Acknowledgement (Notarization of Document)
The Consulate, through its Consular Officers, can acknowledge documents that will be used or presented in the Philippines, if these are signed by individuals. The document will have a covering page (“ACKNOWLEDGMENT”) with a gold eyelet and seal (effective 15 June 2019, documents no longer have a red ribbon satin seal affixed). PERSONAL APPEARANCE OF THE SIGNATORY OR SIGNATORIES IS A REQUIREMENT FOR CONSULAR ACKNOWLEDGMENT.
No appointment is needed for Acknowledgments. Walk-ins are allowed for legal and notarial services, subject to daily cut-off, on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Each “consularized” document must bear the seal of the Consulate General and the signature of the Consular Officer. In issuing an Acknowledgment Certificate, the Philippine Consulate General does not assume responsibility for the contents of the document. Please see the Notarials section of the Downloadable Forms on our website for templates of sample documents.
The Consulate may only Acknowledge self-executed documents (those individually signed). Public documents issued by the U.S. government or private entities must be Apostilled.
An Apostille is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document. It is issued by a country that is party to the Apostille Convention and is to be used in another country which is also a party to the Convention. The Apostille streamlines the process of authentication of documents.
As both the Republic of the Philippines and the United States of America are parties to the Apostille Convention, public documents issued by both countries are duly recognized in each other’s jurisdiction on the basis of the Apostille authenticating the origin of the document.
Please note that Apostilled document/s no longer need additional authentication by the Philippine Consulate General. Once apostilled, the documents may already be used in the Philippines, and be given legal effect.
For Apostille requirements, applicants are advised to visit the following websites:
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ALASKA |
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COLORADO |
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IDAHO |
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MONTANA |
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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA |
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NORTHERN NEVADA |
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OREGON |
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UTAH |
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WASHINGTON STATE |
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WYOMING |
Procedure and Requirements
1. Principal/s (person/s executing the document) must appear personally at the Consulate to sign the document/s before a Consular Officer/Staff;
2. For the documents, applicant must provide the following:
a. The original documents (including all attachments) needed for consularization; and
b. One (1) photocopy of each different document (including all attachments) for the Consulate’s copy.
3. For proof of identity of the person/s executing the document – present the original and submit photocopies of the principal’s valid identification document (ID) (ex. Passport, State ID, Driver’s License, etc.) for each document (original and copy). For the photocopy of ID, please be reminded of the following:
a. The photocopy of the valid ID indicating the full name and signature of the principal/s must be readable/clear.
b. The valid ID to be presented must have a signature and bear the complete and correct name of the principal (Given Name, Middle Name, and Last Name). Note that the Consulate’s Acknowledgment page shall indicate the name of the signatory as indicated in his or her ID (not as indicated in the document to be signed).
4. Please provide a (1) Self-Addressed Stamped Return Envelope with appropriate stamps and tracking number (USPS Express or Priority Mail) or (2) Self-Addressed Prepaid Mailing Envelope from courier of choice (do NOT use FEDEX) labeled with the recipient’s address. As a reminder, please do not put the name of the Philippine Consulate as the sender, should the Shipping Label be “to Bill the Sender”.
Processing Fees:
All Fees are non-refundable. Fees should be made payable in cash, credit/debit card (with a convenience fee) or to the “Philippine Consulate General” in Money Order, Bank Draft, Certified Check or Cashier’s Check. Personal checks are not accepted.
Acknowledgement of Documents … $25.00*
Certification (Appearance/ One and the Same Person) … $25.00
*The Acknowledgment Certificate is issued (1) per original document and/or (2) per date of appearance of the principal/s who will sign the document.
SAMPLE A: If an applicant needs one Special Power of Attorney (SPA) for use in the Philippines, he/she will need to provide the following:
1. One (1) original of the SPA and one (1) photocopy;
2. Two (2) photocopies of his/her valid ID (as attachment to the original SPA + the photocopy); and
3. Processing Fee in the amount of $25.00.
SAMPLE B: If an applicant needs two (2) DIFFERENT Affidavits for use in the Philippines, he/she will need to provide the following:
1. One (1) original of the Affidavit #1 and one (1) photocopy;
2. One (1) original of the Affidavit #2 and one (1) photocopy;
3. Four (4) photocopies of his/her valid ID (as attachment to Affidavit #1 + photocopy of Affidavit #1 + Affidavit #2 + photocopy of Affidavit #2); and
4. Processing Fee in the amount of $50.00 ($25.00 x 2 original documents).
SAMPLE C: If an applicant needs three (3) Acknowledgments of the SAME Affidavit for use in the Philippines, he/she will need to provide the following:
1. Three (3) originals of the Affidavit;
2. One (1) photocopy of the Affidavit;
3. Four (4) photocopies of his/her valid ID – (as attachment to the three original Affidavits + photocopy of the Affidavit #1); and
4. Processing Fee in the amount of $75.00 ($25.00 x 3 original documents).
SAMPLE D: If an applicant needs five (5) copies of the same Special Power of Attorney (SPA) for Consularization, and one (1) copy each of two (2) different types of Affidavit for use in the Philippines, he/she will need to provide the following:
1. Five (5) originals of the same SPA and one (1) photocopy;
2. One (1) original of Affidavit #1 and one (1) photocopy;
3. One (1) original of Affidavit #2 and one (1) photocopy;
4. Ten (10) photocopies of his/her valid ID – (as attachment to the 5 original SPAs + 1 photocopy of the SPA + original of Affidavit #1 + photocopy of Affidavit#1 + original of Affidavit#2 + photocopy of Affidavit #2); and
5. Processing Fee in the amount of $175.00 ($25.00 x 7 original documents)
All documents will be released by mail only. Please provide a (1) Self-Addressed Stamped Return Envelope with appropriate stamps and tracking number (USPS Express or Priority Mail) or (2) Self-Addressed Prepaid Mailing Envelope from courier of choice labeled with the recipient’s address. As a reminder, please do not put the name of the Philippine Consulate as the sender, should the Shipping Label be “to Bill the Sender”.
Note: The Philippine Consulate General assumes no responsibility for any delay or loss in the mail, or while the documents are in the custody of the courier service. The applicant should note the tracking numbers of all envelopes used and submitted, and may track their envelopes at the website of their chosen courier.
The Philippine Consulate General reserves the right to require additional proof or documents from an applicant (ex. additional valid identification, etc.) to determine the authenticity of the documents submitted, identity of the person executing the documents, etc.
For Inquiries: Please send an email to [email protected].
Effective 14 May 2019, Authentication (the process of verifying the authenticity of the signature of issuing officer and his/her designation/position and the issuance of a certificate with gold seal and signature of Consular Officer) by the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco is no longer needed for documents apostillized in the States under its jurisdiction, namely, Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington State, Northern Nevada, Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, and Northern California, in view of the entry into force in the Philippines of The Hague Convention of 5 October 1961 “Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents” (commonly known as the Apostille Convention) to which the United States is a contracting party.
Foreign Apostilles issued before 14 May 2019 shall be recognized in the Philippines on and from said date of entry into force of the Convention for the Philippines, pursuant to Sections 99 and 320 of the Apostille Handbook.
The Apostille streamlines the whole authentication procedure of documents for use abroad resulting to more convenience, less cost and processing time for the applicants. Before Apostille, a Philippine document to be used abroad needs a Certification by the relevant government agency or office, Authentication by the DFA and Authentication (Legalization) by the Embassy of the country of destination.
With the Apostille, the aforementioned document will no longer require legalization by the Foreign Embassy if the country of destination is already a Member of the Apostille Convention (or an “Apostille Country.”) Once Apostillized, the document can be validly used in any and all Apostille Countries.
You may also read the Apostille Handbook published by the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH), an e-copy of which is available in this link: https://assets.hcch.net/docs/ff5ad106-3573-495b-be94-7d66b7da7721.pdf.
Filipinos/Former Filipinos who wish to renounce their Philippine citizenship must submit their documents by mail. Once approved, the Philippine Consulate will issue a Certification stating that the applicant has relinquished his/her rights and privileges as a Filipino Citizen. Please note that applicants who wish to renounce their Philippine citizenship must be at least 18 years old.
Requirements:
Kindly collate the documents and arrange into sets of three (3) according to the order of documents below:
- One (1) Cover letter indicating your request to apply for renunciation of your Philippine citizenship with contact information (ex. Mobile/telephone number, email address, and permanent address) through which the Consulate can reach you.
- One (1) original and two (2) photocopies of the Affidavit of Renunciation of Philippine Citizenship, duly-notarized by a Notary Public.
- One (1) original and three (3) photocopies of the Birth Certificate – issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) formerly National Statistics Office (NSO), Consular Report of Birth, or U.S. Certificate of Live Birth.
- Original and three (3) photocopies of the Philippine Passport data page – the original passport will be cancelled and retained at the Philippine Consulate General.
- For those who have retained/reacquired Philippine Citizenship (Dual Citizens) under R.A. 9225 – submit the originals and two (2) photocopies of the Identification Certificate, Oath of Allegiance, and Order of Approval – the originals will be cancelled and retained at the Philippine Consulate General.
- Present the original and three (3) photocopies of the following:
- U.S. Certificate of Naturalization
- U.S. Passport
- U.S. State Identification Card / Driver’s License / other valid IDs.
- For those born in the United States – submit three (3) photocopies of validation of Philippine Citizenship of parent/s at the time of birth (ex. U.S. Certificate of Naturalization, U.S. Permanent Resident Card, Philippine Passport).
- Processing Fee of $25.00 made payable to the “Philippine Consulate General” in Money Order, Bank Draft, Certified Check or Cashier’s Check. Please do not enclose Cash. Personal Checks are not accepted.
- For the release/mailing of the Certification – please provide a (1) Self-Addressed Stamped Return Envelope with appropriate stamps and tracking number (USPS Express or Priority Mail) or (2) Self-Addressed Prepaid Mailing Envelope from courier of choice labeled with the recipient’s address. Please be reminded of the following:
- Please do not put the name of the Philippine Consulate as the sender should the Shipping Label is to Bill the Sender.
- Please do not send white letter envelopes, as your return documents will not fit.
Sending your application by mail:
Upon completion of the abovementioned requirements, mail your documents to this address:
Philippine Consulate General
Attn: Legal/Notarials Section
447 Sutter Street, 6th Floor
San Francisco, California, 94108, USA
Note: The Philippine Consulate General assumes no responsibility for any delay or loss in the mail, or while the documents are in the custody of the courier service. The applicant should note the tracking numbers of all envelopes used and submitted, and may track their envelopes at the website of their chosen courier.
For Inquiries: Please send an email to [email protected] |
Pursuant to Section IV of the Supreme Court of the Philippines’ Administrative Matter (A.M.) No. 20-12-01-SC, the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco may facilitate the conduct of videoconferencing hearings at its premises. Please see this link for the Guidelines.
Guidelines in Applying for National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance for Applicants Abroad
Applicants who are living/working abroad must secure and accomplish the NBI Fingerprint Card Form, available at the Philippine Embassy/Consulate General, have their fingerprints impressed at the Consulate, and send the form, through their authorized representative, to the NBI in the Philippines for the issuance of an NBI Clearance Certificate. This process also applies to Foreign Nationals who had lived in the Philippines and is required to submit NBI Clearance Certificate.
Application for NBI is made in person. The Consulate does not accept mailed-in applications.
Requirements for First Time Applicants:
1. Principal/s (person/s executing the document) must appear personally at the Consulate to sign the document/s before a Consular Officer/Staff for Legal and Notarial Services.
2. Applicant will be provided a Fingerprint Card Form. Please fill out the personal data truthfully and legibly. (Click here for a sample accomplished form).
3. Provide the following:
a. Two (2) identical photographs (2″ x 2″) taken in plain white background and taken within the last three (3) months. Blurred or low-quality photos are not accepted.
b. Original and two (2) photocopies of the valid passport (data page only).
c. Additional valid identification document (I.D.) from the country of residence may also be submitted.
d. Self-Addressed Stamped Return Envelope with appropriate stamps and tracking number (USPS Express or Priority Mail) or Self-Addressed Prepaid Mailing Envelope from courier of choice labeled with the recipient’s address with tracking number.
4. For the fingerprinting procedure, the Consular Officer/Staff will assist to have your fingerprints impressed (rolled impression) on the appropriate spaces. The person who took your fingerprints will sign his/her name, official designation, and signature on the space provided on the card.
5. New applicants are required to register online at www.nbi.gov.ph. The applicant is required to sign-up and sign-in to apply for clearance until a reference number appears on the computer screen. Please copy this reference number as this will serve as the NBI’s code in the retrieval of the applicant’s data and status of application.
Requirements for Renewal of NBI Clearance:
1. Applicants who were previously issued NBI Clearance Certificates dated 2011 and beyond will have their certificates authenticated first by the Information and Communication Technology Division (ICTD). If your NBI Clearance Certificate was issued by the Philippine Consulate General, San Francisco prior to 2014 or you have lost your personal copy of the certificate, please follow the instructions for First Time applicants.
2. Together with the above, provide the following:
a. Two (2) identical photographs (2″ x 2″), taken in plain white background and taken within the last three (3) months. Blurred or low-quality photos are not accepted.
b. Original and two (2) photocopies of the valid passport (data page only).
c. Additional valid identification document (I.D.) from the country of residence may be submitted.
d. Self-Addressed Stamped Return Envelope with appropriate stamps and tracking number (USPS Express or Priority Mail) or Self-Addressed Prepaid Mailing Envelope from courier of choice labeled with the recipient’s address with tracking number.
3. If there are changes in the applicant’s personal data (ex. Name, Date of Birth, Place of Birth), applicant is advised to fill-up the form for first time applicants, present the original and submit two (2) photocopies of your Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, etc. as proof for the changes to be applied.
4. Renewal applicants are also required to register online at www.nbi.gov.ph. The applicant is required to sign-up, sign-in, and fill-out all the personal information thereat until a reference number appears on the computer screen. Please copy this reference number as this will serve as the NBI’s code in the retrieval of the applicant’s data and verification of status of application.
Applicants who have previously issued NBI clearances from 2014 to present can now renew their NBI clearance without the need of accomplishing a new NBI Fingerprint Card Form provided that no changes are made on their personal data (ex. Name, Date of Birth, Place of Birth). Moreover, applicants no longer need to register online. If this is the case, applicant must accomplish the requirements mentioned in Item No. 2 together with the clearance certificate dated 2014 to present and submit them to the NBI.
Processing Fee for Acknowledgment (Notarization):
All Fees are non-refundable. Fees should be made payable to the “Philippine Consulate General” in Money Order, Bank Draft, Certified Check or Cashier’s Check. Cash, Personal checks and credit/debit cards are not accepted.
Acknowledgment (Notarization) of NBI Fingerprint Card Form … $25.00
NEW REQUIREMENTS AS OF 10 MAY 2018:
1. Import permit issued by the Philippines’ Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI)
2. Health certificate issued by a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) veterinarian or USDA-accredited veterinarian
3. Mandatory identification of pet dog or cat with ISO compliant microchip / RFID (radio-frequency identification)
IMPORTANT:
Effective June 01, 2018, dogs and cats imported without the required identification will be declined entry and returned to its origin. All costs incurred will be shouldered by the importer.
PROCEDURES:
1. To obtain an import permit from the Philippines’ Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI)
Go to http://www.intercommerce.com.ph/registrationbai.asp and fill out the form.
Applicant will be asked for a Username (email) and Password, which will be used to check the status of the application. The status could be: (1) for Endorsement (meaning the application is waiting for the signature of the approving authority); (2) Approved; (3) Rejected (the applicant will have to re-apply).
To check the status of the application, go to http://www.intercommerce.com.ph/home.asp or http://www.intercommerce.com.ph/login.asp?home=HOME. or go to http://www.intercommerce.com.ph then click WEBCWS then log in.
If approved, click the reference number and it will bring applicant to the 3-page SPS permit. Print the permit and present this at the Quarantine station in the airport (Philippines).
Approval usually takes 1-2 days. Validity of the SPS permit is two months.
Please read the other requirements on the permit in order to import your pet(s), i.e., Veterinary Health Certificate and the updated Vaccination Record.
For the updated Vaccination Records, the following is needed:
DOGS: rabies vaccination and vaccination against distemper, leptospirosis, parvovirus, adenovirus type 2
CATS: rabies vaccination and vaccination against herpes, calicivirus, panleukopenia and feline leukemia
2. To obtain health certificate from US authority
Secure a health certificate for each pet from a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) veterinarian or USDA-accredited veterinarian. The health certificate should be dated within 10 days before the date of arrival in the Philippines. The health certificate should certify that the animal is free from, and has not been recently exposed to, any dangerous or communicable disease, and that it has been given anti-rabies and other required inoculation.
3. On the Mandatary Identification of pet dog or cat with ISO compliant microchip/ RFID (radio-frequency identification)
The microchip number indicated in the import permit application submitted to BAIPhilippines and in the health certificate issued by USDA or USDA-accredited veterinarian should match the microchip number implanted in the animal.
Source: Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO)
Under Republic Act (RA) No. 10868 or the Centenarians Act of 2016, all Filipino centenarians, shall be honored with a centenarian gift in the amount of P100,000 and a Letter of Felicitation from the Philippine President congratulating the Filipino centenarian for his/her longevity.
Overseas Filipino centenarians are included in the implementation of the law. They are Filipino citizens living outside the Philippines who have reached 100 years old and above, including those who have obtained foreign citizenship and later reacquired or retained Philippine citizenship under RA 9225.
Who are eligible?
All Filipino citizens living in the Philippines and abroad, who reached 100 years old before 15 July 2016, the date that RA 10868 took effect, and those who reached 100 years old thereafter.
A deceased Filipino centenarian who died after the effectivity of RA 10868 is still entitled to the awards and incentives.
On the other hand, a centenarian who is already a naturalized citizen of another country must first apply for dual citizenship through RA 9225 to become eligible.
What are the requirements?
For living Filipino centenarians:
- Duly accomplished Application Form;
- Photocopy of valid Philippine passport;
- Photocopy of citizenship Retention and Re-Acquisition Certificate, Identification Certificate, and/or Order of Approval Certificate, and/or Oath of Allegiance Certificate (if dual citizen); and
- Philippine peso-denominated bank account details of the Filipino centenarian, or if not available.
One (1) original and two (2) certified true copy of Special Power of Attorney (SPA) authorizing the attorney-in-fact to receive/deposit or encash the centenarian’s gift in check and send the said amount to him or her, in any means possible
For deceased Filipino centenarians:
- Duly accomplished application form;
- Photocopy of valid Philippine passport;
- Photocopies of citizenship Retention and Re-Acquisition Certificate, Identification Certificate, and/or Order of Approval Certificate, and/or Oath of Allegiance Certificate (if dual citizen);
- Death certificate of the centenarian;
- Photocopy of valid identification card of the nearest surviving relative;
- Proof of relationship with the deceased centenarian, such as certificate of live birth, certificate of marriage, or any other document of the nearest surviving relative that would establish his/her relationship with the centenarian; and
- In case there are various nearest surviving relatives (e.g., children), one (1) original and two (2) certified true copies of a special power of attorney authorizing a representative (claimant) to receive the centenarian gift on behalf of all of them;
- The claimant should also execute a Warranty and Release from Liability Form.
Where to apply?
The nearest surviving relative of the Filipino centenarian can apply on his/her behalf. In this case, the representative is required to present the following documents in addition to the documentary requirements:
- Letter of authorization signed by the centenarian, and/or medical certificate for bedridden overseas centenarian; and
- Original valid identification card with photograph of the representative.
Applications should be submitted through the Philippine embassies or consulates which have jurisdiction over the area where the centenarian resides. The application documents will then be forwarded to the Commission on Filipinos Overseas in Manila through the Department of Foreign Affairs.
For those residing within the jurisdiction of the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, inquiries may be directed to [email protected].
For more information, please read the Commission on Filipinos Overseas’ guidebook for overseas Filipino centenarians.
- Sample Affidavit of Request, Consent and Guarantee for the Issuance of Waiver of Exclusion Ground (WEG)
- Sample Affidavit of Consent, Support, Guaranty and Authorization (For Waiver Exclusion Ground of non-Filipino minors 15 years old and below)
- Sample Affidavit of Consent
- Sample Affidavit of Identity
- Sample Affidavit of Undertaking
- Sample Affidavit of Citizenship (Batas Pambansa Blg. 185)
- Sample General Power of Attorney
- Sample Special Power of Attorney
- Sample NBI Clearance for Applicants Abroad
- Sample Affidavit of Support and Consent with Special Power of Attorney
- Sample Special Power of Attorney with Marital Consent
- Sample Special Power of attorney with Witness
- Sample Affidavit of Appearance
- Sample Affidavit of Support and Guarantee
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Apostille
Answer:
An Apostille is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document. It is issued by a country that is party to the Apostille Convention and is to be used in another country which is also a party to the Convention.
On 14 May 2019, the Apostille Convention entered into force in and for the Philippines. Authentication is still required for all Philippine documents to be used abroad, but this time with an Apostille, instead of an Authentication Certificate (“red ribbon”) as proof of authentication.
After authentication (Apostillization) by DFA-OCA, as Competent Authority, there is no more need for authentication (legalization) by the Foreign Embassies or Consulates except for nonApostille countries and those that objected to the Philippine accession.
Answer:
The Apostille Convention only applies if both the country where the public document was issued and the country where the public document is to be used are parties to the Convention. For the updated list of all “Apostille Countries,” please visit this link: https:/Avww.hcch.net/en/instruments/conventions/status-table/?cid=41.
Aside from countries that have not acceded to the Apostille Convention, the Philippine Apostille will not yet apply to Austria, Finland, Germany and Greece. Documents from and to such countries will still require legalization by the concerned Embassy or Consulate.
Answer:
On 14 May 2019, DFA-OCA will issue Apostille Certificates to all documents submitted for authentication. If your public document is to be used in a country where the Apostille Convention does not apply, you should contact the Embassy or Consulate of the country where you intend to use the document in order to find out what your options are. This usually means that you need to present your documents to the said country’s Embassy or Consulate in the Philippines for its authentication/legalization.
You may also ask the intended recipient of your document whether an Apostille is necessary in your particular case.
Answer:
The Philippine Apostille will apply to the same types of documents that are subject to authentication by the DFA prior to the effectivity of the Apostille Convention in the Philippines.
Moreover, an Apostille may never be used for the recognition of a document in the country where that document was issued. Apostilles are strictly for the use of public documents abroad. Thus, if your document is to be used in the Philippines, it cannot be submitted to the DFA for authentication/Apostillization.
Answer:
The Apostille streamlines the whole authentication procedure of documents for use abroad resulting to more convenience, less cost and processing time for the applicants. Before Apostille, a Philippine document to be used abroad needs a Certification by the relevant government agency or office, Authentication by the DFA and Authentication (Legalization) by the Embassy of the country of destination.
With the Apostille, the aforementioned document will no longer require legalization by the Foreign Embassy if the country of destination is already a Member of the Apostille Convention (or an “Apostille Country.”) Once Apostillized, the document can be validly used in any and all Apostille Countries.
The Apostille Convention also establishes conditions that are more conducive to foreign investment thereby improving the country’s global competitiveness. It makes it easier for companies to start up a business in a foreign country such as the Philippines. More direct investments in the Philippines mean more jobs for the Filipinos.
Answer:
Just as Philippine documents for use in Apostille countries will no longer need to pass through another authentication by the foreign embassies in Manila after they have been authenticated (Apostillized) by the DFA-OCA, foreign documents from Apostille countries will only need Apostillization by the host government for them to be validly used in the Philippines or in another Apostille country. (Note: DFA-OCA will not authenticate/Apostillize all types of foreign documents.)
There shall be no change in the authentication process in non-Apostille countries and in Austria, Fintand, Germany and Greece.
Answer:
On 14 May 2019, Philippine Embassies/Consulates shall no longer authenticate documents originating from Apostille countries. Such documents will still need the Apostille from the host government but not the authentication by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate.
Embassies and Consulates are not authorized to issue an Apostille. However, Philippine Embassies/Consulates shall continue to provide acknowledgement and jurat services to walk-in applicants regardless of whether the origin of the document is an Apostille country or not.
Answer:
Just like the Authentication Certificate (or “red ribbon”), an Apostille only certifies the origin of the public document to which it relates: it certifies the authenticity of the signature or seal of the person or authority that signed or sealed the public document and the capacity in which this was done.
An Apostille does not certify the content of the public document to which it relates.
An Apostille may never be used for the recognition of a document in the country where that document was issued — Apostilles are strictly for use of public documents abroad. Thus, DFAOCA will not issue an Apostille for documents that will be used in the Philippines.
Answer:
Each Apostille Country is required to keep a register in which it records the date and number of every Apostille it issues, as well as information relating to the person or authority that signed or sealed the underlying public document. Recipients may contact the Competent Authority identified on the Apostille and ask whether the information on the Apostille corresponds with the information in the register.
In order to verify a particular Apostille, recipients may contact the Competent Authority. Contact information for the Competent Authorities, including phone numbers and website information, is available in the Apostille Section of the Hague Conference website: https://www.hcch.net/en/instruments/conventions/authorities 1/?cid=41.
Issued Philippine Apostilles may be verified through this link: www.dfa.gov.ph/verify-apostille. You may also scan the QR Code on the Apostille, using your smartphone, for a quick access to the verification link.