DFA launches online ‘apostille’ system for document authentication

Beginning today, those seeking to authenticate their documents with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) can now log in and get a schedule following the launching of the online Apostille Appointment and Verification System.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., who led the launching of the new online system on Tuesday at the DFA-Office of Consular Affairs, cited the importance of authentication services especially to Filipino nationals who working or studying abroad.

“Authentication services are crucial for the Filipino public, particularly our OFWs and students abroad. It is for them that we continue to think of ways to do things better and make their lives a bit easier,” Locsin said in his remarks shortly after the ceremonial launch.

The “red ribbon” certificate was phased out when the Philippines joined the Apostille Convention on May 14, 2019. From thereon, applicants who need to submit Philippine documents abroad will only need to apply for an Apostille certificate instead of having the documents authenticated in the foreign embassy or consulate.

Authentication is the process by which a competent authority attests to the genuineness of the signature affixed in a public document and verifying its origin while Apostille is the certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document.

Before the Apostille, a Philippine document to be used abroad needs certification by a relevant government agency or office, authentication by the DFA, and authentication (legalization) by the Embassy or the Consulate of the country of destination before it can be validly used abroad. Once the document is issued an Apostille certificate, the applicant may submit the document directly to the concerned party sans the old red ribbon system.

The newly launched system allows applicants who wish to submit their documents for authentication at DFA Aseana to register for an appointment at http://dfa.gov.ph/apostille-appointment. By April 2021, the DFA said applicants may also register online for authentication appointments at select Consular Offices nationwide.

To guide the public, the DFA created a step-by-step process of using the newly-launched online Apostille Appointment and Verification System which can be viewed at https://bit.ly/2POySaT.