Online notarization officially begins in the Philippines today

Electronic notarization does not replace traditional notarization as both options remain fully available.

The Supreme Court officially launched electronic notarization nationwide on October 19, 2026, allowing Filipinos to have legal documents notarized using smartphones or computers without necessarily visiting a notary public’s office.

The new system, governed by the Rules on Electronic Notarization under A.M. No. 24-10-14-SC, gives electronically notarized documents the same legal validity as those notarized through traditional methods.

Under the rules, notarization can be conducted in three ways: in person using electronic documents, remotely through video conferencing, or through a combination of physical and remote participation.

This means Filipinos can now have qualifying documents notarized without traveling to a notary public’s office, provided they comply with identity verification and other legal requirements.

However, not all documents qualify. Electronic notarization applies to electronic documents, including those in PDF format. Notarial wills, depositions, and documents requiring traditional paper-based notarization remain excluded.

To prevent fraud and identity theft, the Supreme Court requires transactions to pass through accredited Electronic Notarization Facilities equipped with identity verification and security safeguards.

Three platforms have received accreditation: Twala, operated by Ohelio Inc.; QLegal, operated by Quanby Solutions Inc.; and NotarizeIT, operated by UNAWA Inc.

Unlike traditional notaries, whose authority is generally limited to designated territorial jurisdictions, electronic notaries may perform authorized notarizations nationwide.

The initiative could also eventually benefit overseas Filipino workers, with provisions allowing remote notarization under specific conditions involving Philippine embassies and consular offices abroad.

The Supreme Court clarified that electronic notarization does not replace traditional notarization. Both systems will continue operating alongside each other.

Under Section 5 of the new rules, electronically notarized documents carry the same validity, force, and effect as documents notarized under the 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice.

Filipinos may access the list of accredited platforms and official guidelines through the Supreme Court’s eNotarization website.

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