DFA Authentication / Apostille: How to Apply
⚠ March 2026 Update: Paper Apostille Suspended — e-Apostille Only
On 9 March 2026, the DFA temporarily suspended paper Apostille services. On 16 March 2026, the DFA launched the fully digital e-Apostille (Philippines is the first country in ASEAN to fully implement the HCCH Electronic Apostille Programme). The only option available right now is the e-Apostille at PHP 200 per document, applied for online through the DFA e-Apostille portal — no walk-in queue at DFA Aseana for apostille right now. Senior citizens may still walk in to DFA offices for accommodation; everyone else should apply online.
Document authentication (formerly called "Red Ribbon") and Apostille are processes handled by the DFA to certify that a Philippine document is genuine for use abroad. Since May 14, 2019, the Philippines has been a member of the Apostille Convention (Hague Convention), so the Apostille certificate replaces the old Red Ribbon authentication for documents going to member countries. For non-Hague Convention countries, the traditional authentication (consular legalization) process at a foreign embassy still applies on top.
Overview
Apostille vs. Authentication
e-Apostille (Hague Convention)
- Single certification process
- Accepted by 120+ member countries
- PHP 200 per document (e-Apostille only — paper Apostille suspended since 9 Mar 2026)
- Applied for online via the DFA e-Apostille portal
- No need for foreign embassy authentication
Authentication/Consular Legalization (Non-Hague)
- Multi-step process (DFA authentication → foreign embassy legalization)
- For non-member countries
- Additional embassy fees may apply
- Takes longer to complete
What Documents Can Be Authenticated/Apostilled?
- PSA documents (birth, marriage, death certificates, CENOMAR)
- School transcripts, diplomas, TOR (authenticated by CHED/DepEd first)
- NBI Clearance
- Police Clearance
- DOLE/POEA documents
- Court orders and decisions
- Notarized documents (must be verified by the Clerk of Court first)
- Business documents (SEC, DTI registrations)
Requirements
| # | Requirement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Original document to be authenticated/apostilled | Must be the original copy, not a photocopy |
| 2 | Photocopy of the document | One clear photocopy for DFA records |
| 3 | Valid ID of the applicant | Or valid ID of the authorized representative |
| 4 | Authorization letter and valid ID of representative | If not applying personally |
| 5 | Fee: PHP 200 per document (e-Apostille) | Paid online via the DFA e-Apostille portal. Paper Apostille (₱100/regular, ₱200/expedited) is suspended since 9 March 2026. |
| 6 | Clerk of Court certification | Required for notarized documents |
| 7 | CHED/DepEd authentication | Required for school documents (transcripts, diplomas, TOR) |
Step-by-Step: How to Get an e-Apostille
Since 9 March 2026, only the online e-Apostille is available. The general flow is below; specific portal screens may change as DFA refines the rollout. Always follow the latest instructions on the DFA e-Apostille portal.
Step 1: Ensure the Document is in Proper Form First
- PSA documents (birth, marriage, death certificates, CENOMAR) — ready for e-Apostille as-is
- Notarized documents — must be verified/certified by the Clerk of Court where the notary public is commissioned, before submitting to DFA
- School documents (transcripts, diplomas, TOR) — must be authenticated by CHED (for college) or DepEd (for elementary/high school) first
Step 2: Apply Online via the DFA e-Apostille Portal
- Create an account on the DFA e-Apostille portal (linked from dfa.gov.ph)
- Upload scans/photos of the original document(s) and any required prior-authentication papers (Clerk of Court, CHED, DepEd)
- Provide your valid ID and contact details
Step 3: Pay PHP 200 per Document Online
- The e-Apostille fee is PHP 200 per document regardless of regular/expedited tier
- Pay through the portal's accepted payment channels (e-payment)
Step 4: DFA Verifies and Issues e-Apostille
DFA verifies the underlying document and issues the e-Apostille certificate digitally. Foreign authorities in Hague Convention countries can validate the e-Apostille online using its QR code or e-Register lookup.
Step 5: Download and Use Abroad
- Download the e-Apostille certificate from the portal once issued
- Provide it (digital file or printed copy) to the foreign authority requiring the apostille
- For non-Hague countries: an additional consular legalization at the destination country's embassy in Manila is still required on top of the e-Apostille
Complete Example: Maria's Documents for Work Abroad
Maria needs her PSA birth certificate and NBI clearance apostilled for a job in Dubai (UAE, a Hague Convention member). She applied online via the DFA e-Apostille portal, uploaded scans of both documents and her valid ID, and paid PHP 400 (PHP 200 each). She received the digital e-Apostille certificates and downloaded them from the portal — no DFA trip needed.
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| e-Apostille Fee (2 documents × PHP 200) | PHP 400 |
| PSA Birth Certificate | ₱155 |
| NBI Clearance | ₱155 |
| Total | ~₱510 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Important Reminders
- Only original documents are accepted for apostille/authentication. No photocopies.
- Notarized documents must first be verified by the Clerk of Court where the notary public is commissioned before submission to DFA.
- School documents (transcripts, diplomas, TOR) must be authenticated by CHED or DepEd before DFA apostille.
- Check the destination country — if it is a Hague Convention member, get an Apostille. If not, you need the traditional authentication/consular legalization process.
- Processing may be delayed during peak seasons (OFW deployment periods, enrollment season).
- Keep your claim stub safe — you will need it to claim your apostilled document.
- Double-check all details on your document before submitting it for apostille to avoid issues.
- DFA Aseana office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (no noon break).
Need Help?
If you have questions about the authentication or apostille process, you can reach the DFA through the following channels:
- DFA Hotline: (02) 8234-3488
- Email: oca@dfa.gov.ph
- Website: dfa.gov.ph
- Office Address: DFA Office of Consular Affairs, Aseana Business Park, Pasay City
Sources
- Philippines Embassy Info — Philippine Apostille Guide 2026 — paper Apostille suspended, e-Apostille (PHP 200) only.
- DFA Berne PE — Apostille Certificates (Philippines joined Hague Convention, May 14 2019).
- Lawyer Philippines — How to Apostille Philippine Documents (Apostille vs Red Ribbon).
- HCCH — Electronic Apostille Programme (eAPP), the international framework the Philippines fully adopted in March 2026.
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only. The requirements, steps, fees, and procedures mentioned here may vary depending on the DFA you visit. We recommend visiting your nearest DFA first to confirm the specific requirements and process before preparing your documents.