What Documents Need an Apostille for the Philippines?
Los Angeles is home to one of the largest Filipino communities in the United States — and apostille requests for the Philippines are some of the most common we handle.
Whether you're supporting a family member back home, applying for dual citizenship, processing immigration paperwork, or working through OFW requirements, here's exactly what you need to know.
Does the Philippines Accept Apostilles?
Yes. The Philippines joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2019, which means apostilles are now the accepted method for authenticating foreign documents for use there.
Prior to 2019, documents had to go through the Philippine Consulate for authentication — a longer, more involved process. If your document was issued in California, the California Secretary of State issues the apostille and it's recognized by Philippine authorities.
The Most Common Documents Requested
Birth certificates. Needed for dual citizenship applications, inheritance claims, and registering a U.S.-born child with Philippine authorities. Must be a certified copy from the county — not a hospital-issued copy.
Marriage certificates. Required for spousal visa applications and certain inheritance or property matters. Must be a certified copy from the county clerk.
Death certificates. Often needed for estate and inheritance proceedings involving property or accounts in the Philippines.
Single Status Affidavits. If you're planning to marry in the Philippines, proof that you're legally single is typically required. This is a notarized affidavit — which means notarization first, then apostille.
Divorce decrees. A certified copy of the court-issued divorce decree with an apostille may be required before a new marriage can be registered in the Philippines.
Powers of attorney. If a family member or attorney in the Philippines is acting on your behalf, a power of attorney signed in California needs to be notarized and then apostilled.
Background checks. Some visa and OFW documentation processes require an apostilled background check. Confirm which type is required — California DOJ or FBI — before you start, as each follows a different process.
The Step That Catches People Off Guard
Some documents need to be notarized by a California notary public before they can be apostilled. Without that step, the Secretary of State will reject the submission.
Miss LA handles both notarization and apostille processing — so if your document needs both, we take care of it together.
What About PSA Documents From the Philippines?
PSA documents are issued by the Philippine government — not California. An apostille from the California Secretary of State only applies to documents issued in California.
If you have a PSA document that needs to be used here in the U.S., that's a different process. Reach out and we can point you in the right direction.
How Long Does It Take?
Standard processing through Miss LA is 24 hours. Rush service is available in as little as 4 hours.
Mobile pickup is available throughout Los Angeles County — we come to you, collect your documents, handle the processing, and return everything when it's done.
Get Started
Reach out before you do anything else. A quick conversation confirms exactly what you need, whether notarization is required first, and how fast we can turn it around.
Call or text: (310) 910-8392
WhatsApp: +1 310 910 8392 Available — ideal for clients coordinating with family in the Philippines
Email: info@misslamobilenotary.com