marriage certificates is applicable only when the marriage has not been judicially decreed annulled or void as provided for under the Family Code of the Philippines or any subsequent amendatory law on marriage.

READ ALSO: Marriage License Requirements

No expiry

The law further provides that national government agencies and instrumentalities, government-owned and -controlled corporations, local government units, private companies, private and public educational institutions, and other non-government entities are prohibited from requiring the submission of another or newer certificates when a valid certificate can already be presented.

Cost

A copy of a birth, marriage, or death certificate would cost you P330 or USD 20.30 when you order online via PSA. Fees are inclusive of processing, delivery, and government taxes. You can order it here.

Read this step-by-step guide by a mom on how to request a birth certificate for your child here.