You may find yourself needing to submit documents abroad for employment, migration, education, business, or legal purposes. While an apostille is often the final step, some documents require an additional certification before they can be apostilled, such as the Certificate of Authority for a Notarial Act (CANA).
In this updated 2026 guide, we’ll discuss why obtaining a CANA is important, when it is required, where and how to obtain it, processing timelines, and how FileDocsPhil can assist you end-to-end, especially if you’re overseas or pressed for time.
What is the CANA?
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) defines the Certificate of Authority for a Notarial Act (CANA) as the certificate evidencing the authenticity of a notary public’s official seal and signature, as issued by the Executive Judge, Vice-Executive Judge, or any office-authorized signatories. Together with the apostille, the Certificate of Authority for a Notarial Act verifies that the document has been validly signed by those signatories who have it within their scope and power, having the authority to do so.
The CANA confirms that the notary public who notarized your document is duly commissioned and authorized by the court at the time of notarization.
Without this certification, the DFA cannot validate the legitimacy of the notarial act, and your document may be rejected for apostille.
Why Is CANA Important for Apostille?
While the DFA is responsible for issuing apostilles, it does not directly verify notaries public. Instead, it relies on certifications from Philippine courts.
A CANA serves as the missing link between the notarized document and the DFA apostille
Without it, your apostille application may be denied or deferred, causing delays, especially problematic if you’re working with embassy deadlines, overseas employers, or immigration offices.
Where to obtain the CANA?
In obtaining your CANA, you need to be specific as to which court you need to go to. A Philippine court, to which the notary public reports, issues the CANA. You will obtain the notary public’s CANA from the court having jurisdiction over the said notary public.
To illustrate, if you had your document notarized in Taguig City, you would also have to bring the document over to the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Taguig to request a Certificate of Notarial Act. Once you have received your CANA, it will be brought to the DFA for apostille.
In 2026, courts will be stricter in verifying notarial records. If the notary public has an expired commission, is not registered in the correct jurisdiction, incomplete notarial logs, the court will deny the issuance of CANA.
To ensure that the processing of your transactions will go on smoothly, it is best that you use a trusted notary public when securing a CANA. The court will not certify the CANA if the notary public is found to be not legitimate.
How Much Does CANA Cost?
There is no fixed government fee for CANA. Costs vary depending on:
- The RTC issuing the CANA
- The number of documents
- The location of the court
- The urgency of the request
Processing fees may also differ per court, and additional logistical costs apply if documents are processed outside Metro Manila.
When do you need a CANA?
Individuals can take specific documents to the DFA for apostille or authentication, or attestation. However, some documents need intermediate notarization before the DFA apostille or authentication.
Notarized documents bear the seal of the notary. In some instances, these notarized documents need to be brought outside the country. Because of this, there is a requirement to secure an apostille. The DFA cannot ascertain if the notary public is legitimate. Thus, it relies on the certification from the courts to verify if the notary public is legitimate. This is where a CANA presentation is needed.
The DFA requires a CANA for the apostille or authentication of the following documents:
- Notarized Employment certificates and other documents issued by entities (trainings, seminars)
- Other notarized employment-related documents issued by a private entity
- Notarized affidavit stating the necessary factual circumstances
- Special Power of Attorney (SPA)
- Memorandum of Agreement, or
- Memorandum of Understanding
- Other forms of contracts
- Affidavit of Consent/Advice
- Joint Affidavit
To conclude, for as long as the documents you have obtained are needed to be submitted as part of the requirements abroad, aside from the requirement for it to be validly notarized within the proper jurisdiction in the Philippines, it is a must that a CANA is secured.
Sample of CANA
What are the requirements to obtain CANA?
There are a number of things that you need to submit for the CANA to be processed.
If you are personally processing the CANA, you will need to present the original copy of your notarized documents and photocopies for it. Bring with you, as well, the required payment for the processing of the CANA.
However, a representative will do the Certificate of Authority for a Notarial Act processing in the Philippines on your behalf, on top of the required documents. In that case, the authorized representative will also need to present a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) that proves that he or she is indeed equipped with the authority to act and process your CANA for you. Secure, as well, a copy of the ID of the person being represented. The authorized representative must also present a photocopy of his or her own ID.
Sounds Overwhelming? It doesn’t have to be!
FileDocsPhil provides excellent service in assisting you in obtaining documents, including the Certificate of Authority for a Notarial Act (CANA). With our expertise, we offer guidance and consultation, including the requirements, procedures, and timelines involved. We ensure compliance with legal requirements and facilitate efficient processing of the documents for international use. It is essential to ask for assistance in obtaining these documents from a reputable service provider, especially if you are not in the country and don’t have any means to travel personally to obtain your own documents. It will help you save costs and time.
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What is a cana in apostille?
A CANA (Certificate of Authority for a Notarial Act) certifies the authenticity of a notary public’s signature and seal and is required by the DFA before apostilling certain notarized private documents.
How many days to process cana?
CANA processing usually takes 5 to 7 business days, depending on the Regional Trial Court and verification of the notary public’s records.
Where to apostille documents in the Philippines?
Documents are apostilled exclusively by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) at selected DFA offices nationwide.
Can I walk in in DFA for apostille?
Walk-ins are generally not allowed, as the DFA requires an online appointment, except for limited priority cases such as seniors, PWDs, OFWs, or emergencies.
How many days does the DFA Apostille take?
DFA apostille processing typically takes 3 to 5 business days, and will depend on the availability of slots.
