This guide explains the current legal framework governing electronic notarization in the Philippines in plain language, based on applicable Supreme Court rules and Philippine law.
The term “online notarization” is not the official term used in Philippine Supreme Court rules.
What people commonly refer to as “online notarization” is formally called Electronic Notarization, governed by the Supreme Court’s 2025 Rules on Electronic Notarization (A.M. No. 24-10-14-SC).
These Rules apply to electronic documents and provide for:
During the pandemic, remote notarization of paper documents through video conferencing was temporarily allowed under the 2020 Interim Rules. That interim framework has since been repealed and replaced by the 2025 Electronic Notarization Rules.
Remote Electronic Notarization (REN) allows notarization of electronic documents where the principal appears through audio-video communication technology using an accredited Electronic Notarization Facility (ENF).
Need a deeper explanation of how Remote Electronic Notarization works in practice?
Read the Full REMOTE ELECTRONIC NOTARIZATION GuideAs a general rule, REN is designed for use when the parties are physically situated within the Philippines. The Rules also provide a limited exception for principals abroad who are physically present within certain Philippine diplomatic/consular premises, subject to the verification steps stated in the Rules.
Notarial acts performed in accordance with the Electronic Notarization Rules are given the same validity, force, and effect as notarial acts under the 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice, subject to specific exclusions stated in the Rules (for example, these Rules do not apply to the notarization of Wills).
Electronic signatures are recognized under the Electronic Commerce Act. Notarization is a separate legal act governed by Supreme Court rules. If a transaction or receiving institution requires notarization, an electronic signature alone may not substitute for a notarial act.
The Rules on Electronic Notarization are official and in effect. As of this writing, we have not yet personally observed a widely marketed, fully public Electronic Notarization Facility (ENF) offering REN services at scale to the general public. This may change, and we will update this page as implementation develops.
If a service is offered purely through ordinary video conferencing for a paper document, it is worth clarifying whether the process is being done under the current Electronic Notarization Rules, through an accredited ENF, and for an electronic document. The current governing Rules do not provide for the old interim method as a continuing framework. Users are encouraged to verify compliance with the 2025 Rules before proceeding.
| Feature | Traditional Notarization | Remote Electronic Notarization (REN) | Electronic Signature Only |
|---|---|---|---|
| Document type | Paper | Electronic | Electronic |
| Personal appearance | In-person | Remote appearance through an accredited system | Not required |
| Governing framework | 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice | 2025 Rules on Electronic Notarization | RA 8792 (Electronic Commerce Act) |
| Public document effect | Yes | Yes (subject to exclusions) | No |
Yes. Electronic notarization is governed by the 2025 Rules on Electronic Notarization.
No. The 2020 interim framework has been repealed and replaced by the current electronic notarization rules.
Yes, subject to specific exclusions stated in the Rules.
No. Electronic signatures are recognized under RA 8792, while notarization is governed separately by Supreme Court rules.
These guides explain notarization procedures in the Philippines, including electronic notarization, traditional notarization, affidavits, and apostille processes.