Introduction
There will come a time when you will need legal help for your public documents. Perhaps you must sign a lease contract, sell a property, or prepare your paperwork for a job overseas. These typically involve more than a simple signature.
This is where apostille and notary services in the Philippines come in. Although different, they often work together when you are dealing with official or international paperwork.
But what are these services, and where do you even start? They might seem confusing at first; after all, they are not something you deal with every day. The good news is that Yap, Kung, Ching & Associates Law Office is here to simplify the process and help you every step of the way.
In this blog post, we discuss what these legal services are and their key differences. We also break apostille and notary processes into simple, manageable steps.
Understanding Apostille and Notary Services
Apostille services provide a certificate that makes your public document official and valid for international use. These are issued by a country that is part of the Apostille Convention, making the document valid in another country that is also a part of the convention. However, if you need to use documents in non-Apostille countries, you must have the concerned Embassy or Consulate legalize it.
Notary services, on the other hand, verify that you (and other parties involved) are willing to sign a document in front of a notary. You will need these for domestic transactions requiring proof of authenticity.
Keep in mind that apostille and notary services don’t verify the document’s content. They only authenticate its legitimacy, but neither looks at whether the information is accurate.
Key Differences Between Apostille and Notary Services
When deciding between apostille and notary services in the Philippines, it’s important to understand how they differ to guide your decision. Here’s a breakdown:
Purpose
You will need an apostille to authenticate a document for international use. Meanwhile, hire a notary service if you need to verify the identity of the person signing a document and ensure they are signing willingly, usually for domestic use.
Geographical Scope
An apostille is accepted in foreign countries as long as the issuing and receiving countries are part of the Apostille Convention. In contrast, a notary service is only valid within the country where the notary is authorized.
Issuing Authority
Government authorities, such as a foreign ministry or state department, can issue an apostille. On the other hand, a notary service involves a certified notary public, who is authorized to verify signatures and witness document signing.
Required Documents
The requirements for an apostille vary. Some documents that can be apostilled include affidavits, birth certificates, school records, and Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) documents. You can find the complete list of documents and requirements on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Apostille website.
Meanwhile, for notary services, you will only need a valid ID, such as a passport or driver’s license, to verify that you are the person signing the document. Documents that you must notarize include, but are not limited to, contracts and agreements, wills and testaments, special powers of attorneys, and real estate transactions.
Process Complexity
The apostille process is more complex and time-consuming because you need to have the document authenticated by the relevant authority before having the apostille added. On the other hand, notary services are faster and simpler. The notary only needs to verify the signature, which often happens on the spot.
How to Handle Apostille and Notary Documents with Ease
Apostille and notary services in the Philippines might be intimidating at first, but rest assured that we are here to help. Here is a simple, step-by-step guide for each process to make sure you get it right the first time.
Step-by-Step Apostille Process
- Prepare the document – Check the requirements for the document you need to apostille. Make sure all the information on your paperwork is complete and accurate.
- Book an online appointment – Visit https://appointment.apostille.gov.ph/ to schedule an appointment. You can go for this option if you are:
- The document owner
- An immediate family member of the document owner
- Authorized representative who is not family-related to the document owner
- Print and bring your appointment letter – Present it at the Appointment Verification Window Counter. Do not alter or change the letter, as this is considered falsification and is punishable by law.
- Provide the requirements – Show your valid government-issued ID and your documents for verification and assessment.
- Pay corresponding fees to the cashier – Keep the receipt as proof of payment.
- Claim the documents – Once your processing is complete, you can claim your documents according to the timeline of the service you selected:
- Regular processing – Five days
- Expedited processing – Two days
- e-Apostille processing – Two days
Step-by-Step Notary Service Process
- Prepare the document – Make sure your document is filled out and has no blank spaces that can be altered later. Double-check for errors or missing information.
- Find a notary public – You can find a licensed notary public in law or notarial offices. Some advertise their services online. Confirm if they have a valid notarial commission.
- Bring valid IDs – To have your document notarized, you must present a government-issued ID. The most commonly accepted IDs are:
- Postal ID
- Voter’s ID
- Driver’s license
- Passport
- Appear in person – This step is crucial to confirm your identity and ensure that you are personally involved in signing or acknowledging the document.
- Sign the document before the notary – The notary must witness you signing it to confirm its authenticity. If you already signed it, you’ll need to declare that the signature is yours. The notary also ensures you understand the document’s purpose and that you’re signing it of your own free will.
- Pay the fee – Notary services come with a fee, depending on the type of document and its purpose. The notary will provide you with an official receipt once payment is made.
- Complete the notarial process – The notary stamps or embosses the document with their official seal. This seal proves that the document has been notarized by the law.
Why Choose YKC Law for Apostille and Notary Services?
With all the paperwork, requirements, and endless back-and-forth, getting documents notarized or apostilled can feel overwhelming. That is why Yap, Kung, Ching & Associates Law Office is here to take the stress off your plate and handle the process smoothly. If you are searching for a “notary office near me,” look no further.
With our years of experience, we ensure your documents meet all the legal standards, whether you need them for personal, business, or international use. Our seasoned lawyers will take the time to listen to your needs, answer your questions, and guide you from start to finish. We have helped hundreds of clients navigate these processes.
Why struggle with complicated paperwork when we can do the legwork for you? Get in touch with our team and let us know how we can help.
Conclusion
By understanding the purpose of apostille and notary services in the Philippines, you can save time and ensure your documents are ready for their intended use. Remember, preparation is key. Double-check your requirements, keep your paperwork organized, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if needed.
Book an appointment today for more information.
