diff --git a/.github/pull_request_template.md b/.github/pull_request_template.md
index c1f965a1..a6d279b5 100644
--- a/.github/pull_request_template.md
+++ b/.github/pull_request_template.md
@@ -1,3 +1,3 @@
 #### Pull Request Checklist
-- [ ] Add an entry to `docs/release-notes/release-notes-next.md` (required by
-  CI)
+- [ ] Add an entry to `docs/release-notes/release-notes-next.md`, or apply the
+  `no-changelog` label (required by CI)
diff --git a/AGENTS.md b/AGENTS.md
index 175d1a01..22f10a06 100644
--- a/AGENTS.md
+++ b/AGENTS.md
@@ -75,9 +75,9 @@ floor `walletrpc.EstimateFeeResponse.min_relay_fee_sat_per_kw` (lnd v0.18.3-beta
 
 **6. Pull Request Release Notes:**
 
-Every pull request must add at least one non-empty line to
-`docs/release-notes/release-notes-next.md`. Before finishing any change intended
-for a pull request, add a concise entry under the appropriate section (`New
-Features`, `Breaking Changes`, `Bug Fixes`, or `Maintenance`). This applies to
-all pull requests, including internal maintenance and documentation changes, and
-is enforced by CI.
+Every pull request must either add at least one non-empty line to
+`docs/release-notes/release-notes-next.md` or carry the `no-changelog` label.
+Before finishing any change intended for a pull request, add a concise entry
+under the appropriate section (`New Features`, `Breaking Changes`, `Bug Fixes`,
+or `Maintenance`). For a change that does not warrant a release note, ensure the
+pull request uses the `no-changelog` label instead. This is enforced by CI.
diff --git a/docs/release-notes/release-notes-next.md b/docs/release-notes/release-notes-next.md
index 414aa11c..f0ca7972 100644
--- a/docs/release-notes/release-notes-next.md
+++ b/docs/release-notes/release-notes-next.md
@@ -14,6 +14,7 @@
 #### Maintenance
 
 * Added a CI gate and repository agent guidance requiring every pull request to
-  include a non-empty entry in the next release notes.
+  include a non-empty entry in the next release notes unless it carries the
+  `no-changelog` label.
 
 #### Contributors (Alphabetical Order)