Updated October 16, 2026. Filipinos can soon have documents notarized electronically. The Supreme Court (SC), working with the Land Registration Authority (LRA) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), is rolling out a nationwide electronic notarization system starting October 19, 2026. The goal is to make legal transactions faster and easier to access, without replacing traditional paper notarization.
What is electronic notarization?
Electronic notarization (also called e-notarization) is a digital process where electronic documents are signed and notarized through a secure Electronic Notarization Facility (ENF) run by an SC-accredited provider and administered by an electronic notary public. It is meant to help people who face geographic or logistical barriers when seeking traditional notarial services.
When does it start?
The nationwide e-notarization system is set to begin on October 19, 2026. Related agreements between the SC, LRA and SEC were signed on October 13, 2026 at the SC En Banc Session Hall in Manila.
Who can use it?
Individuals and businesses in the Philippines will be able to access electronic notarization through SC-accredited ENF providers. The SC has also said it is discussing with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) the possibility of offering e-notarization to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) abroad. That OFW arrangement is still under discussion and is not yet a confirmed launch date in the cited reports.
What documents are covered?
Under the LRA agreement, electronically notarized documents may be used in transactions involving the LRA and Registers of Deeds nationwide. These include:
- Deeds of sale
- Real estate mortgages
- Other documents commonly required for property registration
A separate agreement with the SEC sets a framework for accepting and processing electronically notarized documents for business registration, filing and compliance procedures.
Accredited providers
According to reports on the SC rollout, electronic notarization will be available through SC-accredited Electronic Notarization Facility providers, including:
- NotarizeIT by UNAWA
- TWALA by Ohelio Inc.
- QLegal by Quanby Solutions Inc.
Does traditional paper notarization still work?
Yes. The SC stressed that the new system does not invalidate documents notarized under the 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice. Traditional paper notarization remains valid and acceptable.
Agencies involved
- Supreme Court — leads the e-notarization rules and accreditation of providers
- Land Registration Authority (LRA) — accepts electronically notarized property-related documents at LRA and Registers of Deeds
- Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) — accepts electronically notarized documents for business filings and related processes
Sources
The Manila Times: 3 agencies push digitally notarized documents, October 16, 2026; Supreme Court eNotarization page; SC: Rules on Electronic Notarization.
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