Where to Get an Apostille: One Authority Only, and Which Directory to Trust

One authority, and three misconceptions

The PSA cannot add it. The PSA issues the official underlying document — that is step one. Apostillisation is step 3 and belongs to the DFA. A notary issues notarisation; the Regional Trial Court issues the CANA. None of these is an apostille.

Where a document was issued does not decide where it is apostillised. A birth certificate registered in Davao is still apostillised by the DFA. What happens locally is the earlier step — obtaining the PSA version or the agency certification.

Not every passport office accepts authentication. The authentication list is shorter than the passport list and it changes. Check the current directory before travelling in from the provinces.

Two online entry points: electronic apostilles are applied for at e-app1.apostille.gov.ph, and the official information portal is apostille.gov.ph. The DFA's Office of Consular Affairs site points "Authentication" straight at the latter — any other "official authentication site" deserves suspicion.

The six Metro Manila consular offices

These 6 appear in the DFA's consular office directory, all open Monday to Friday 8:00–17:00 (consular.dfa.gov.ph directory page, checked 18 September 2026).

• CO CENTRAL: Lower Ground Floor, Lingkod Pinoy Center, Robinsons Galleria, West Lane, EDSA cor. Ortigas Avenue, Quezon City; (02) 8631-0806
• CO EAST: 7th Floor SM Megamall Building C, EDSA cor. Julia Vargas Avenue, Mandaluyong City; (02) 8234 2478; [email protected]
• CO NORTH: 3rd Floor Lingkod Pinoy Center Building B, Robinsons Novaliches, Quirino Highway, Barangay Pasong Putik, Quezon City; (02) 8372-7902
• CO NORTHEAST: Level 2 Ali Mall, Araneta City, Cubao, Quezon City; (02) 8293-0105; [email protected]
• CO SOUTH: 3rd Level, West Wing of Festival Mall, Alabang, Muntinlupa City; (02) 8551-1051; [email protected]
• CO WEST: 5th Floor SM City Manila, Natividad Almeda Lopez Street corner San Marcelino Street, Ermita, Manila; (02) 8536-9995, SMS/Viber 0920-503-7256; [email protected]

Offices outside Metro Manila appear on the same directory page; current publication governs.

Three checks, and two ways to skip the counter

Not every office in the directory lists an authentication contact, so do not assume all 6 accept filings. Addresses, numbers and scope change, so re-check before you travel. And the venue is whatever your appointment confirmation says — counters have accepted online appointments only since 1 December 2024.

Skip the counter, option one: send a representative. They bring a signed authorisation letter, a photocopy of the owner's signed ID, and their own ID in original and photocopy. Company representatives add proof of affiliation; a minor's documents need the parents' original SPA.

Option 2: the electronic route. Since 16 March 2026 PSA electronic certificates and CHED electronic credentials are handled fully online and issued by email. Confirm your recipient accepts electronic apostilles first — printing one invalidates it for submission, and no printed version is provided.

Outside Manila and unsure which office to book? → Tell Yixing the document type and your location and we will arrange filing and collection

Yixing is a private consultancy registered in the Philippines (SEC No. CS202009551, BI Accreditation No. CA-202624381-1). We are not affiliated with the DFA, PSA, NBI or any embassy. We check document versions and prerequisites, book appointments, file and collect on your behalf, and arrange translation; acceptance is decided by the issuing authority and the receiving party, and we do not promise outcomes. This article is general information, not legal advice; current practice is whatever the DFA Authentication Division publishes at the time.