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How To Secure A Certificate Of Authority

For A Notarial Act (CANA)

Apostille

Before bringing a notarized document for apostille at the Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), make sure that the notarize document is authentic and legal. In order to prove its authenticity and legality, securing a Certificate of Authority for a Notarial Act (CANA) is a must.

But what exactly is CANA? How does one secure it, and what is the process involved?

This article will give you an insightful overview on how to secure a Certificate of Authority for a Notarial Act (CANA).

What is a Certificate of Authority for a Notarial Act (CANA)?

A Certificate of Authority for a Notarial Act (CANA) is a certificate of authority evidencing the authenticity of the official seal and signature of a notary public. (Section 1, Rule IX, 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice, A.M. No. 02-8-13-SC).

It is issued by the Executive or Vice-Executive Judge of the Regional Trial Court having jurisdiction over where the notary public is commissioned or appointed.

A sample CANA is illustrated below:

What documents require a CANA?

The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) requires a Certificate of Authority for a Notarial Act (CANA) for various types of legal documents that are notarized. These documents include, but are not limited to:

Power of Attorney
Memorandum of Agreement, or Memorandum of Understanding
Other forms of agreement or contracts
Affidavit
Notarized Employment certificates, trainings, seminars
Other notarized employment-related documents issued by a private entity

In other words, any document notarized in the Philippines and will be used outside the country shall need a CANA.

What are the requirements to secure a CANA?

There are specific documents that you must submit in order to obtain a CANA and these are:

The original notarized document
A photocopy of the notarized document
CANA fee

In the event that a representative will process the CANA on your behalf, you will also need to provide the following additional documents:

Special Power of Attorney (SPA)
Photocopy of the Owner’s valid ID, with photo and signature
Photocopy of the Representative’s valid ID

Make sure that your ID and SPA both have the same sample signature. This will save you and your representative a lot of trouble.

Where to secure a CANA?

Locate the Regional Trial Court-Office of the Clerk of Court (RTC-OCC) in the area where the notary public who notarized your document was appointed or commissioned. If a notary public in Makati, Philippines notarized your document, you must submit your documents and application for CANA at the Office of the Clerk of Court (OCC) of the Makati Regional Trial Court.

If your documents are complete and approved, you will be required to pay the corresponding CANA fees, and will be given a release or claiming stub.

In some instances, you may encounter a setback, such as, if the notary public is not commissioned or appointed in the RTC-OCC. You may then need to present a Notarial Certification of the Notary Public who notarized your document, and proof of appointment of the Notary Public.

Remember that it will take several business days or weeks before the CANA is released.

Once you have your CANA, you can now go to the DFA to get an apostille.

In Conclusion

The Certificate of Authority for a Notarial Act (CANA) is an important document in submitting your document for apostille and use it abroad. By knowing how important it is and what steps need to be taken, you are ensured that your document is valid and will be recognized and accepted by different authorities, both locally and internationally.

It's always a good idea to know the latest rules and laws about notarial acts and related certifications. This will make sure that your documents for apostille are always valid and authentic.

Are you seeking to use a document that was notarized in the Philippines for abroad?

Apostille Pinoy is adept in managing notarial documents, ensuring all international requirements are met.

For any inquiries, send us an email at hello@apostillepinoy.com,

and we our ready to provide you the best assistance.

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