The Supreme Court Opens Accreditation for Electronic Notarization Providers:

What This Means for the Future of Notary Services in the Philippines

The Supreme Court of the Philippines has officially opened its doors for Electronic Notarization Facility (ENF) Providers to apply for accreditation—marking a major milestone in the country’s digital transformation of legal services. Beginning December 9, 2025, technology companies, platforms, and legal tech innovators can now seek Supreme Court accreditation to operate as ENF Providers under the Electronic Notary Services (ENS) framework.

This development follows the Supreme Court’s issuance of the Rules on Electronic Notarization earlier in 2025, a reform that modernizes how notarization works in the digital age.

A New Era of Notarization in the Philippines

For decades, notarization in the Philippines has remained largely unchanged—face-to-face meetings, wet signatures, physical documents, and long lines at notary offices. The new Electronic Notary Services (ENS) changes that, enabling notarization of electronic documents through secure platforms and even allowing Remote Electronic Notarization (REN) via live video.

Under this new system, commissioned Electronic Notaries Public (ENPs) can notarize documents anywhere in the Philippines, removing the old restriction that limited notaries to their local jurisdiction. Filipinos abroad may also access e-notarization, provided they are physically inside a Philippine embassy or consulate during the session.

This ushers in a secure, modern alternative to traditional notarization—one designed for speed, accessibility, and digital workflows.

What ENF Providers Need to Qualify

To be accredited, an Electronic Notarization Facility must meet strict requirements set by the Supreme Court. These include:

• Proper business registration (DTI, CDA, or SEC)

• Instructional materials and videos demonstrating how the ENF works

• A Data Outsourcing Agreement with the Supreme Court

• Compliance with technical standards such as:

  • Multi-factor authentication

  • e-KYC identity verification

  • Anti-spoofing and liveness detection

  • Secure videoconferencing

  • Electronic signatures and notarial seals

  • Electronic Notarial Book generation

  • Secure storage and audit trails

  • Integration with the Supreme Court’s Central Notarial Database

Once an application is submitted through the Supreme Court’s online portal and evaluated, successful applicants must post a ₱100,000 performance bond before receiving their Certificate of Accreditation, which is valid for three years.

How This Benefits Lawyers, Businesses, and the Public

For Lawyers and Notaries

• Nationwide client reach

• More flexible scheduling

• Seamless integration with digital workflows

• Enhanced credibility through digital seals and Supreme Court–backed verification

For Businesses

• Faster processing of contracts, affidavits, and compliance documents

• Reduced travel and courier costs

• Greater convenience for nationwide or remote operations

For the Public

• Accessible notarization even from remote areas

• Easier processes for overseas Filipinos needing notarized documents

• Stronger document security through tamper-evident digital certificates

Overall, e-notarization democratizes access, modernizes workflows, and strengthens security while preserving the integrity of traditional notarization standards.

The Legal Community’s Reaction

Lawyers, law firms, and legal tech companies have largely welcomed this development. Many view it as a long-awaited innovation, especially after the pandemic exposed the limitations of purely physical notarization. Technology companies have also expressed readiness to apply as ENF Providers, seeing the opportunity to support the judiciary’s modernization efforts.

A Historic Shift Toward Digital Justice

The Supreme Court’s decision to accept ENF Provider applications signals the country’s readiness to fully embrace digital transformation in legal services. With secure technologies, centralized verification, and remote accessibility, electronic notarization is positioned to become the new standard for a modernizing society.

As applications open and accredited ENF providers emerge, Filipinos can expect notarization that is faster, safer, more convenient, and fully aligned with today’s digital world.