What Is E-Notarization? Definition, Types, and How It Works in the Philippines
E-notarization (electronic notarization) is the process of notarizing documents electronically rather than on paper, using a digital platform accredited by the Supreme Court of the Philippines. It was formally authorized by A.M. No. 24-10-14-SC, which took effect on March 4, 2025.
Definition
E-notarization refers to a notarial act performed by an Electronic Notary Public (ENP) on an electronic document, using an accredited Electronic Notarization Facility (ENF). The act produces a notarized electronic document with the same legal effect as a traditionally notarized paper document.
Under the Rules, e-notarization applies exclusively to documents in Portable Document Format (PDF) or PDF Archival (PDF/A) format. Paper documents with wet ink signatures continue to be governed by the 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice.
Two Types of E-Notarization
The Supreme Court rules establish two distinct types:
1. In-Person Electronic Notarization (IEN)
In IEN, the principal (signer) and any witnesses physically appear before the ENP, but the document itself is electronic. The signer applies an electronic signature or digital signature to the document instead of a wet ink signature.
When to use IEN: When parties can meet in person but want the security, speed, and audit trail benefits of electronic documents.
2. Remote Electronic Notarization (REN)
In REN, the principal and witnesses appear before the ENP via audiovisual link (videoconferencing) through an accredited ENF. The ENP verifies identity remotely using multi-factor authentication – including facial recognition, government-issued IDs, and one-time passwords.
When to use REN: When parties are in different locations, when the principal is an OFW at a Philippine embassy or consulate abroad, or when travel to a notary’s office is impractical.
For a deeper look at REN specifically, see Remote Electronic Notarization (REN).
Legal Basis
E-notarization in the Philippines rests on several legal foundations:
- A.M. No. 24-10-14-SC – The Supreme Court Rules on Electronic Notarization, the primary regulatory framework
- RA 8792 – The Electronic Commerce Act of 2000, which establishes the legal validity of electronic signatures and documents
- Rules on Electronic Evidence – Governs the admissibility of electronic documents in Philippine courts
For a full analysis of the legal framework, see our article on whether electronic notarization is legal in the Philippines.
How E-Notarization Works
The general process for an electronic notarial act:
- Identity verification – The ENP verifies the principal’s identity using multi-factor authentication (government ID, biometrics, one-time passwords)
- Document presentation – The electronic document (PDF/PDF-A) is presented through the ENF platform
- Signing – The principal applies their electronic or digital signature
- Notarial act – The ENP applies their electronic notarial seal and signature
- Recording – The act is logged in the ENP’s electronic notarial book and uploaded to the Supreme Court’s centralized database
- Verification – A tamper-proof audit trail is generated for the entire process
E-Notarization vs. Traditional Notarization
| Aspect | Traditional Notarization | E-Notarization |
|---|---|---|
| Physical presence | Required | IEN: required; REN: via video |
| Document format | Paper | PDF / PDF-A |
| Signature | Wet ink | Electronic / digital |
| Notarial seal | Physical rubber stamp | Electronic seal |
| Record-keeping | Physical notarial book | Electronic notarial book |
| Fraud protection | Limited | Multi-factor authentication, audit trails |
| Accessibility | Must visit notary office | Remote access possible (REN) |
For a detailed comparison, see our E-Notarization vs. Physical Notarization comparison page.
Who Can Perform E-Notarization?
Only an Electronic Notary Public (ENP) commissioned under the Rules on Electronic Notarization may perform electronic notarial acts. ENPs must:
- Be a member of the Philippine Bar in good standing
- Complete training on electronic notarization
- Be commissioned by the Electronic Notary Administrator (ENA) designated by the Supreme Court
- Use only an accredited ENF
Benefits of E-Notarization
- Eliminates logistics – No more sending messengers, printing documents, or traveling to notary offices
- Faster turnaround – Documents can be notarized in minutes instead of days
- Stronger security – Multi-factor authentication and digital audit trails reduce fraud risk compared to physical notarial seals that can be forged
- Remote access – REN enables notarization from anywhere, including for OFWs abroad
- Cost savings – Reduces overhead on messenger services, printing, and transportation
Related Terms
- Electronic Notary Public (ENP)
- Electronic Notarization Facility (ENF)
- In-Person Electronic Notarization (IEN)
- Remote Electronic Notarization (REN)
- Electronic Notarial Seal
- A.M. No. 24-10-14-SC
NotarialOS is an SC-compliant electronic notarization platform that supports both IEN and REN for Philippine legal professionals and businesses.