Imagine you have just been offered a job in a foreign country, but before you can begin your new adventure, you are faced with a lot of paperwork that needs to be authenticated. One method of authentication or legalization of private or public documents that has gained significant attention in recent years is the use of Apostille certification issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). This holds immense importance in validating the authenticity of the documents and ensuring their acceptance across international borders that are part of the apostille convention, also known as the Hague Apostille Convention.
Document authentication or legalization through the apostille is an essential process when you need to use your documents abroad. Obtaining an apostille certification is important in confirming the validity of legal documents across international borders. Additionally, the apostille authentication process adds a layer of security and assurance to important documents such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, and academic transcripts.
On February 09, 2023, the DFA – Office of Consular Affairs launched a new online portal for the Authentication Division’s Apostille Application and Appointment System (AAAS) and Apostille Verification Site (AVS). This can be accessed at https://www.apostilleonline.ph/. This implementation provides convenience and efficiency on securing slots, avoiding long wait times.
For Online Appointment applications:
You may fill out the online appointment facility if you are:
- Document owners or document of immediate family members; or
- Authorized Representatives that are not family related to the document owner (i.e. liaison officer).
For authorized representative, you must present the following:
- Signed authorization letter (SPA for minor document owners);
- Photocopy of valid government ID bearing document owner’s signature (refer to the list of acceptable IDs below);
- Original Copy of the document.
- Representative’s valid ID (photocopy and original).
Acceptable IDs:
All digitized Philippine government-issued IDs bearing the signature of the applicant (SSS, UMID, Driver’s License, PRC, Postal ID, PhilSys ID, etc.).
Other acceptable IDs are Senior Citizen’s ID, Solo Parent ID, PWD ID, Voter’s ID, Voter’s Certification, Passport, Seaman’s Book, and Alumni or Student ID (1 year upon graduation).
Take note: If you are a document owner, you need to present the (a) Official Receipt and (b) Original valid government-issued ID. While, if you are an Authorized Representative, you need to present the (a) Official Receipt, (b) Authorization letter from owner (for minor applicants original Special Power of Attorney executed by Parent/s); (c) Photocopy of the owner’s valid government-issued ID bearing his/her signature; and (d) Photocopy and original copy of representative’s valid government-issued ID.
Reminder: If an authorized representative of a company, please present proof of affiliation (e.g. SEC GIS, company ID indicating position, etc).
If processing a Death Certificate, please present proof of relationship.
NOTE: All unclaimed document/s will be disposed of after three (3) months from the scheduled date of release. Processed documents subject for further verification will only be authenticated upon confirmation of the authenticity of the document by the issuing office. Processed documents that are not in order (pending documents) will only be authenticated upon compliance of the Authentication requirements.
Source: https://dfa-oca.ph/authentication/authentication-application-process/
Why Choose FileDocsPhil for your Apostille Needs?
The apostille process can be time-consuming and might not allow you to focus on other important matters. With FileDocsPhil, we provide you hassle-free apostille experience. Simply submit your document requirements online, and we’ll take care of the rest, from authentication process to delivery. Tracking your request is made easy by providing you constant updates via SMS/email.
Contact Us Today!
Need further information and assistance in the Apostille Process? 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 for more information.