Filipinos no longer need to rush to the nearest notary public to access legal services as they may now accomplish such a task with just one tap via the government’s newly-launched eNotarization portal.
Starting Oct. 19, the public can get electronic documents signed and notarized through online platforms and process such transactions without leaving the house.
Lawyers, businesses and individuals may do so through the Supreme Court’s (SC) official Accredited Electronic Notarization Facilities (ENFs).
These facilities support remote notarization, wherein identity verification will be conducted through the presentation of a government-issued ID and a face scan as an alternative to the traditional in-person setup.
According to Twala, one of the three accredited ENFs so far, there will be a live-audio session involving the people named on the notarization, with the call being recorded upon everyone’s consent. Locations will likewise be shared to review the parties’ IP address since the use of virtual private networks and proxy routes is prohibited.
Clients will receive their notarial certificate and seal once they have paid the fee, which must be settled within 24 hours.
Aside from Twala, users may access these services through Quanby Legal and Notarize IT.
As of Sept. 25, there are a hundred electronic notaries public (ENPs), or individuals authorized to execute electronic notarial acts in line with A.M. No. 24-10-14-SC or the Rules on Electronic Notarization.
SC opened the application for commission as electronic notary public in August this year, though it introduced virtual notarization in 2020 as a temporary measure during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
The court later established the Technical Working Group to expand and streamline such services nationwide, with its rules and guidelines on e-notarization receiving approval in 2025, a development it described as important in modernizing legal processes and achieving digital transformation in the country.
