Apostille for Philippines · California Documents
Apostille for Philippines from California
The Philippines entered the Hague Apostille Convention on May 14, 2019 — a California apostille now replaces the former consular authentication (red ribbon).
Documents we apostille for Philippines
Birth certificate
Required for PSA civil registration and RA 9225 citizenship reacquisition at the Philippine Consulate.
Marriage certificate
Apostilled for recording with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and spousal immigration filings.
FBI background check
Federal route via U.S. Dept of State — not California SOS. Required for Philippine immigrant visa and residency applications.
Diploma & transcripts
For PRC professional licensing and academic credential recognition in the Philippines.
Power of attorney
Notarized in California, apostilled for property transactions and legal representation before Philippine authorities.
Divorce decree
Apostilled for civil status documentation — note that divorce is not recognized in the Philippines; consult legal counsel on applicable use.
How the Philippines apostille works
- Document check ($45, credited). We verify your document is California-issued, correctly certified, and Philippines-ready before any Secretary of State fee is paid.
- Sacramento filing. Couriered to the California Secretary of State — mail-in or same-day in person depending on your timeline.
- Philippines routing. The Apostille Convention entered into force for the Philippines on 14 May 2019, replacing the country’s former “red-ribbon” consular authentication process for documents headed there.
- Returned tracked. Documento apostillado devuelto por transportista con seguimiento y actualizaciones de estado.
Philippines apostille — FAQ
Does the Philippines accept California apostilles?
Yes, since May 14, 2019. Before then, California documents required Philippine consular authentication (red ribbon). After that date, the California Secretary of State apostille is accepted.
How do I record my California marriage with the Philippine Statistics Authority?
If you are a Filipino citizen who married in California, you can record the marriage with PSA through the Philippine Consulate or directly with PSA. The supporting California marriage certificate typically requires a California apostille.
What is RA 9225 and how does the apostille apply?
RA 9225 allows former natural-born Filipinos who became U.S. citizens to reacquire Philippine citizenship. Processed at the Philippine Consulate — may require apostilled California vital records.
Does the Philippine Consulate still red-ribbon documents?
No. Since May 14, 2019, the California apostille replaces consular authentication. The apostille route is correct.
Status and requirements for Philippines verified against the HCCH Apostille Section status table (hcch.net) as of 2026-06-19. Not legal advice.
Related routes & tools
Document Check — $45
Credited 100% to your apostille service.
Pricing & state fees
$20 + $6 SOS fees and service ranges.
How it works
The full California apostille process.
Processing times
Direct from SOS published timelines.
Same-day filing
In-person Sacramento counter.
Apostille by mail
When timing is flexible.
Sacramento SOS counter
Address, hours, payment, walk-in.
Which documents qualify
Eligible California document types.
Birth certificate
Most common citizenship document.
Marriage certificate
For spousal and civil filings.
Diploma & transcripts
Credential recognition abroad.
Power of attorney
Property and legal matters abroad.
Federal / FBI route
U.S. Dept of State authentication.
Non-Hague legalization
Consular route when apostille won’t work.
All countries
Destination routing hub.
Apostille guide
The full pillar overview.
Talk to a specialist
Phone, email, form.