The Supreme Court has introduced electronic notarization (eNotarization) to make legal services more accessible and efficient for Filipinos. Under the 2025 Rules on Electronic Notarization, electronic documents in PDF or PDFA format may now be notarized online.
How the Process Works
Under the new eNotarization system, signatories can now appear before an electronic notary public in person, using videoconferencing, or a combination of both. To begin, the principal prepares the electronic document in PDF or PDFA format. The principal and required witnesses then create accounts with an accredited electronic notarization facility, while the electronic notary public logs into the same platform to conduct the session.
- During notarization, the principal and witnesses will appear before the electronic notary public, depending on the chosen mode.
- The notary then verifies their identities and confirms that they are signing the document voluntarily.
- After that, the notary completes the notarization through the facility, and the notarized electronic document is automatically transmitted to the Supreme Court’s Central Notarial Database.
Digital Shift in Notarial Services
The Supreme Court’s new eNotarization system is part of its digital transformation and aims to make notarial services more convenient and readily accessible.
Traditional notarization is governed by the 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice, while electronic notarization follows the 2025 Rules on Electronic Notarization. For more information, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What documents can be electronically notarized?
A: Documents in PDF or PDFA format may be notarized electronically.
Q: How can signatories appear before the electronic notary public?
A: They may appear physically, virtually through videoconferencing, or through a combination of both.
Q: What happens after the eNotarization session?
A: The notarized electronic document is automatically transmitted to the Supreme Court’s Central Notarial Database.
Q: What rules govern electronic notarization?
A: Electronic notarization is governed by the 2025 Rules on Electronic Notarization.
Q: Where can people ask about the service?
A: The judiciary has made an Electronic Notary Services Helpdesk available for inquiries and concerns.
Emman has been writing technical and feature articles since 2010. Prior to this, he became one of the instructors at Asia Pacific College in 2008, and eventually landed a job as Business Analyst and Technical Writer at Integrated Open Source Solutions for almost 3 years.
Emman Tortoza
Emman has been writing technical and feature articles since 2010. Prior to this, he became one of the instructors at Asia Pacific College in 2008, and eventually landed a job as Business Analyst and Technical Writer at Integrated Open Source Solutions for almost 3 years.
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