Online Notarization Now Available in the Philippines: Here’s How It Works

Filipinos can now have eligible documents notarized online through Supreme Court-accredited platforms. Here is a simple guide to how electronic notarization works, what documents qualify, and how to get started.

Getting a document notarized in the Philippines has traditionally meant visiting a notary public, presenting identification, signing documents, and obtaining the necessary notarial seal.

Starting October 19, 2026, Filipinos have another option.

The Supreme Court has officially launched electronic notarization (eNotarization), allowing people to have certain documents notarized digitally without necessarily visiting a lawyer’s office.

This could make the process more convenient for individuals who live far from notarial offices, have difficulty traveling, or need to complete transactions involving people in different parts of the country.

But how does it actually work? And does this mean you can simply upload a document and get it notarized immediately?

Here is what you need to know.

What Is Electronic Notarization?

Electronic notarization is essentially the digital version of having a document notarized by an authorized notary public.

To understand this, it helps to know what notarization actually does.

When you have a document notarized, a notary public performs certain checks and formalities, such as verifying your identity and confirming that you signed or acknowledged a document, or took an oath, depending on the type of notarization required.

For example, if you need to sign an affidavit, you would normally appear before a notary public, establish your identity, and swear to the truth of your statement.

Under electronic notarization, eligible documents can go through a similar legal process using an accredited online platform.

The important difference is that you may no longer need to be physically in the same room as the notary public.

The notarization is still performed by an authorized lawyer, not simply by a computer or an automated website.

How Can You Get a Document Notarized Online?

The Supreme Court has identified three accredited Electronic Notarization Facilities (ENFs) for the initial rollout. You can access their websites through the links below:

• Twala – An electronic notarization platform operated by Ohelio, Inc.
• QLegal (NotarioPH) – An electronic notarization service offered through NotarioPH by QLegal, operated by Quanby Solutions, Inc.
• NotarizeIT – An electronic notarization platform operated by UNAWA.

These platforms provide the technology needed to connect users with authorized Electronic Notaries Public (ENPs).

An Electronic Notary Public is a lawyer who has received a special commission from the Supreme Court to perform electronic notarization.

Step 1: Register on an Accredited Platform

Choose one of the three accredited providers linked above and create an account.

You may also access the providers through the Supreme Court’s official eNotarization registration portal, which is linked in the Sources section below.

You may need to provide personal information and complete identity verification requirements.

Step 2: Prepare Your Document

The document must be in an accepted electronic format, specifically PDF or PDF/A.

Depending on the type of document and notarization required, you may be asked to upload your document before the scheduled notarization.

Important: If your document requires a jurat, such as an affidavit that must be signed under oath, you should not sign it before the notarization session. The electronic signature must be made in the presence of the Electronic Notary Public.

For other types of notarization, such as an acknowledgment, a document may be signed beforehand, subject to the notary’s verification.

Step 3: Choose an Electronic Notary Public

You can select a commissioned Electronic Notary Public through the accredited platform.

The Supreme Court also provides an official list of commissioned Electronic Notaries Public, linked in the Sources section below.

Some platforms may match users with available electronic notaries or allow them to schedule a session with a preferred notary.

Step 4: Complete Identity Verification and Notarization

You will have to establish your identity and comply with the requirements of the notarial process.

For remote notarization, this involves appearing before the electronic notary through live videoconferencing using the accredited platform.

The notary will perform the necessary verification and formalities before completing the notarization.

This means electronic notarization is not simply uploading a document and clicking a button. There is still a legal process to follow.

Step 5: Receive Your Electronically Notarized Document

Once the process has been properly completed, the notarized electronic document can be made available through the platform.

It carries an electronic notarial seal and the required electronic signature of the Electronic Notary Public.

When performed in accordance with the Supreme Court’s rules, electronic notarization has the same legal validity and effect as traditional notarization.

Do You Need to Visit a Notary Public in Person?

Not necessarily.

Under the Supreme Court’s Rules on Electronic Notarization, there are two main ways electronic notarization can take place.

Remote Electronic Notarization: You and the notary public meet through a live video session using an accredited platform. You do not need to be in the same location.

In-Person Electronic Notarization: You physically appear before the electronic notary, but the documents and notarization process are handled electronically.

A combination of both methods is also possible when some participants are physically present and others are joining remotely.

For instance, someone in Baguio may be able to have an eligible document electronically notarized by an authorized electronic notary located in Metro Manila without having to travel there.

According to the Supreme Court, commissioned Electronic Notaries Public may perform remote electronic notarization for individuals located anywhere in the Philippines.

What Documents Can Be Notarized Online?

Electronic notarization applies to eligible documents in PDF or PDF/A format.

Depending on the legal requirements, these may include:

• Affidavits, such as an Affidavit of Loss
• Sworn statements and declarations
• Special Powers of Attorney (SPA)
• Contracts and agreements
• Other electronic documents that require notarization

However, not every document can be electronically notarized.

The Supreme Court specifically excludes notarial wills and depositions from electronic notarization.

Traditional notarization also remains available for paper documents with handwritten signatures.

If you already have a printed and signed document, the rules may allow a scanned PDF to be electronically notarized for certain purposes. However, this depends on the required type of notarial act, and a scanned signature alone does not automatically make a document properly notarized.

Before proceeding, it is advisable to confirm with the receiving office whether it accepts electronically notarized documents for your particular transaction.

What Do You Need for Online Notarization?

Before starting, prepare the following:

• A valid, unexpired Philippine National ID or another government-issued identification card.
• Your document in PDF or PDF/A format.
• A smartphone, tablet, or computer with a functioning camera and microphone.
• A stable internet connection, with a minimum speed of 2 Mbps per user for remote notarization.
• An updated web browser, such as Chrome, Edge, Safari, or Firefox.
• An active email address for registration and notifications.

You may also be required to complete additional identity checks, such as facial recognition or entering a one-time password.

For remote notarization, you should disable any VPN or similar service that hides or changes your location, as the accredited platforms are required to verify where participants are physically located.

If your document requires witnesses, each witness must create and use their own account on the accredited platform.

How Much Does Electronic Notarization Cost?

Electronic notarization is not necessarily free.

The amount you pay will depend on the applicable notarial fees and any charges imposed by the electronic notarization platform.

Fees may also vary depending on the type of document and the service requested.

Before proceeding, check the total amount payable, including any platform charges, with your chosen provider.

Can Filipinos Living Abroad Use Electronic Notarization?

Yes, but there is an important limitation.

Under the Supreme Court’s rules, individuals outside the Philippines may use remote electronic notarization only under specific conditions.

They must be physically present within the premises of a Philippine embassy, consular office, or office of a Philippine Honorary Consul when the notarization takes place. A designated officer must also confirm their presence.

The Electronic Notary Public must be physically located in the Philippines.

This means that an overseas Filipino cannot automatically have a document electronically notarized simply by joining a video call from home or work abroad.

The Supreme Court also notes that this type of remote notarization may not be available in every country because of local legal or practical restrictions.

Will Government Offices Accept Electronically Notarized Documents?

Electronically notarized documents have the same legal validity and effect as documents properly notarized through traditional methods, provided that the electronic notarization complies with the Supreme Court’s rules.

The Supreme Court has also worked with the Land Registration Authority (LRA) and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to establish guidelines for accepting and processing electronically notarized documents.

However, people should still check the particular requirements of the government agency, bank, employer, or other institution receiving their document.

The legal validity of electronic notarization does not necessarily mean that every type of transaction can already be completed entirely online.

Does This Mean Traditional Notarization Will Disappear?

No.

Electronic notarization is an additional option, not a replacement for traditional notarization.

People can still visit a notary public to have paper documents notarized in the usual manner.

For those who prefer face-to-face transactions, do not have reliable internet access, or need notarization for documents that are not covered by the electronic rules, traditional notarization remains available.

Where Can You Learn More or Ask for Help?

The Supreme Court has provided instructional videos explaining how to use its accredited electronic notarization platforms.

These instructional videos are available through the Supreme Court’s official eNotarization website.

For questions or concerns, the public may use the Electronic Notary Services Helpdesk Form.

Links to these official resources are provided in the Sources section below.

What This Means for Ordinary Filipinos

For many people, getting a document notarized is one of those necessary errands that can take time out of an already busy day.

Someone living in a remote municipality may need to travel to the nearest town with an available notary. Others may have to take time off work just to complete the process.

Electronic notarization offers an alternative for eligible documents.

It could also make transactions easier when the people involved live in different provinces or cities, since they may be able to participate in the same remote notarization session.

The new system does not remove the legal requirements for notarizing documents. People still need to prove their identity, follow the required procedures, and deal with an authorized notary public.

What has changed is how and where those requirements can be completed.

For Filipinos who are comfortable using online services, electronic notarization may mean fewer trips to a notary’s office and a more convenient way to complete certain legal transactions.

Sources:

• Supreme Court of the Philippines: Rules on Electronic Notarization
• Supreme Court of the Philippines: Electronic Notarization Registration Portal
• Supreme Court of the Philippines: List of Commissioned Electronic Notaries Public
• Supreme Court of the Philippines: Electronic Notarization Instructional Videos
• Supreme Court of the Philippines: Frequently Asked Questions on eNotarization
• Supreme Court of the Philippines: eNotarization Partnership with LRA and SEC
• Supreme Court of the Philippines: Electronic Notary Services Helpdesk Form