# 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](/blog/glossary/am-no-24-10-14-sc/), which took effect on March 4, 2025.

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## Definition

E-notarization refers to a notarial act performed by an [Electronic Notary Public (ENP)](/blog/glossary/electronic-notary-public/) on an electronic document, using an accredited [Electronic Notarization Facility (ENF)](/blog/glossary/electronic-notarization-facility/). 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](/blog/glossary/electronic-signature/) or [digital signature](/blog/glossary/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)](/blog/glossary/remote-electronic-notarization/).

## Legal Basis

E-notarization in the Philippines rests on several legal foundations:

1. **[A.M. No. 24-10-14-SC](/blog/glossary/am-no-24-10-14-sc/)** -- The Supreme Court Rules on Electronic Notarization, the primary regulatory framework
2. **[RA 8792](/blog/glossary/ra-8792/)** -- The Electronic Commerce Act of 2000, which establishes the legal validity of electronic signatures and documents
3. **[Rules on Electronic Evidence](/blog/glossary/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](/blog/is-electronic-notarization-legal-in-the-philippines/).

## How E-Notarization Works

The general process for an electronic notarial act:

1. **Identity verification** -- The ENP verifies the principal's identity using multi-factor authentication (government ID, biometrics, one-time passwords)
2. **Document presentation** -- The electronic document (PDF/PDF-A) is presented through the ENF platform
3. **Signing** -- The principal applies their electronic or digital signature
4. **Notarial act** -- The ENP applies their [electronic notarial seal](/blog/glossary/electronic-notarial-seal/) and signature
5. **Recording** -- The act is logged in the ENP's electronic [notarial book](/blog/glossary/notarial-book/) and uploaded to the Supreme Court's centralized database
6. **Verification** -- A tamper-proof [audit trail](/blog/glossary/document-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](/blog/compare/e-notarization-vs-physical-notarization/) comparison page.

## Who Can Perform E-Notarization?

Only an [Electronic Notary Public (ENP)](/blog/glossary/electronic-notary-public/) 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](/blog/sc-rulings-on-fraudulent-notarial-seals-and-signatures-shows-why-e-notarization-is-the-future/)
- **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)](/blog/glossary/electronic-notary-public/)
- [Electronic Notarization Facility (ENF)](/blog/glossary/electronic-notarization-facility/)
- [In-Person Electronic Notarization (IEN)](/blog/glossary/in-person-electronic-notarization/)
- [Remote Electronic Notarization (REN)](/blog/glossary/remote-electronic-notarization/)
- [Electronic Notarial Seal](/blog/glossary/electronic-notarial-seal/)
- [A.M. No. 24-10-14-SC](/blog/glossary/am-no-24-10-14-sc/)

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[NotarialOS](https://notarialos.com) is an SC-compliant electronic notarization platform that supports both IEN and REN for Philippine legal professionals and businesses.