Frequently Asked Questions
An Apostille is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document. It is issued by a country that is a party to the Apostille Convention to be used in another country which is also a party to the Convention.
Authentication is required for all Philippine documents to be used abroad.
After authentication by DFA-OCA, there is no more need for an authentication by Embassies or Consulates except for non-Apostille countries and those that objected to the Philippine accession.
For updated list of all “Apostille Countries”, please visit: https://www.hcch.net/en/instruments/conventions/status-table/?cid=41
Apostilles are strictly for the use of public documents abroad.
Private documents or those that were executed by the applicant in their private capacity can be authenticated only if they have been notarized and subsequently issued a Certificate of Authority for a Notarial Act (CANA) by the supervising Regional Trial Court.
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.
Please visit the link below for the documentary requirements:
List of acceptable IDs are: https://www.apostille.gov.ph/application-process/
Yes. The recipient may visit this link to verify:
https://e-registry2023.apostille.gov.ph/apostilleverifying/ or scan the QR Code on the Apostille, for a quick access to the verification link.
If the recipient cannot verify the Apostille on the verification site, please email oca.verification@dfa.gov.ph stating your concern and attach a copy of the Apostille.
A CANA is a certificate evidencing the authenticity of a notary public’s official seal and signature. It is a document required with the apostillization of some public documents such as Special Power of Attorney or Affidavits, which may be secured from the Executive Judge or Vice Executive Judge through the Office of the Clerk of Court of the city where the document was notarized.
