When dealing with Philippines legal documents that require authentication for use abroad, understanding CANA certification is crucial. If you’re preparing notarized documents for apostille or consularization, the Certificate of Authority for a Notarial Act (CANA) plays a vital role in ensuring your documents are recognized internationally.
What Is CANA Certification?
CANA certification is a certificate issued by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) that verifies the authenticity of a notary public’s official seal and signature on a notarized document. It confirms that the notary who performed the notarization is duly authorized and validly commissioned at the time of notarization.
This certification is a prerequisite before the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) can issue an apostille or authenticate the document.
Why Is CANA Certification Important?
The DFA relies on the CANA to confirm the legitimacy of the notarial act. Without it, the DFA cannot process the apostille Philippines or authentication request. This is because the DFA itself does not verify notaries but depends on the courts’ certification.
Documents requiring CANA include:
- Affidavits (e.g., affidavits of consent or advice)
- Special Power of Attorney (SPA)
- Contracts such as Memorandum of Agreement or Understanding
- Certificates issued by private entities (e.g., employment certificates, seminar certificates)
Where to Get CANA Certification?
You must obtain the CANA from the Regional Trial Court (RTC) that has jurisdiction over the notary public who notarized your document. For example, if your document was notarized in Taguig City, you apply for CANA at the RTC of Taguig.
What to Bring When Applying for CANA
- Original notarized document and photocopies
- Valid ID
- Payment for processing fees (varies by court)
- If represented by an authorized person, a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) and IDs of both parties
CANA Certification and Apostille Process
After securing the CANA, you can proceed to the DFA for the apostille. The apostille certifies your document for international use under the Apostille Convention Philippines, simplifying document legalization in countries that are signatories.
What Is Apostille?
The apostille is a certificate attached to your document that verifies its authenticity internationally. This replaces the older consularized document process, making it faster and more efficient.
Apostille Philippines Sample and Price
An apostille Philippines sample typically shows the apostille certificate attached to the notarized document along with the CANA. The apostille price varies but generally costs around PHP 300 to PHP 500 per document at the DFA.
Additional Tips
- Use a cana notary—a legitimate notary public with a valid CANA—to avoid delays.
- Check the list of accredited notary public Philippines to ensure your notary is authorized.
- The validity of apostille documents in the Philippines is indefinite but depends on the document’s nature.
- For documents like apostille NBI clearances or apostille birth certificate Philippines, the same CANA and apostille process applies.
Summary: Steps to Authenticate Your Notarized Documents
- Have your document notarized by a legitimate notary Philippines with a valid certificate of notarial authority.
- Obtain the CANA certification from the RTC that issued the notary’s commission.
- Submit the notarized document with CANA to the DFA for apostille.
- Receive your apostille certificate and use your documents internationally with confidence.
For a detailed guide on how to get an apostille and the importance of CANA certification, visit lawyerphilippines.org.