Document validity
A notarial act performed under the Rules on Electronic Notarization has the same validity, force, and effect as one under the 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice.
Updated Oct 22, 2026 · Filed under Clients, Businesses
Rule I, Section 5 of the Rules on Electronic Notarization says any notarial act performed in accordance with the Rules has the same validity, force, and effect, and may be relied upon to the same extent, as a notarial act under the 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice.
The same section excludes notarial wills, deposition taking, and paper documents and instruments with wet signatures or marks.
What makes a notarized electronic document complete
- The ENP completes an electronic notarial certificate, signs it electronically, and attaches the Electronic Notarial Seal. (Rule IV, Section 6)
- The seal includes a bar code, QR code, or similar approved electronic seal. (Rule I, Section 4(h))
- A copy is sent to the Supreme Court Central Notarial Database or, during the transitional period, to the Electronic Notary Administrator. (Rule IV, Section 7)
Checking a document
To verify a document notarized through Notario.PH by Qlegal, scan its QR code to see the verification information.
Acceptance by a particular agency, or use abroad such as an apostille, depends on that office's rules. Ask the receiving office before you notarize.