In Short
- The Philippines joined the Apostille Convention, an international agreement, on 14 May 2019. The DFA is the office that issues apostilles here.
- The DFA fee is ₱100 per document for regular processing and ₱200 for faster (expedited) processing.
- For a notarized document, first get a certificate from the Regional Trial Court confirming the notary is real (a CANA).
- School records, PSA certificates and other papers from an office must first be certified by the office that issued them.
- Germany, Finland and Greece objected to the Philippines joining, so documents for those countries still need a stamp from their embassy (legalization).
Government fees can change. Always check the current amount with the office before you pay. Last checked October 8, 2026.
What an Apostille Is
An apostille is a certificate the DFA attaches to a Philippine public document (a document issued or certified by a government office, court or notary). It confirms that the official who signed the document is real and had the authority to sign. It does not confirm that what the document says is true.
If the country where you will use the document is a member of the Apostille Convention, the apostille is usually enough, and that country's embassy no longer needs to legalize (stamp and certify) it. If the country is not a member, or is Finland, Germany or Greece, which objected to the Philippines joining, the document still needs legalization by that country's embassy or consulate after the DFA.
Notarized Documents Need a CANA
Private documents, such as affidavits, Special Powers of Attorney, Affidavits of Consent and contracts, can get an apostille only if they are notarized. The DFA also needs a Certificate of Authority for a Notarial Act (CANA). This is a certificate from the Regional Trial Court that appointed the notary, confirming the notary is real. It must be signed by the Executive Judge or Vice-Executive Judge. A copy of the notary's commission (their license to notarize) is not a CANA, and the DFA says clerks of court may not sign the CANA.
The Supreme Court's Office of the Court Administrator set a standard CANA format in OCA Circular No. 213-2023. Each CANA covers only one notarized document.
For certificates from private companies or churches (employment, training, baptismal), the DFA asks you to attach them to a notarized affidavit that lists them, then get a CANA for the affidavit.
Documents That Must Be Certified First
| Document | Before the DFA |
|---|---|
| PSA Birth, Marriage, Death Certificates, CENOMAR | Original issued by the PSA. A newly registered record needs the copy from the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) certified by the PSA. |
| Elementary or high school records | Certified True Copy from the school, plus a CAV (Certification, Authentication and Verification) from the DepEd Regional Office |
| College records, private or local colleges | Certified True Copy from the school, plus CAV from CHED |
| College records, state universities | Certified True Copy and CAV from the school |
| Technical-vocational records | Certified True Copy from the school, plus CAV from the TESDA Regional Office |
| NBI Clearance | Original from the NBI. A personal copy is not accepted. |
| PRC documents | Original or Certified True Copy from the PRC |
| Court documents | Certified True Copy from the court |
| Barangay Clearance or Certificate | Certification from the mayor of the city or town where the barangay is |
| SEC, DTI, BIR, SSS and similar records | Certified True Copy from the issuing office |
This is a summary of the DFA's documentary requirements. Check the full list for your document.
Booking, Fees and Release
- How to apply: walk in (limited slots, first come, first served) or book an online appointment at appointment.apostille.gov.ph.
- Fees: ₱100 per document for regular processing and ₱200 for expedited (faster). An e-Apostille for PSA e-certificates costs ₱200, separate from the PSA's own fee.
- Processing time: a few working days. The DFA's apostille site lists five working days for regular and two for expedited, but its other pages show different figures, so check the release date on your receipt.
- Bring: the documents and an original valid government ID. A representative brings an Authorization Letter (an SPA from the parents for a minor), a copy of the owner's ID with signature, and their own ID.
- Release: apostilles not picked up within three months of the release date are thrown away.
Government fees can change. Always check the current amount with the office before you pay. Last checked October 8, 2026.
Where to Apply
Apostille services are at the DFA Office of Consular Affairs in ASEANA Business Park, Parañaque City, and at selected DFA consular offices, including several in Metro Manila malls and offices in Pampanga, La Union, Legazpi, Cebu, Iloilo, Davao and Cagayan de Oro. The list changes, so check the DFA apostille site before you go.
Documents From Abroad
The DFA apostilles only Philippine documents. A document signed abroad for use in the Philippines, such as an OFW's Special Power of Attorney, is handled in the country where it is signed: either an apostille from that country's apostille office, or notarization at a Philippine embassy or consulate. See consularization vs apostille.
Before You Go to the DFA
Government fees can change. Always check the current amount with the office before you pay. Last checked October 8, 2026.
Your ticks stay on this device only.
Common Questions
Can the DFA Apostille an Affidavit Notarized by Any Lawyer?
Only if the notary has a valid commission (license to notarize) and the RTC issues a CANA for that notarized document, signed by the Executive Judge or Vice-Executive Judge. The DFA checks the CANA, not the notary directly.
Is the Red Ribbon Still Used?
No. From 14 May 2019 the DFA stopped issuing authentication certificates (red ribbons) and issues apostilles instead.
Can a Philippine Embassy Apostille My Document Abroad?
No. The DFA says embassies and consulates are not authorized to issue an apostille. They can still notarize documents, either by acknowledgment (you confirm you signed it) or by jurat (you swear to it).
My Destination Country Is Not on the Apostille List. What Now?
Get the DFA apostille, then have the document legalized (stamped and certified) by that country's embassy or consulate in the Philippines. The same applies to Finland, Germany and Greece.
Can Someone Else File My Documents for Apostille?
Yes. The DFA allows a representative with an Authorization Letter, a copy of your ID and their own ID. Couriers can also be authorized.
Not legal advice. This is general information. For advice on your own situation, consult a lawyer. If you cannot afford one, the Public Attorney's Office (PAO) or an IBP legal aid office may help for free.
Government fees, rules and requirements change, so always check with the office concerned before you go. Last reviewed October 8, 2026.