Apostille and Notarization Services for Documents Sent to the Philippines
Ensuring your U.S. documents meet the legal requirements for use in the Philippines is essential for a smooth and hassle-free process. Whether you need authentication for legal, financial, or personal matters, obtaining an apostille ensures your documents are legally recognized in the Philippines under the Hague Apostille Convention.
At Orange County Apostille, we specialize in apostille and notarization services for documents such as:
• Special Power of Attorney (SPA)
• Social Security Benefit Letters
• Academic Transcripts and Diplomas
We ensure that your documents are authenticated accurately and efficiently, reducing the risk of delays and rejections when submitting them to Philippine authorities.
For expert assistance, book your appointment with Orange County Apostille today.
Why Apostille Certification is Required for the Philippines
Since May 14, 2019, the Philippines has been a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. This means that U.S. documents no longer require authentication through the Philippine Embassy or Consulate but must be apostilled instead.
An apostille serves as an international certification that verifies the authenticity of a document for legal recognition in the Philippines.
Types of Documents That Require an Apostille for Use in the Philippines
1. Personal Documents
• Birth Certificates (CDC Vital Records)
• Marriage Certificates (California Department of Public Health)
• Death Certificates (National Center for Health Statistics)
• Divorce Decrees (U.S. Courts)
• Passports (Certified Copies) (U.S. Department of State)
2. Legal and Immigration Documents
• Special Power of Attorney (SPA)
• FBI Background Checks (FBI Identity History Summary)
• State Criminal Background Checks (U.S. Department of Justice)
• Naturalization and Immigration Records (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services)
• Affidavits and Legal Documents (American Bar Association)
3. Business and Corporate Documents
• Articles of Incorporation (California Secretary of State)
• Certificates of Good Standing (U.S. Small Business Administration)
• Business Licenses (U.S. Chamber of Commerce)
• IRS Tax Records (Internal Revenue Service)
4. Social Security and Retirement Documents
• Social Security Benefit Verification Letters (Social Security Administration)
• Retirement Verification Documents
Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining an Apostille for Use in the Philippines
Step 1: Obtain a Certified Copy of the Document
• Vital records (birth, marriage, death certificates) must be obtained from the official state or county registrar.
• FBI Background Checks must be obtained from the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services.
• Legal and Business Documents must be notarized before apostille authentication.
Step 2: Notarization (If Required)
• Some documents, such as Special Power of Attorney (SPA) and affidavits, must be notarized before an apostille can be issued.
• Use a certified notary public.
Step 3: Submit the Document for Apostille Certification
• State-issued documents must be submitted to the California Secretary of State.
• Federal documents require authentication by the U.S. Department of State.
Step 4: Verify Apostille Requirements for the Philippines
Since the Philippines accepts apostilles, no additional legalization by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate is required.
Step 5: Receive Your Apostilled Document
Once completed, your document will be returned with an apostille certificate attached, verifying its authenticity for use in the Philippines.
Secure international shipping options available via FedEx and UPS.
Expedited Apostille Services for the Philippines
If you need urgent authentication of your documents for use in the Philippines, we offer:
• Same-day apostille processing for state documents.
• 24-hour turnaround for business and legal documents.
• Rush apostille services for FBI background checks and federal records.
For fast-track apostille services, contact Orange County Apostille today.
