e-Notarization and What This Means for Business Owners
For business owners, notarizing documents can be one of those routine tasks that takes more time than expected. But with the Supreme Court’s nationwide launch of electronic notarization (e-Notarization) on October 19, 2026, qualifying documents can now be notarized without necessarily visiting a notary public’s office.
Defining e-Notarization
Governed by the Rules on Electronic Notarization (A.M. No. 24-10-14-SC), the system allows qualified electronic documents, including PDFs, to be notarized through accredited Electronic Notary Publics (ENPs).
Notarization can take place in person using electronic documents, remotely through videoconferencing, or both. Unlike traditional notaries, whose authority is generally limited to designated territorial jurisdictions, electronic notaries can perform authorized notarizations nationwide.
Under the rules, electronically notarized documents carry the same legal validity as those notarized under the 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice.
Why It Matters
For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) without dedicated or legal or administrative teams, a notarization appointment can mean taking time away from daily operations. It may also benefit businesses with branches, suppliers, partners, or clients across the country.
Remote notarization can make it easier to coordinate documents without requiring everyone to meet physically. Granted, the transaction should meet the rules’ requirements first.
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Setting Parameters
Not all documents qualify for e-Notarization. It doesn’t include notarial wills, depositions, and documents requiring traditional paper-based notarization. Transactions must also go through accredited Electronic Notarization Facilities with identity-verification measures and security safeguards.
The Supreme Court has since accredited 3 platforms: Twala, operated by Ohelio Inc.; QLegal, operated by Quanby Solutions Inc.; and NotarizeIT, operated by UNAWA Inc. Business owners can check the Supreme Court’s official e-Notarization website for the platforms and applicable guidelines.
One Less Administrative Hurdle
That being said, e-Notarization doesn’t replace the traditional system, and businesses must still manage permits, taxes, licenses, and other compliance requirements. However, it offers another option for handling routine legal paperwork.
The key here is to know which documents qualify and to follow the requirements before starting the process.
