LEGAL REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES

I. Authentication

II. Legalization/Notarization by Acknowledgment, Jurat or Certification

III. Solemnization of Marriage (for Filipino couples)

IV. Requirements to Bring Pets to the Philippines

V. Downloadable Forms

VI. List of Notaries Public (in MS Excel format)

VII. Requirements for Accreditation as a Notary Public

CONSULAR NOTARIZATION OR AUTHENTICATION

Documents that are executed, signed or issued in the United States and intended to be used or presented in the Philippines must bear a consular notarization or authentication, as the case may be, in order for such documents to be accorded legal effect in the Philippines.

Examples of these documents are Special Powers of Attorney, General Powers of Attorney, Affidavits, Deeds, Contracts, Assignments, Letters of Patent, Articles of Incorporation, Certificates of Birth, Marriage or Death and other official documents issued by U.S. authorities within the Consulate's jurisdiction.  (Click here to view sample forms of Special or General Powers of Attorney and Affidavits)

It is important to note that the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles only performs consular notarization or authentication for documents that are issued or executed within its jurisdiction. (Click here to visit About Us Page for information on the Consulate's jurisdiction). The Consulate does not notarize or authenticate documents that are executed or issued in States or Counties which are outside its consular jurisdiction. In addition, the Consulate does not perform notarial services for documents that are intended to be presented or submitted to non-Philippine government or private entities, such as Affidavits of Support for U.S. immigration purposes and other documents of similar nature.

All documents presented for consular notarization or authentication must comply with the procedures and requirements set forth below to avoid unnecessary delay in the notarization/authentication process.

I. Authentication

·   The authentication of a document is made when the party or parties executing a legal document could not appear in person before a Consular officer at the Consulate.

Under this procedure, the person who is executing the document must ensure that the said document(s) is sworn to before a local Notary Public. The duly-notarized document must thereafter be submitted to the local County Clerk of Court or the Secretary of State in the State where the applicant resides. The local County Clerk or the Secretary of State will issue a Certification attesting to the official authority of the Notary Public to perform notarial functions.

After the local County Clerk or the Secretary of State shall have issued a Certification, the document should then be forwarded to the Consulate for authentication.

·   The Consulate also authenticates official documents issued by government offices of the U.S. Government, such as Certificates of Birth, Marriage, Death, that are intended to be submitted to government offices in the Philippines.

Requirements:

1. The original copy of each document must be presented. Each original copy must be accompanied by one (1) photocopy for the Consulate's records.

2. The fee each set of document is $25.00 in cashier's check or postal money order made payable to the Philippine Consulate General. Personal checks, personal money orders, ATMs or credit cards are not accepted as modes of payment. Do not send payments in cash if applying by mail.

3. If the applicant wishes to have the documents returned by mail, an additional fee of $6.00 is required to cover for postage fees.

4. The processing time for this type of service normally takes two (2) working days counted from the receipt of application, provided the requirements and procedures listed above are complied with. Applicants may call the Consulate's Notarials Section (click here go to the Contact Us page) to confirm receipt or delivery of mailed-in applications. The Consulate is NOT RESPONSIBLE for delay or loss in mail or any other uncontrollable circumstances surrounding acknowledgment or authentication of your documents.

II. Legalization/Notarization by Acknowledgment, Jurat or Certification

·   When an individual(s) executing a document appears in person before a Consular officer at the Consulate, the document will be notarized by the Consular officer in the form of an Acknowledgment, Jurat or Certification, as the case may be. The Consular officer in this case performs the functions of a Notary Public. Hence, individuals personally appearing before a Consular officer are no longer required to have their documents notarized by a Notary Public before submitting the same for notarization.

·   Documents should include the printed name, signature, and ID or passport numbers of at least two (2) witnesses.

·   Documents more than one (1) page should have the initials of the principals and witnesses on every page.

Requirements:

1. Proofs of identification of the applicant must be presented. Examples of these are the following: passport, driver's license, alien registration card, and other documents evidencing identity of the applicant. A photocopy of the proof of identification must also be submitted for the Consulate's records.

2. The original copy of each document must be presented. Each original copy must be accompanied by one (1) photocopy for the Consulate's records.

3. The fee each set of document is $25.00 in cash, cashier's check or postal money order made payable to the Philippine Consulate General. Personal checks, personal money orders, ATMs or credit cards are not accepted as modes of payment.

4. If the applicant wishes to have the documents returned by mail, an additional fee of $6.00 is required to cover for postage fees.

5. The processing time for this type of service normally takes two (2) working days counted from the receipt of application, provided the requirements and procedures listed above are complied with.