Question 1

What is NotarioPH by Qlegal?

Accepted Answer

NotarioPH by Qlegal is a digital trust network connecting consumers, businesses, institutions, and commissioned Electronic Notaries Public through NotarioPH’s secure Electronic Notarization Facility. We combine trusted professionals and secure technology to enable simple, accessible, and verifiable notarization.

Question 2

Who can use NotarioPH by Qlegal?

Accepted Answer

NotarioPH by Qlegal is designed for individuals, businesses, organizations, and participating Electronic Notary Publics (ENPs), providing a secure and convenient network for trusted electronic notarization.

Question 3

Do I need an account to use NotarioPH by Qlegal?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Creating an account is required to submit notarization requests, securely upload documents, manage appointments, complete identity verification, and access your notarized documents anytime.

Question 4

Is creating a NotarioPH by Qlegal account free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Creating and activating your NotarioPH by Qlegal account is free. You only pay when you use paid notarial services, with fees clearly quoted by the Electronic Notaries Public (ENP) before you proceed.

Question 5

How do I create and verify my account?

Accepted Answer

Create your NotarioPH by Qlegal account using your basic information. Verify your email or contact details, then complete the required identity verification (KYC) to securely access electronic notarization services.

Question 6

What devices can I use to access NotarioPH by Qlegal?

Accepted Answer

Access NotarioPH by Qlegal anytime, anywhere from your desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Enjoy a seamless and secure notarization experience across all your devices.

Question 7

Is NotarioPH by Qlegal available 24/7?

Accepted Answer

Yes. NotarioPH by Qlegal is available anytime, anywhere, so you can start your notarization request whenever it’s convenient for you. Your notarization session will then be scheduled with an available participating ENP.

Question 8

What is Electronic Notarization or ENotarization?

Accepted Answer

Electronic notarization is the performance of a notarial act such as an acknowledgment, affirmation or oath, jurat, or signature witnessing by a commissioned Electronic Notary Public (ENP) using an accredited Electronic Notarization Facility (ENF) and electronic documents.

Question 9

How does eNotarization work?

Accepted Answer

1. Upload your document. Create an account, provide the required information, and upload your document.
2. Verify your identity and meet your ENP. Complete identity verification and meet with a commissioned ENP via secure video or in person.
3. Sign, notarize, and get your secure document. Electronically sign, have your document notarized, and receive a copy with a digital seal and verification.

Question 10

What types of electronic notarial acts are covered by the Rules on eNotarization?

Accepted Answer

The Rules on eNotarization cover four types of electronic notarial acts:

1. Acknowledgment by Electronic Means
2. Affirmation or Oath by Electronic Means
3. Jurat by Electronic Means
4. Signature Witnessing by Electronic Means

Notarial wills and deposition-taking are excluded from the scope of eNotarization.

Question 11

What is the difference between IEN and REN?

Accepted Answer

IEN (In-Person Electronic Notarization) is performed when all required participants are physically present before the Electronic Notary Public (ENP), while the documents, signatures, and notarial act are completed electronically through the Electronic Notarization Facility (ENF).

REN (Remote Electronic Notarization) allows eligible notarization sessions to be conducted remotely through a secure ENF, enabling participants to connect with an ENP from anywhere within the Philippines, subject to the requirements of the Rules on eNotarization. International use may be supported where permitted by applicable laws and regulations.

Question 12

How do I get a document notarized through NotarioPH by Qlegal?

Accepted Answer

Create or log in to your NotarioPH by Qlegal account, upload your document, and choose In-Person Electronic Notarization (IEN) or Remote Electronic Notarization (REN). Submit your request, complete the required identity verification and payment, and your selected or assigned Electronic Notary Public (ENP) will review your documents and guide you through the notarization process.

Question 13

What documents can be electronically notarized?

Accepted Answer

The Rules on eNotarization recognize electronic documents in Portable Document Format (PDF) or Portable Document Format for Archival (PDF/A). These may include documents created electronically or scanned copies of paper documents, provided they meet the applicable requirements for electronic notarization.

However, notarial wills and depositions are expressly excluded from eNotarization. Even if they are submitted in PDF or PDF/A format, they cannot be the subject of electronic notarial acts under the Rules on eNotarization.

Notarial wills, depositions, and paper documents or instruments continue to be governed by A.M. No. 02-8-13, or the 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice.

Question 14

Do I need to be physically present for Enotarization?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. eNotarization may be completed through either In-Person Electronic Notarization (IEN), Remote Electronic Notarization (REN), or a combination of both, depending on the applicable requirements.

IEN is performed when the principal and any required witnesses are physically present before the Electronic Notary Public (ENP), while the electronic documents, signatures, and notarial act are processed through the Electronic Notarization Facility (ENF).

REN allows the principal and any required witnesses to appear before the ENP through secure videoconferencing using the ENF, subject to the requirements of the Rules on eNotarization.

Question 15

When is IEN, REN, or a combination of both appropriate?

Accepted Answer

REN (Remote Electronic Notarization) is appropriate when the principal and any required witnesses cannot physically appear before the ENP. They appear remotely through the ENF’s secure videoconferencing facility and may participate in the same notarial transaction, subject to the requirements of the Rules on eNotarization.

IEN (In-Person Electronic Notarization) is appropriate when the principal and any required witnesses can physically appear before the ENP. The participants appear in person, while the electronic document, signatures, and notarial act are completed through the ENF.

A combination of REN and IEN may be used when some participants can appear physically before the ENP while others participate remotely, subject to the applicable requirements.

In simple terms

• REN = appear remotely
• IEN = appear in person
• REN + IEN = participants may appear through a combination of remote and in-person participation

Question 16

Can witnesses join the notarization session remotely?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Witnesses may participate remotely in an REN session, complete the required identity verification, and electronically sign the document, subject to the Rules on eNotarization and the ENP’s requirements.

Each witness must have their own NotarioPH by Qlegal account. Witnesses cannot use the principal’s account or share the principal’s device for the same videoconference session. This is because the ENF must independently verify the identity and credentials of every participant before the notarial act is performed.

This separate-account requirement helps protect the identity of each participant and maintain the integrity, security, and auditability of the electronic notarial transaction.

Question 17

Can a witness use the principal’s NotarioPH by Qlegal account or device?

Accepted Answer

No. Witnesses must also create and use their own accounts because the identity and credential of each participant is verified by the ENF prior to the performance of the notarial act. This procedure ensures the integrity of the notarial transaction.

Question 18

How long does Enotarization take?

Accepted Answer

Processing time depends on the type of document, completeness of your submission, required verification, and ENP availability. Once all requirements are complete, many straightforward notarization transactions can be completed in as little as five (5) minutes.

Question 19

Can I reschedule my notarization session?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You may request to reschedule your notarization session through NotarioPH by Qlegal, subject to the availability of your selected ENP and applicable scheduling or rescheduling policies.

Question 20

Can I notarize documents from outside the Philippines?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Electronic Notary Publics (ENPs) may perform Remote Electronic Notarization (REN) for principals located outside the Philippines, but only under specific conditions. At the time of the electronic notarial act:

• The principal must be physically present within a Philippine embassy, consular office, or the office of a Philippine Honorary Consul; and
• A designated officer of the Philippine foreign service post must confirm the principal’s presence.

Important: This limited cross-border REN arrangement is subject to the laws, regulations, and practical restrictions of the country where the principal is located and may not be available in all jurisdictions.

Question 21

Do I have to be in the same locality as the ENP to have my documents electronically notarized?

Accepted Answer

No. You do not need to be in the same locality as the ENP. Under the Rules on eNotarization, an ENP may perform Remote Electronic Notarization (REN) for eligible principals located anywhere in the Philippines, subject to the applicable requirements of the Rules.

Question 22

Can I scan a paper document with wet signatures and upload it to the ENF in PDF format for electronic notarization?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Scanned copies of paper documents bearing wet-ink signatures may be treated as electronic documents for purposes of the Rules on eNotarization.

However, pre-signed electronic documents are permitted only for certain notarial acts, such as acknowledgment, affirmation, or oath, and remain subject to the applicable requirements of the Rules and the ENP.

Question 23

Can I upload multiple documents or use batch eNotarization with NotarioPH by Qlegal?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can upload multiple eligible documents and process them in a single Remote (REN) or In-Person Electronic Notarization (IEN) session, with a combined upload limit of 25 MB.

Need more capacity? You can add another 25 MB for an additional fee, allowing you to process larger document sets efficiently in one notarization session.

Question 24

Are electronically notarized documents legally acceptable and recognized?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Under the Supreme Court Rules on eNotarization, a notarial act performed in accordance with the Rules has the same validity, force, and effect as a notarial act performed under the 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice.

Accordingly, an electronically notarized document may be relied upon to the same extent as a traditionally notarized document, provided that all applicable legal requirements are satisfied and the notarial act is properly performed by a duly commissioned Electronic Notary Public (ENP).

Question 25

How does NotarioPH by Qlegal verify my identity?

Accepted Answer

NotarioPH by Qlegal uses KYC, document verification, liveness detection, and other security controls to support the identity-verification process. However, technology is not the final authority. The ENP is.

At the heart of every IEN and REN transaction is a duly commissioned Electronic Notary Public (ENP) who remains responsible for the proper performance of the notarial act. AI and automated verification tools assist the ENP by helping validate identity, documents, and transaction integrity, while professional human judgment remains essential.

NotarioPH by Qlegal combines trusted professionals with secure technology to create a scalable model of decentralized digital trust enabling people and organizations to verify, transact, and notarize securely and confidently in the digital economy.

Question 26

What is KYC and liveness verification?

Accepted Answer

KYC (Know Your Customer) verifies your identity by collecting required personal information and valid identification documents.

Liveness verification helps confirm that you are a real, live person and that you match the identity being verified, helping protect against impersonation, fraud, and spoofing attempts.

Question 27

How are my documents and personal information protected?

Accepted Answer

NotarioPH by Qlegal uses encryption, secure access controls, identity verification, audit trails, and other security safeguards designed to protect your documents and personal information throughout the notarization process.

Our security measures are designed to support compliance with applicable data privacy, information security, and electronic notarization requirements, helping keep your information secure, confidential, and traceable.

Question 28

Are notarized documents tamper-evident?

Accepted Answer

Yes. NotarioPH by Qlegal uses digital notarial seals and tamper-evident records, including blockchain-based security controls, to help protect the integrity, authenticity, and traceability of electronically notarized documents.

These technologies provide an additional layer of trust and help make unauthorized alteration or tampering detectable and auditable throughout the document lifecycle.

Question 29

Can I verify the authenticity of a notarized document?

Accepted Answer

Yes. NotarioPH by Qlegal provides secure mechanisms to verify electronically notarized documents and their associated notarial records, subject to the applicable verification process.

To verify a NotarioPH by Qlegal–notarized document, simply scan its QR code to access the available verification information and confirm its authenticity and integrity.

Question 30

How long are documents and session recordings stored?

Accepted Answer

Completed notarized documents and live session recordings are securely stored and accessible through your NotarioPH by Qlegal account for up to 90 days under the standard retention period.

Extended storage may be available for an additional fee, subject to NotarioPH’s applicable policies, legal requirements, and retention rules.

Question 31

Is the performance of an electronic notarial act required to be recorded?

Accepted Answer

No. AV recording is not automatic. The creation and retention of an audiovisual (AV) recording is at the discretion and for the benefit of the principal. If you want your REN session recorded, you must request the recording before the electronic notarial act begins.

If requested, the AV recording may be created and made available for download, subject to applicable retention policies, fees, and legal requirements. The process is similar to recording and downloading a session using a standard videoconferencing platform.

Question 32

How will the ENP know the location of the parties to REN?

Accepted Answer

NotarioPH by Qlegal uses geolocation and other security controls to verify a participant’s location during an electronic notarization session. The platform is designed to detect and restrict the use of VPNs or similar technologies intended to mask or alter the user’s actual location, in accordance with the Rules on eNotarization.

The ENP may also require participants to pan or move their camera during the session to help visually confirm their physical surroundings and location.

These measures work together to strengthen location verification, transaction integrity, and compliance with the applicable eNotarization requirements.

Question 33

How much does Electronic Notarization cost?

Accepted Answer

Fees vary depending on the type of notarization, the document, and the applicable Electronic Notary Public (ENP) fees. As a general guide, fees may start at approximately ₱400–₱600 or more, depending on the transaction.

The total applicable cost will be clearly displayed for your review before you confirm the notarization request, so you know the fees in advance.

Question 34

Are there additional fees for IEN or REN?

Accepted Answer

IEN and REN sessions are priced at the same standard notarization rate, although fees may vary depending on the applicable ENP and type of notarial act.

Additional services may incur separate fees, such as:

• REN session recording – secure audiovisual recording upon request
• Additional document upload capacity – an additional 25 MB beyond the standard limit
• Extended document access – extend online access to a completed notarized document for up to one year per document

All applicable fees will be clearly disclosed before you confirm the transaction, so you can review the total cost in advance.

Question 35

How do I pay for a notarization session?

Accepted Answer

Payments can be made through the available cash and online payment options provided by NotarioPH by Qlegal. For Electronic Notary Publics (ENPs) using designated payment facilities, applicable payments may be credited directly to the ENP’s account, subject to the terms, conditions, and processing requirements of the applicable payment provider.

All applicable fees and charges will be clearly presented before the transaction is confirmed.

Question 36

What is the cancellation, rescheduling, and refund policy?

Accepted Answer

Refund eligibility depends on the reason for cancellation, transaction status, applicable ENP policies, and NotarioPH by Qlegal’s prevailing terms and conditions. Any approved refund will be processed in accordance with the applicable refund policy.

Cancellation during an ongoing notarization session

• First cancellation: The cancellation fee is waived.
• Second and subsequent cancellations: A ₱75 cancellation fee will apply when the cancellation is initiated by the client/signatory during an ongoing session.

Rescheduling

• You may reschedule your session free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled appointment, subject to ENP availability.
• If rescheduling is requested during an ongoing notarization session, a ₱50 rescheduling fee will apply.

No-show

A ₱50 no-show fee applies if the client/signatory fails to appear or participate during the scheduled notarization session.

All applicable fees and refund conditions will be disclosed in accordance with NotarioPH by Qlegal’s prevailing policies and terms.

Question 37

How do I become a NotarioPH by Qlegal Partner ENP?

Accepted Answer

Getting started is simple. Create your NotarioPH by Qlegal account, complete the required business information, and upload the legal and supporting documents required for ENP registration.

Once your application is submitted, our team will review your requirements and send you an email with the application status and confirmation. The review and confirmation process typically takes up to three (3) business days, subject to the completeness and verification of your submitted documents.

Question 38

How does an ENP receive notarization requests?

Accepted Answer

Participating Electronic Notary Publics (ENPs) can receive notarization requests from clients through the NotarioPH by Qlegal platform. Requests may be matched or assigned based on the ENP’s profile, availability, service coverage, and applicable booking procedures.

ENPs can manage their availability and accept eligible requests through the platform, helping clients connect with the right notarial professional efficiently and securely.

Question 39

Can I set my own schedule and availability?

Accepted Answer

Yes. ENPs can manage their availability and schedules through NotarioPH by Qlegal, allowing them to accept notarization requests based on their preferred working hours, availability, and capacity.

This gives ENPs greater flexibility and control while helping clients connect with an available ENP at a convenient time.

Question 40

Can I reschedule a notarization session?

Accepted Answer

Yes. ENPs may coordinate with clients and reschedule notarization sessions through NotarioPH by Qlegal, subject to client communication, ENP availability, and applicable scheduling policies.

If an ENP initiates or requests rescheduling during an ongoing electronic notarization session, a 1 Qredit rescheduling fee will apply.

Question 41

How do ENPs receive payments?

Accepted Answer

ENPs can receive applicable payments through their preferred designated payment facility. NotarioPH by Qlegal provides participating ENPs with available payment options and facilitates the application and account-linking process.

ENPs may select a payment facility, complete the required partner application, and link their bank or eligible payment account, subject to the payment provider’s terms, fees, verification procedures, and account requirements.

Payments will be processed and credited in accordance with the applicable payment facility’s policies.

Question 42

What are QRedits and how are they consumed?

Accepted Answer

QRedits are NotarioPH by Qlegal’s platform usage credits. 1 Qredit = ₱50 and may be used for eligible platform services and features.

For participating Partner ENPs, the applicable partnership package may include a minimum monthly or annual QRedits commitment, with credits consumed based on the services used.

Qredit validity and transferability depend on the applicable partnership terms and policies.

Question 43

What happens when my ENP commission expires, is suspended, or revoked?

Accepted Answer

NotarioPH by Qlegal ENP Partner status and access to perform electronic notarization are subject to maintaining a valid and active Electronic Notary Public (ENP) commission.

If an ENP’s commission expires, is suspended, cancelled, or revoked, NotarioPH by Qlegal may temporarily suspend the ENP’s electronic notarization access until the commission is renewed or reinstated and all applicable requirements are satisfied.

This helps ensure that electronic notarization services are performed only by duly commissioned and authorized ENPs.

Question 44

What is the jurisdiction of ENPs?

Accepted Answer

A duly commissioned Electronic Notary Public (ENP) may perform eligible electronic notarial acts:

• For principals located anywhere in the Philippines, subject to the requirements of the Rules on eNotarization; and
• For principals located outside the Philippines, provided that, at the time of the electronic notarial act: the ENP is physically located in the Philippines; and the principal is physically present within the premises of a Philippine Embassy, Consular Office, or Office of a Philippine Honorary Consul, as applicable.

This limited cross-border REN arrangement is subject to the Rules on eNotarization and applicable laws and regulations of the jurisdiction where the principal is located.

Question 45

Do I have to possess an existing notarial commission under the 2004 Notarial Rules before I can apply for and be issued an Electronic Notarial Commission?

Accepted Answer

No. Holding an existing notarial commission under the 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice is not a prerequisite for obtaining an Electronic Notarial Commission (ENP Commission).

Applicants must, however, meet the qualifications and requirements prescribed under the Supreme Court Rules on eNotarization for the issuance of an Electronic Notarial Commission.

Question 46

What steps should I take if a principal is located abroad?

Accepted Answer

The ENP must verify that all applicable conditions under Section 5, Rule IV of the Rules on eNotarization are satisfied before proceeding. This includes:

• Confirming the principal’s declared location;
• Requesting the principal to pan or move the camera to help verify the declared location; and
• For principals located abroad, obtaining confirmation from a designated officer of the Philippine foreign service post that the principal is physically present within the required premises.

If all applicable requirements are satisfied, the electronic notarial transaction may proceed. If any required condition is not met, the ENP may refuse to perform or complete the electronic notarial act.

Any refusal to proceed must be properly recorded in the Electronic Notarial Book, in accordance with Section 2(b), Rule VIII of the Rules on eNotarization.

Question 47

Do ENPs have the same reportorial obligation as those under the 2004 Notarial Rules?

Accepted Answer

Yes. During the Transitional Period from the effectivity of the Rules on eNotarization until the Supreme Court Central Notarial Database (SC-CND) is established and operational, the ENP must submit the required electronic records to the Supreme Court through the designated reporting channel.

The ENP must submit, within the first ten (10) days of the following month:

• A certified electronic copy of the Electronic Notarial Book containing the month’s entries; and
• Copies of the corresponding electronically notarized documents.

Example: Records for January must be submitted on or before February 10.

If there are no entries for the month, the ENP must instead submit a statement confirming that there were no notarial entries to report.

Once the SC-CND is established and operational, this manual reporting requirement will cease, as the ENF will automatically transmit the required records to the SC-CND in accordance with the Rules.

Question 48

Is the creation and retention of AV recordings of the electronic notarial act mandatory?

Accepted Answer

No. The creation and retention of an audiovisual (AV) recording of an electronic notarial act is at the discretion and for the benefit of the principal. An ENP is not required to create or retain an AV recording unless the principal requests one, subject to the applicable rules and requirements.

If an AV recording is requested, the request should be made before the electronic notarial act begins.

Question 49

Are the ENPs required to retain copies of the notarized documents, and copies of the Electronic Notarial Book?

Accepted Answer

ENPs are required to retain copies of electronically notarized documents for the duration of their Electronic Notarial Commission, unless a court of competent jurisdiction orders a longer retention period.

ENPs must also maintain a duplicate copy of their Electronic Notarial Book for the duration of their commission.

These retention requirements help preserve the integrity, accessibility, and auditability of electronic notarial records in accordance with the Rules on eNotarization.

Question 50

Can enterprises integrate NotarioPH by Qlegal with their existing systems?

Accepted Answer

Yes. NotarioPH by Qlegal is designed to integrate with eligible ERP, case management, document management, and other enterprise systems through secure APIs.

This enables organizations to initiate notarization requests, exchange documents and data, track transaction status, and retrieve notarized records directly within their existing workflows, reducing manual processes and creating a seamless digital notarization experience.

Question 51

Does NotarioPH by Qlegal offer API integration?

Accepted Answer

Yes. NotarioPH by Qlegal provides secure API capabilities that allow organizations to integrate electronic notarization directly into their existing systems, applications, and business workflows.

This enables organizations to incorporate notarization seamlessly into their digital processes while maintaining security, traceability, and compliance with applicable requirements.

Question 52

Can we automate our ENotarization workflows?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Organizations can integrate NotarioPH by Qlegal into their existing systems, applications, and workflows through secure APIs. This can help automate key processes such as document submission, notarization requests, electronic signing, transaction tracking, and record management, subject to the applicable integration scope and requirements.

This allows organizations to embed electronic notarization directly into their digital processes without disrupting their existing workflows.

Question 53

Can multiple users manage ENotarization requests?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Business and organizational accounts can support multiple authorized users with role-based access, depending on the organization’s NotarioPH by Qlegal account configuration.

This allows organizations to assign appropriate access and responsibilities to team members while maintaining security, accountability, and control over notarization transactions and records.

Question 54

Can NotarioPH by Qlegal support high-volume notarization?

Accepted Answer

Yes. NotarioPH by Qlegal is designed to support scalable, high-volume electronic notarization workflows for businesses and organizations.

Organizations can streamline large-volume transactions through features such as batch eNotarization, multiple document uploads, and scheduling of multiple REN sessions, helping teams process notarizations more efficiently while maintaining secure verification, tracking, and record management.

Question 55

Can we track and audit ENotarization transactions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. NotarioPH by Qlegal maintains verifiable notarization records, audit trails, transaction histories, and electronic notarial records to support monitoring, traceability, and audit requirements.

These records help provide a clear and traceable history of each transaction, subject to applicable retention, privacy, security, and regulatory requirements.

Question 56

How can our organization become a NotarioPH by Qlegal Enterprise Partner?

Accepted Answer

Organizations can partner with NotarioPH by Qlegal to integrate electronic notarization into their business workflows, serving clients at scale. We offer flexible partnership opportunities based on your organization’s transaction volume, integration requirements, and business objectives.

Explore our partnership programs

• NotarioPH by Qlegal for Business – Enterprise solutions for businesses and organizations.
• NotarioPH by Qlegal Affiliate Partner – Grow your business by referring clients to NotarioPH.
• NotarioPH by Qlegal Referral Partner – Earn through qualified client referrals and introductions.

Contact us to discuss partnership opportunities, API integration, high-volume notarization, and customized solutions.

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