Understanding in-person and remote electronic notarization under the Supreme Court’s 2025 Rules.
Many people searching online for “online notary Philippines” or “remote notarization Philippines” are actually referring to something the Supreme Court formally calls Electronic Notarization.
Electronic notarization is the framework established by the Supreme Court that allows certain electronic documents to be notarized using approved electronic systems and procedures. These procedures are governed by the Rules on Electronic Notarization (A.M. No. 24-10-14-SC), often referred to by the public as the Electronic Notarization Rules.
However, a lot of public information still mixes together different concepts — electronic signatures, Zoom calls, and the informal “online notarization” practices that became widely discussed during the pandemic years.
This guide explains how Electronic Notarization works under the current Supreme Court rules, in clear and practical terms.
In everyday conversation, people say “online notary.” In Supreme Court rules, the framework is called Electronic Notarization. It covers notarization of electronic documents through the system and procedures required by the Rules.
Many people still describe a loose process like “Zoom + send a document + done.” The current Rules are more structured. They contemplate an Electronic Notarization Facility together with identity checks, required entries/records, and specific safeguards. In other words, a video call alone does not constitute electronic notarization.
Remote Electronic Notarization (REN) involves real-time videoconferencing. Under the Rules, the Electronic Notary Public must ascertain and record the actual physical location of the principal during the remote notarization session, and that location must comply with the requirements of the Electronic Notarization Rules. The electronic notarization system must include safeguards to help confirm the participant’s physical location in accordance with the requirements of the Rules.
The key point: the videoconference is only one piece. The notarization must still be performed through the electronic notarization framework and required procedures.
Many Filipinos abroad search for terms such as “online notarization Philippines from abroad” or “Philippine online notary for OFWs.”
However, the Rules generally require that the participants in a remote electronic notarization session be physically located within the Philippines, subject to limited extraterritorial provisions described in the Rules.
The Rules also describe a limited extraterritorial situation where electronic notarization may be performed when the principal is abroad. In that case, the principal must generally be physically present within specified Philippine diplomatic or consular premises abroad, and the procedures required by the Rules must still be followed.
Because of this structure, the common assumption that a person overseas can obtain a Philippine electronic notarization from any private home, office, or arbitrary location abroad may not align with how the Rules are designed.
For Filipinos working overseas — including those in the United States, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom — the available options are explained here:
Need a deeper explanation of notarization options for OFWs and Filipinos abroad?
Read the Abroad GuideElectronic Notarization is notarization of electronic documents under the Supreme Court’s Rules, performed by an Electronic Notary Public (ENP) using an Electronic Notarization Facility (ENF).
The Rules contemplate two main modes:
Exact steps can vary by ENF workflow, document type, and the ENP’s office process.
If you’re preparing documents and IDs, also see: How to Get a Document Notarized in the Philippines.
In-Person Electronic Notarization (IEN) is still “personal appearance,” just like traditional paper notarization, except the document and notarization are handled electronically under the Rules. Instead of the notary recording the act in a traditional physical, leather-bound book, the entries are recorded digitally in an Electronic Notarial Register.
Many people prefer IEN when:
| Method | What it is | Where the signer is | Is Zoom/video call enough? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional (paper) notarization | Paper document + notarial act under 2004 Notarial Rules | Physically before the notary | No | Paper originals, banks/offices that require paper |
| IEN | Electronic document notarized in person under the Electronic Notarization Rules | Physically before the ENP | No (it’s in-person) | Electronic documents + face-to-face comfort |
| REN | Electronic document notarized remotely via videoconference under the Rules | Remote (but generally within the Philippines; limited extraterritorial case exists) | No — must comply with system + safeguards + location rules | Electronic docs when parties are in different PH locations |
| “Old online notary” claims (generic) | Often described as “Zoom + send PDF + done” | Varies | Highly unlikely to comply with the specific system and security framework required by the Rules | Use caution; verify current-rule compliance |
If your document is primarily an e-signature issue (DocuSign/Adobe Sign vs notarization), read DocuSign vs Notarization: What’s the Difference?.
REN uses live videoconferencing, but it is not “just Zoom.” The notarization must follow the Rules and be performed through the electronic notarization framework (ENP + ENF + required records/safeguards).
No. A regular notary public cannot simply use generic software (like a personal Skype or Zoom account) to perform an electronic notarization. First, the notary must apply for and be granted a specific commission as an Electronic Notary Public (ENP). Second, they are legally required to use an Electronic Notarization Facility (ENF)—a specialized software system that is accredited under the framework established by the Supreme Court and administered through the Electronic Notary Administrator (ENA).
Under the Rules, that setup is generally not recognized. A limited extraterritorial situation may be possible only if you are physically inside a Philippine Embassy/Consulate or an office of a Philippine Honorary Consul abroad (and the required confirmation steps are followed). Otherwise, consider consular notarization options.
Full guide: Notarizing While Abroad: What Are Your Options?.
No. E-signing (DocuSign/Adobe Sign or similar) is different from notarization. Notarization is a separate notarial act under Supreme Court rules.
Read: DocuSign vs Notarization: What’s the Difference?.
Many institutions are still adjusting. Even when the Rules provide a framework, submission formats and internal procedures can vary. Always confirm acceptance and filing format with the receiving office.
These guides explain notarization procedures in the Philippines, including electronic notarization, traditional notarization, affidavits, and apostille processes.