PCGNY.net | Consulate General of the Philippines in New York

General Information on Legal Services (Authentication and Acknowledgement of Documents, Dual Citizenship, etc.)

Authentication

Documents originating from the United States, specifically from the states of NY, NJ, CT, PA, DE, MA, RI, NH, VT, and ME, intended for legal presentation in the Philippines have to be acknowledged or authenticated by the Philippine Consulate General. Examples of these documents are Special Powers of Attorney, General Powers of Attorney, Affidavits, Deeds, Contracts and Assignments. Only original documents can be authenticated by the Consulate.

Only notarized documents that have been validated or legalized by the local County Clerk and the Secretary of State of the place where these documents have been executed will be authenticated by the Philippine Consulate General. You can download sample legal forms for your guidance. The Consulate General will not be responsible for the contents of the documents.

For additional information and addresses of U.S. Secretaries of State, you may visit the website of the US State Department specifically at http://travel.state.gov/authentication.html.

Acknowledgement

An acknowledgement is the act by which a person who has executed an instrument goes before a competent officer and declares it to be his true and voluntary act and deed. A person has to appear in person before an officer and sign the instrument. Two forms of IDs must be presented, such as a passport, driver's license, alien registration card or work permit. When appearing in person, documents need not be notarized before presentation.

The Consulate requires an extra copy or photocopy of each document for its file. A photocopy of the form of IDs are also needed. Standard forms, such as Special Power of Attorney are available at the Consulate. You can download sample forms for your guidance. The Consulate General will not be responsible for the contents of the documents.

Patent and Trademark Documents

For Trademarks, Patent Applications, Combined Oath, Power of Attorney and Petition for Trademark and Patent, Affidavit of Use/Non-use, Appointment of Resident Agent, and Assignment of Letters of Patent, documents must be authenticated by the Secretary of State of the United States and coursed through the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C.

Authentication of Civil Registry Documents

Civil registry records such as birth, marriage and death certificates must be apostilled or authenticated beforehand, by the County Clerk and by the Secretary of the State. These documents need not be verified by a local notary public. Click the following links for: Instructions on Obtaining a New York State civil registry documents, or New Jersey State civil registry documents, or the addresses of the Secretaries of State of the US, or you can visit www.vitalchek.com for obtaining certificates online.

Applying for NBI Clearance

By Mail. Send a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Consulate with a request for an NBI Fingerprint Card Form. Fill-out the personal data called for on both sides of the Fingerprint Card Form truthfully and legibly. Request the assistance of the police agency in your locality to have your fingerprints impressed (ROLLED IMPRESSION) on the appropriate spaces. The person who fingerprinted you should sign his name and state his official designation on the space provided for the purpose in the card. Attach a latest copy of your 2" × 2" photograph (white background), taken within three (3) months before this application at the appropriate box in the Fingerprint Card Form. The Fingerprint Card Form must then be authenticated by the local and state authorities as stated above. Upon the completion of this requirements, please send the authenticated form to the Philippine Consulate General together with the prescribed fee of $25.00 (money order) and self-addressed stamped envelope. Upon receiving the authenticated Fingerprint form from the Philippine Consulate, send the form to the Director, National Bureau of Investigation, Taft Avenue, Ermita 1000 Manila, Philippines, with $4.00 Money Order or PHP200.00 (payable to Director, National Bureau of Investigation). The National Bureau of Investigation will mail to you the corresponding clearance certificate after they have processed the application papers. Upon receipt of your clearance certificate, please examine it for the presence of the embossed NBI DRY SEAL at its lower left portion, the clearance is invalid without it. Also, you must affix your clear and properly taken THUMBPRINT on the space provided for it in the clearance certificate before submitting it to your end-user, otherwise, you clearance will be subjected for further verification/authentication and will cause the delay of your immigration requirements.

In person. Bring with you your valid passport and the latest copy of your 2 × 2 photograph (white background), taken within three months before the application. Fill-out the personal data called for on both sides of the Fingerprint Card Form truthfully and legibly. Have your fingerprints impressed (ROLLED IMPRESSION) on the appropriate spaces at the Consulate. The Consul will sign his/her name and state his official designation on the space provided for the purpose in the card. The prescribed fee is $25.00. Mail the form to the Director, National Bureau of Investigation, Taft Avenue, Ermita 1000 Manila, Philippines, with $4.00 Money Order or PHP200.00 (payable to Director, National Bureau of Investigation). The National Bureau of Investigation will mail to you the corresponding clearance certificate after they have processed the application papers. Upon receipt of your clearance certificate, please examine it for the presence of the embossed NBI DRY SEAL at its lower left portion, the clearance is invalid without it. Also, you must affix your clear and properly taken THUMBPRINT on the space provided for it in the clearance certificate before submitting it to your end-user, otherwise, you clearance will be subjected for further verification/authentication and will cause the delay of your immigration requirements.

Applying by mail

Applicants for Authentication, Acknowledgement, Patent, Trademark and other legal documents may transact by mail provided they submit the necessary documents and requirements, fees and a self-addressed padded envelope with sufficient US postage stamps to ensure the return of the documents. Non-appearance implies that the documents goes through the County Clerks Office and the Secretary of State. Metered stamps are not accepted. Allow at least one week, from receipt for processing. The Consulate General is not responsible for the delay, or loss in mail or any other uncontrollable circumstances affecting your documents.

Fees

Processing fee is $25.00 per document. Company Checks or Money Order should be made payable to the Philippine Consulate General. (Personal Checks are not acceptable).