What Are the Requirements for DFA Authentication? The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in the Philippines provides authentication services to verify the legitimacy of various documents for use abroad. This process, often referred to as “Apostille,” is essential for individuals and entities who need to present Philippine documents internationally. Understanding the documentary requirements for DFA authentication is crucial to ensure a smooth and successful application process.
What Are the Requirements for DFA Authentication?
Before delving into specific documents, it is important to note that all documents submitted for DFA authentication must bear the visible signature of the official signatory of the issuing agency.
NBI Clearance
- Requirement: Original document issued by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) with a dry seal and verifiable online.
- Note: Personal copies are not accepted by the DFA.
Birth/Marriage/Death Certificate, Certificate of No Marriage Record (CENOMAR), Advisory on Marriage, and Negative Records
- Requirement: Original document issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)/National Statistics Office (NSO).
- Additional Note: For newly registered records, a Local Civil Registrar (LCR) copy should be certified by the PSA.
- Clarity Note: Provide an LCR copy of Birth (Form 1A), Death (Form 2A), or Marriage (Form 3A) Certificate if the entries from PSA/NSO are unclear.
School Documents
- Elementary and High School Level (Form-137 and Diploma):
- Certified True Copies from the school.
- Certification, Authentication, and Verification (CAV) from the DepEd Regional Office.
- Technical and Vocational Courses (Transcript of Records and Diploma/National Certificate):
- Certified True Copies from the school.
- Certification, Authentication, and Verification (CAV) from TESDA.
- State Colleges and Universities (Transcript of Records and Diploma):
- Certified True Copies and Certification, Authentication, and Verification (CAV) from the school.
- Private/Local Colleges and Universities (Transcript of Records and Diploma):
- Certified True Copies from the school.
- Certification, Authentication, and Verification (CAV) from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) Documents
- Requirement: Original or Certified True Copies from the PRC.
Medical Certificates
- For Employment: DOH stamp on each document.
- For Other Purposes: Certification issued by the DOH with the attached Medical Certificate.
Civil Aviation Authority (CAAP) Issued Documents
- Requirement: Certified by CAAP.
Driver’s License
- Requirement: Certification from the Land Transportation Office (LTO Main and Regional Offices only).
Certificates of Employment/Trainings/Seminars/Baptismal Certificates and Other Documents Issued by a Private Entity
- Requirement: Notarized Affidavit stating necessary factual circumstances and indicating certificates as attachments.
- Additional Note: Certificate of Authority for a Notarial Act (CANA) signed by the Executive Judge/Vice-Executive Judge.
- For Foreign Nationals: Present the Alien Employment Permit from DOLE and the Alien Certificate of Registration from the Bureau of Immigration.
- Affiant Note: The affiant’s (person who executed the affidavit) name will be reflected on the Apostille’s caption.
Special Power of Attorney, Affidavit of Consent/Advice, Joint Affidavit, etc.
- Requirement: Certificate of Authority for a Notarial Act (CANA) signed by the Executive Judge/Vice-Executive Judge (issued by the Regional Trial Court).
Memorandum of Agreement/Memorandum of Understanding/Any Other Form of Contract
- Requirement: Notarized Affidavit stating necessary factual circumstances and indicating certificates as attachments or a jurat from the notary public on the document.
- Additional Note: Certificate of Authority for a Notarial Act (CANA) signed by the Executive Judge/Vice-Executive Judge (issued by the Regional Trial Court).
Court Documents
- Requirement: Certified True Copies from the Court.
Immigration Records
- Requirement: Certified by the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
DSWD Clearance
- Requirement: Original document issued by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
Police Clearance/Sundry
- Requirement: Original document issued by the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Business Registration and Other Documents Issued by a Government Agency
- Examples: SEC, DTI, BIR, SSS, Municipal Business Permit & Licensing Office.
- Requirement: Original Certification or Certified True Copy from the issuing office.
Barangay Clearance/Certificate
- Requirement: Mayor’s certification/clearance which has jurisdiction over the Barangay.
Export Documents
- Requirement: Certified by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce (PCCI), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Agriculture (DA), or the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD), depending on the nature of the document.
Foreign Documents for Certification (For Use in the Philippines Only)
- Requirement: Original or Photocopy of the document.
Conclusion
Meeting the requirements for DFA authentication involves preparing the correct and certified documents specific to your needs. Ensure that each document is properly signed, sealed, and, if necessary, certified by the relevant authorities to avoid delays and ensure a smooth authentication process. By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure that your documents are recognized and accepted abroad.
