Electronic Notarization in the Philippines

In February 2025, the Supreme Court (SC) promulgated the Rules on Electronic Notarization. Through its implementation, the general public will be able to avail electronic notarization services of electronic documents. This will be in addition to the traditional mode of notarization of paper documents under the 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice.

Notarization under the Rules on Electronic Notarization may be: (1) In-Person Electronic Notarization; or (2) Remote Electronic Notarization.

In-Person Electronic Notarization will require the physical appearance of the principal or the person whose act is the subject of notarization and witnesses, if any, before a duly commissioned Electronic Notary Public. On the other hand, Remote Electronic Notarization will require virtual appearance of the principal and witnesses, if any, before the Electronic Notary Public. However, Remote Electronic Notarization will either require that all parties be present in the Philippines or that they are within the premises of any of the embassies of the Philippines, Philippine consular offices, or offices of Philippine Honorary Consuls abroad.

Both the In-Person Electronic Notarization and Remote Electronic Notarization will require the use of an accredited Electronic Notarization Facility. Electronic Notarization Facility is any secure digital tool, device, system, application, and technology solution with the capabilities and functions required by the Rules on Electronic Notarization. Among the general features of an Electronic Notarization Facility is that it will allow the creation and affixing of electronic signatures and the Electronic Notarial Seal, and allow the parties to communicate with each other through videoconference.

Prior to the adaptation of electronic notarization, the physical appearance of the parties before a notary public is required. However, with the implementation of the Rules on Electronic Notarization, appearance before a notary public can now be either physical or virtual appearance.

Electronic notarization in the Philippines will be a convenient way to have a notarized document. The use of digital or electronic documents in electronic notarization will also contribute in reducing the use of paper. Electronic notarization is a technological advancement of the legal practice in the Philippines that will give the general public more access to legal services in the country.