The Supreme Court (SC) is expanding the digitalization of legal services with an electronic notarization framework that allows electronic documents to be notarized in person or remotely through accredited digital platforms.
The system is anchored on the Electronic Notary Services (ENS) and the eNotary Services Portal, which provide the infrastructure for electronic notarization under standards prescribed by the Supreme Court.
Under the framework, Electronic Notarization Facility (ENF) providers must secure accreditation and comply with technical and security requirements covering digital signatures, multi-factor identity verification, electronic journals, tamper-evident technologies, and data privacy safeguards.
Electronic notarial records will also be transmitted to and maintained in the Supreme Court Central Notarial Database.
The system implements A.M. No. 24-10-14-SC, or the Rules on Electronic Notarization, which took effect on March 24, 2025.
Unlike traditional notarization, which remains governed by the 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice and applies to paper documents, electronic notarization covers documents in PDF or PDF/A format.
The rules provide different modes of electronic notarization. Under in-person electronic notarization, principals and witnesses physically appear before an Electronic Notary Public (ENP).
Remote electronic notarization allows them to appear virtually, while a combination arrangement permits some participants to appear physically and others through videoconferencing.
In all three modes, the ENP must notarize the document using an accredited ENF.
Before notarization, principals and witnesses must create accounts or log in to the ENF. The ENP must verify their identities and confirm that they are voluntarily signing the electronic document.
Once notarized, the electronic document is automatically transmitted to the Supreme Court Central Notarial Database.
The new rules also expand the geographic reach of electronic notaries. While a traditional notary public generally operates within the territorial limits of a notarial commission, an ENP may notarize for principals anywhere in the Philippines, subject to limited extraterritorial authority provided by the rules.
