For decades, getting a document notarized in the Philippines meant one thing: printing it, bringing a valid ID, and appearing in person before a notary public in the city or province where that notary was commissioned. That is no longer the only option.

On October 19, 2026, the Supreme Court launched electronic notarization nationwide. Electronic documents can now be notarized by an authorized Electronic Notary Public, in person or by videoconference, through a Supreme Court-accredited online platform.

This guide explains what the rules say, who can notarize electronically, and what businesses and individuals should know before relying on an e-notarized document.

The legal basis: A.M. No. 24-10-14-SC

Electronic notarization is governed by the Rules on Electronic Notarization (A.M. No. 24-10-14-SC), which the Supreme Court en banc approved on February 4, 2025. The Court approved alongside them the Guidelines on the Accreditation of Electronic Notarization Facility Providers. The Rules took effect on March 24, 2025, fifteen days after their publication.

The new rules build on the 2020 Interim Rules on Remote Notarization of Paper Documents, which the Court issued as a temporary measure during the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2025 Rules replace that stopgap with a permanent framework.

Traditional notarization of paper documents is still governed by the 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice. The new rules add a second track for electronic documents. They do not replace the old one.

Key terms you need to know

Electronic Notary Public (ENP): a lawyer authorized to perform notarial acts on electronic documents. Like a traditional notary, an ENP must be a member of the Philippine Bar in good standing.
Electronic Notarization Facility (ENF): the Supreme Court-accredited platform on which the notarization takes place. An ENP may only notarize electronically through an accredited ENF.
Principal: the person signing the document and appearing before the notary.
Supreme Court Central Notarial Database: the Court’s central repository. Electronically notarized documents are transmitted to it automatically.

What changed: the biggest differences from traditional notarization

1. Electronic documents only. Electronic notarization covers documents in PDF or PDF/A format. Paper documents still go through traditional notarization.

2. No more territorial limits within the Philippines. A traditional notary may only notarize for principals within the territory of their notarial commission. An ENP may notarize for principals anywhere in the Philippines, subject to the limited extraterritorial authority allowed by the rules. A client in Cebu can therefore appear before an ENP based in Manila, and the reverse.

3. Three ways to appear. The rules allow:

In-person electronic notarization: the principal and witnesses physically appear before the ENP, who uses an accredited ENF.
Remote electronic notarization: everyone appears through videoconferencing.
A combination of both: some participants appear physically and others by video.

4. Stronger identity checks. Accredited platforms must meet the Court’s technical and security standards. These include digital signatures, multi-factor identity verification, electronic notarial journals, tamper-evident technology, and data privacy safeguards. Reported measures include facial recognition, biometric verification, and one-time passwords.

5. Automatic central records. Once a document is notarized, it is automatically sent to the Supreme Court Central Notarial Database. This makes verification easier and reduces the risk of fake notarizations.

Why this matters for businesses and individuals

Electronic notarization can save significant time and cost, especially for:

Companies with officers or signatories in different cities. Board resolutions, secretary’s certificates, and contracts can be notarized without everyone travelling to the same notary.
Real estate and commercial transactions. Parties can finalize documents faster without coordinating physical appearances.
People in remote or underserved areas. The judiciary has framed the rollout as a way to widen access to notarial services for Filipinos far from a notary’s office.
Overseas Filipinos. The Supreme Court has reportedly begun talks with the Department of Foreign Affairs about extending e-notarization services to OFWs, though details have yet to be announced.

Important caveats before you rely on an e-notarized document

E-notarization is new, so there are a few practical points to check first:

Will the receiving office accept it? A notarization can be valid and still be refused by the registry, government agency, bank, or foreign authority that receives it. Some offices still require wet-ink originals. Always confirm with the receiving office first, for example the Registry of Deeds, the SEC, or a bank.
Is the notary actually an ENP? Only lawyers commissioned as Electronic Notaries Public may e-notarize, and only through an accredited ENF. An online “notarization” from someone who is not an authorized ENP on an accredited platform is not valid electronic notarization.
For documents used abroad, check what the foreign recipient requires, including apostille requirements.
Prepare a clean, final PDF. The document should be in its final form before the session. Changes after notarization can compromise its integrity.

Frequently asked questions

Is electronic notarization legal in the Philippines?

Yes. The Supreme Court’s Rules on Electronic Notarization (A.M. No. 24-10-14-SC) took effect on March 24, 2025, and nationwide implementation launched on October 19, 2026.

Can I get a document notarized without leaving my home?

Yes, through remote electronic notarization, if the document is electronic (PDF or PDF/A) and is notarized by an authorized ENP on an accredited platform.

Does e-notarization replace traditional notarization?

No. Traditional notarization of paper documents under the 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice remains available.

Can I use any video call app with any lawyer?

No. The notarization must be done by a commissioned ENP using a Supreme Court-accredited Electronic Notarization Facility.

Need help with notarization or your legal documents?

Recososa Law Firm helps clients prepare, review, and execute contracts, affidavits, deeds, corporate documents, and other legal instruments. If you’re unsure whether your document can be notarized electronically, or whether the receiving office will accept it, contact us and we’ll walk you through your options.

This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Laws and procedures may change; consult a lawyer about your specific situation.

Electronic Notarization in the Philippines: A Guide to the Supreme Court’s e-Notarization Rules