You may find yourself in need of obtaining certain requirements that are required to be submitted in a foreign country for whatever purpose it may serve. However, you may encounter some specific requirements besides the usual list that need to be attached along with it, such as the Certificate of Authority for a Notarial Act or CANA.
In this article, we will discuss why obtaining a CANA is important, what are the requirements, and how we can help you throughout the process.
What is the CANA?
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) defines the Certificate of Authority for a Notarial Act (CANA) as the certificate evidencing the authenticity of a notary public’s official seal and signature, as issued by the Executive Judge, Vice-Executive Judge, or any office-authorized signatories. Together with the apostille, the Certificate of Authority for a Notarial Act verifies that the document has been validly signed by those signatories who have it within their scope and power, having the authority to do so.
Processing your Certificate of Authority for a Notarial Act in the Philippines can be cumbersome. This is due to the fact that there are several steps involved before you can finally be able to obtain your Certificate of Authority for a Notarial Act.
Does the task at hand seem daunting? Not to worry, as FileDocsPhil can most certainly assist you in fulfilling each of the required steps until your CANA is finally obtained and subsequently taken to the DFA.
Where to obtain the CANA?
In obtaining your CANA, you need to be specific as to which court you need to go to. A Philippine court with which the notary public reports issues the CANA. You will obtain the notary public’s CANA from the court having jurisdiction over the said notary public. To illustrate, if you had your document notarized in Taguig City, you would also have to bring the document over to the Regional Trial Court of Taguig to request a Certificate of Notarial Act. Once you have received your CANA, it will be brought to the DFA.
To ensure that the processing of your transactions will go on smoothly, it is thus best that you use a trusted notary public when securing a CANA. The court will not certify the CANA if the notary public is found out to be not legitimate.
Note, however, that there is no specific price for the CANA, as the price to be paid for the CANA will depend on the trial court issuing the said certificate.
When do you need a CANA?
Individuals can take specific documents to the DFA for apostille or authentication, or attestation. However, some documents need intermediate notarization before the DFA apostille or authenticate them.
Notarized documents bear the seal of the notary. In some instances, these notarized documents need to be brought outside the country. Because of this, there is a requirement to secure an apostille. The DFA cannot ascertain if the notary public is legitimate. Thus, it relies on the certification from the courts to verify if the notary public is legitimate. This is where the presentation of a CANA is needed.
The DFA requires a CANA for the apostille or authentication of the following documents:
Notarized Employment certificates and other documents issued by entities (trainings, seminars)
Other notarized employment-related documents issued by a private entity
- Notarized affidavit stating necessary factual circumstances
Special Power of Attorney (SPA)
Memorandum of Agreement, or
Memorandum of Understanding
Other forms of contracts
Affidavit of Consent/Advice
Joint Affidavit
To conclude, for as long as the documents you have obtained are needed to be submitted as part of the requirements abroad, aside from the requirement for it to be validly notarized within the proper jurisdiction in the Philippines, it is a must that a CANA is secured.
Sample of CANA
What are the requirements to obtain CANA?
There are a number of things that you need to submit for the CANA to be processed.
If you are personally processing the CANA, you will need to present the original copy of your notarized documents and photocopies for it. Bring with you, as well, the required payment for the processing of the CANA.
However, a representative will do the Certificate of Authority for a Notarial Act processing in the Philippines on your behalf, on top of the required documents. In that case, the authorized representative will also need to present a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) that proves that he or she is indeed equipped with the authority to act and process your CANA for you. Secure, as well, a copy of the ID of the person being represented. The authorized representative must also present a photocopy of his or her own ID.
Sounds Overwhelming? It doesn’t have to be!
FileDocsPhil provides excellent service in assisting you in obtaining documents including the Certificate of Authority for a Notarial Act (CANA). With our expertise, we offer guidance and consultation including the necessary requirements, procedures, and timelines involved. We ensure compliance with legal requirements and facilitate efficient processing of the documents for international use. It is essential to ask for assistance in obtaining these documents from a reputable service provider especially if you are not in the country and don’t have any means to travel personally to obtain your own document. It will help you save costs and time.
Caveat emptor
The final price for each CANA assistance order will depend on the number of documents that need to be notarized, the location of the court having jurisdiction over the notary public where to obtain the CANA from, and how quickly you might need it/them. Note that the average CANA processing may take up to 7 business days.
Let FileDocsPhil Do the Work!
Need further information and assistance in obtaining a Certificate of Authority for a Notarial Act (CANA)? Talk to our team at FILEDOCSPHIL to know more about the requirements and process. Call us today at (+63) 917 149 2337 or send an email to info@filedocsphil.com or simply message us through the live chat for more information.
