Identity verification and liveness checks

Before a notarial act, the ENP verifies the identity of the principal and any witnesses through the identity verification mechanism of the electronic notarization facility. This applies to both IEN and REN. (Rule II, Section 2(a); Rule III, Section 2(b))

Which IDs count

The Rules define competent evidence of identity as one of the following (Rule I, Section 4(b)):

• At least one valid government-issued ID with your photo and signature, such as a passport, driver's license, PRC ID, NBI clearance, police clearance, postal ID, voter's ID, GSIS e-card, SSS card, PhilHealth card, senior citizen ID, OWWA or OFW ID, seaman's book, PWD ID, solo parent ID, TIN ID, UMID, or an LGU residency ID
• The Philippine Identification (PhilSys) card
• The IBP ID or the single identification card under A.M. No. 23-07-06-SC

An accredited facility must not let principals or witnesses use expired or invalid IDs. (Rule VII, Section 2(u))

What the checks involve

Accredited facilities must have e-KYC, multi-factor authentication, and liveness detection or anti-spoofing that confirms a live person is on camera. (Rule VII, Section 2(b)–(d)) Notario.PH by Qlegal uses KYC, document verification, and liveness detection, but technology is not the final authority. The ENP is.

• Each witness needs their own Notario.PH by Qlegal account and cannot use the principal's account or device.
• Stay in view of the camera when a liveness step is shown. In REN, everyone must stay within camera view throughout. (Rule III, Section 1)
• Do not send ID photos through the support form unless the support team asks for them.