Question 1

What is QLegal?

Accepted Answer

QLegal is a Supreme Court-accredited Electronic Notarization Facility that enables secure, convenient, and compliant electronic notarization through In-Person Electronic Notarization (IEN) and Remote Electronic Notarization (REN). It connects clients with participating Electronic Notaries Public (ENPs) and provides a secure end-to-end platform for identity verification, electronic signing, notarization, document security, and verifiable audit trails.

Question 2

Who can use QLegal?

Accepted Answer

QLegal can be used by individuals, businesses, organizations, and participating Electronic Notaries Public (ENPs) who need secure electronic notarization services.

Question 3

Do I need an account to use QLegal?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A QLegal account is required to submit notarization requests, upload documents, manage appointments, and access completed notarized documents.

Question 4

Is creating a QLegal account free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Creating and activating a QLegal account is free. Applicable fees are charged for paid services, such as electronic notarization, based on the applicable rates.

Question 5

How do I create and verify my account?

Accepted Answer

Create your QLegal account using your basic information, verify your email or required contact details, and complete the applicable identity verification and KYC requirements.

Question 6

What devices can I use to access QLegal?

Accepted Answer

QLegal can be accessed using a desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone, providing a seamless experience across devices.

Question 7

Is QLegal available 24/7?

Accepted Answer

The QLegal platform is designed to be accessible anytime, anywhere. Notarization sessions are subject to the availability and schedule of participating ENPs.

Question 8

What is electronic notarization?

Accepted Answer

Electronic notarization is the performance of notarial acts, such as acknowledgment, affirmations or oath, and jurat, by an Electronic Notary Public using Electronic Notarization Facility and involving electronic documents.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

The Rules on eNotarization cover the following acts: (a) Acknowledgment by Electronic Means (Section 1, Rule IV); (b) Affirmation or Oath by Electronic Means (Section 2, Rule IV); (c) Jurat by Electronic Means (Section 3, Rule IV); and (d) Signature Witnessing by Electronic Means (Section 4, Rule IV).

Notarial wills and deposition taking are excluded.

Question 10

What is the difference between IEN and REN?

Accepted Answer

IEN (In-Person Electronic Notarization) is performed with the participants physically present before the ENP, while REN (Remote Electronic Notarization) allows the notarization session to be conducted remotely anywhere within the Philippines and soon abroad through a secure electronic notarial facility such as QLegal, subject to applicable requirements.

Question 11

How do I get a document notarized through QLegal?

Accepted Answer

Create or access your QLegal account, upload your document, select IEN or REN, submit your request, and complete the required verification and payment steps. Your assigned or selected ENP will review the request and conduct the notarization session.

Question 12

What documents can be electronically notarized?

Accepted Answer

The Rules on eNotarization cover electronic documents, which refer to documents or instruments in Portable Document Format (PDF) or Portable Document Archival (PDF/A) format. These may include scanned copies of paper documents or instruments.

However, notarial wills and depositions, even if in PDF or PDF/A format, are not covered by the Rules on eNotarization and cannot be the subject of electronic notarial acts.

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

Question 13

Do I need to be physically present for Enotarization?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. REN allows qualified participants to complete the notarization session remotely, while IEN requires physical presence before the ENP. The Rules on eNotarization allow the performance of In-Person Electronic Notarization (IEN), Remote Electronic Notarization (REN), or a combination of both.

IEN refers to the notarization of electronic documents using the ENF where the principal and witnesses, if any, physically appear before the ENP.

REN refers to the notarization of electronic documents using the ENF where the principal and witnesses, if any, appear before the ENP through videoconferencing.

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

REN is used when all parties and witnesses, if any, to an electronic document are located remotely and cannot physically appear before the ENP. In REN, the parties can simultaneously appear before the ENP using the videoconferencing facility of the ENF in a single notarial transaction. Under the 2004 Notarial Rules, this would have required each of the party to physically appear before the notary public in their respective location to have the paper document notarized in counterparts.

IEN is appropriate when all parties and witnesses, if any, to an electronic document can physically appear before the ENP. This is similar to the traditional notarization under the 2004 Notarial Rules, but it involves the notarization of electronic document, which can only be done using ENF.

A combination of REN and IEN is appropriate when some parties and witnesses, if any, are not capable of physically appearing before the ENP, while others can.

Question 15

Can witnesses join the notarization session remotely?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Witnesses may join the notarization session remotely, complete the required identity verification, and electronically sign the document, subject to applicable rules and the ENP’s requirements.

Question 16

How long does Enotarization take?

Accepted Answer

Processing time depends on the document, verification requirements, ENP availability, and completeness of the submission. Many straightforward transactions can be completed within five (5) minutes once all requirements are satisfied.

Question 17

Can I reschedule my notarization session?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Subject to the ENP's availability and applicable scheduling policies, you may request to reschedule your session through QLegal.

Question 18

Can I notarize documents from outside the Philippines?

Accepted Answer

Yes. ENPs are also authorized to perform REN for principals located outside the Philippines provided that at the time of the performance of the electronic notarial act: (a) the principal is within the premises of a Philippine embassy, consular office, or office of a Philippine Honorary Consul, and (b) a designated officer from these foreign posts confirms the principal’s presence.

This limited extraterritorial performance of REN may not be available in certain jurisdictions due to physical and legal restrictions abroad.

Question 19

If I am a witness to an electronic notarial transaction, can I use the same QLegal account that the principal is using (i.e., appear in the same videoconference using the device being used by the principal)?

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 20

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

Accepted Answer

No. There is no need to be in the same locality as the ENP since ENPs are authorized to perform REN for principals located anywhere in the Philippines.

Question 21

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 a paper documents with wet signatures are considered electronic documents for purposes of the Rules on eNotarization.

However, pre-signed electronic documents are only acceptable for acknowledgement, affirmation, or oath.

Question 22

Is electronic notarization legally valid?

Accepted Answer

QLegal is designed to support electronic notarization in accordance with applicable Philippine laws, Supreme Court rules, and electronic notarization requirements. The validity of a specific notarization depends on compliance with all applicable requirements and the proper performance of the notarial act by the ENP.

Question 23

How does QLegal verify my identity?

Accepted Answer

QLegal uses secure KYC, document verification, and liveness checks to support identity verification. But technology alone is not the final authority.

At the heart of every QLegal IEN and REN transaction is a trusted Electronic Notaries Public (ENP). AI and automated identity verification can assist the process, but humans remain essential in validating identity, documents, and the integrity of the notarization.

QLegal puts trusted ENPs in the loop, combining technology with professional human judgment to create a scalable model of decentralized digital trust where people can verify people, securely and confidently, in the digital economy.

Question 24

What is KYC and liveness verification?

Accepted Answer

KYC (Know Your Customer) verifies your identity using required information and identification documents. Liveness verification helps confirm that the person completing the verification is a live individual and matches the identity being verified.

Question 25

How are my documents and personal information protected?

Accepted Answer

QLegal uses security controls, access management, audit trails, encryption and other safeguards designed to protect documents and personal information in accordance with applicable data protection and security requirements.

Question 26

Are notarized documents tamper-evident?

Accepted Answer

Yes. QLegal uses digital notarial seals and blockchain-secured, tamper-evident records to help preserve document integrity, authenticity, and traceability.

Question 27

Can I verify the authenticity of a notarized document?

Accepted Answer

Yes. QLegal provides mechanisms to verify notarized electronic documents and their associated records, subject to the applicable verification process. Scan the QR code of a Qlegal Notarized document

Question 28

How long are documents and session recordings stored?

Accepted Answer

Completed notarized documents and live session recordings are securely stored and accessible through the user’s QLegal account for up to 90 days under the standard retention period. Extended storage may be available subject to applicable fees, QLegal policies, and legal requirements.

Question 29

Are electronically notarized documents legally acceptable and recognized?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Any notarial act performed in accordance with the Rules in eNotarization shall have the same validity, force, and effect and may be relied upon to the same extent as any other notarial act performed under the 2004 Notarial Rules.

Question 30

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

Accepted Answer

The creation and retention of the audiovisual (AV) recordings are at the discretion, and for the benefit of, the principals. Thus, the principal should signify his or her request to create an AV recording before the start of the performance of the electronic notarial act.

The creation and downloading of AV recordings is similar to how a videoconference is recorded and downloaded using videoconferencing apps.

Question 31

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

Accepted Answer

The QLegal platform is equipped with geolocation functionality to detect user locations. It has the capacity to identify and disable the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) or other technology calculated to alter the actual location of the users. Under the Rules on eNotarization, the use of VPN or similar programs and extensions to change the location of a party is a punishable act.

In addition to these technologies, the ENPs can also require the parties to pan their videos to confirm their location.

Question 32

How much does electronic notarization cost?

Accepted Answer

Fees vary depending on the type of notarization, document, and applicable ENP fees. The total cost will be clearly presented for your review before you confirm the transaction.

Question 33

Are there additional fees for IEN or REN?

Accepted Answer

Fees may vary depending on the notarization method and ENP. Any applicable charges should be disclosed before confirmation of the transaction.

Question 34

How do I pay for a notarization session?

Accepted Answer

Payments can be made through QLegal’s available cash and online payment options. For ENPs using the designated payment facility, payments may be credited directly to their account, subject to the applicable payment provider’s terms and conditions.

Question 35

What are QRedits and how do they work?

Accepted Answer

QRedits are QLegal usage credits used to access designated platform services. The number of QRedits required depends on the service or transaction. Your QLegal account displays your available credits and applicable consumption.

Question 36

Can I get a refund if I cancel or reschedule?

Accepted Answer

Refund eligibility depends on the reason for cancellation, transaction status, ENP policies, and applicable QLegal terms. Any applicable refund will be processed according to the prevailing refund policy. Consumed Qredits are nonrefundable.

Question 37

How do I apply as an Electronic Notary Public (ENP)?

Accepted Answer

Create your QLegal account, obtain your Supreme Court Electronic Notarial Commission, then complete QLegal’s KYC, certification, and ENP onboarding requirements.

Click “Apply as an ENP” for complete instructions.

Once commissioned, complete QLegal’s ENP onboarding, KYC, certification, and facility requirements to activate your ENP account and start providing electronic notarization services through QLegal. Click Apply as an ENP for complete instruction.

Question 38

Who is qualified to become an ENP?

Accepted Answer

Eligibility is determined by the Supreme Court's applicable rules and requirements for Electronic Notaries Public. Applicants must meet the qualifications and successfully complete the prescribed application and evaluation process.

Question 39

How long is an ENP commission valid?

Accepted Answer

An ENP commission is generally valid for two years, subject to the terms and conditions of the commission and applicable Supreme Court rules.

Question 40

How do I become a QLegal Partner ENP?

Accepted Answer

After obtaining the required ENP commission, eligible lawyers may complete QLegal's onboarding, verification, training, and partnership requirements to become a participating QLegal ENP.

Question 41

What are the requirements to join QLegal?

Accepted Answer

ENPs must maintain a valid ENP commission and complete QLegal's applicable onboarding, verification, account, and partnership requirements.

Question 42

How does an ENP receive notarization requests?

Accepted Answer

Participating ENPs may receive notarization requests through the QLegal platform based on their profile, availability, service coverage, and applicable matching or booking procedures.

Question 43

Can I set my own schedule and availability?

Accepted Answer

Yes. ENPs can manage their availability and schedule, allowing them to accept notarization requests based on their preferred working hours and capacity.

Question 44

Can I reschedule a notarization session?

Accepted Answer

Yes. ENPs may coordinate or reschedule sessions through QLegal, subject to client communication, availability, and applicable scheduling policies.

Question 45

How do ENPs receive payments?

Accepted Answer

ENPs receive applicable payments through the designated payment facility, subject to the applicable payment terms, fees, and account requirements.

Question 46

What are QRedits and how are they consumed?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 47

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

Accepted Answer

QLegal Partner status and authority to perform electronic notarization through the platform are dependent on maintaining a valid and active ENP commission. If a commission expires, is suspended, cancelled, or revoked, QLegal may put on hold the ENP's electronic notarization access until the applicable requirements are satisfied.

Question 48

What is the jurisdiction of ENPs?

Accepted Answer

A commissioned ENP is authorized to perform electronic notarial acts:

1. For principals located anywhere in the Philippines; and

2. For principals located outside the Philippines provided that the following conditions are met:

a. The ENP is physically located in the Philippines; and

b. The Principal, at the time of the performance of the electronic notarial act, is within the premises of any of the embassies of the Philippines, Philippine consular offices, or offices of Philippine Honorary Consuls abroad.

Question 49

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. Having an existing notarial commission under the 2004 Notarial Rules is not a pre-requisite for the issuance of an Electronic Notarial Commission.

Question 50

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

Accepted Answer

The ENP should ensure that the conditions under Section 5, Rule IV are present. Thus, the ENP should: (a) ask the principal where he or she is located; (b) require the principal to pan the video to confirm the principal’s declared location; and (c) request an officer from the foreign post to confirm principal’s presence within their premises.

If all the requirements under the rules are satisfied, the electronic notarial transaction may proceed as usual. If not, the ENP can refuse to complete the notarial transaction. The refusal to proceed with the electronic notarial act shall be recorded in the Electronic Notarial Book pursuant to Section 2(b), Rule VIII

Question 51

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

Accepted Answer

Yes. During the Transitional Period, the period from the date of effectivity of the Rules on eNotarization until the date when the Supreme Court Central Notarial Database, is established and becomes operational – the ENP shall forward to the ENS, through its dedicated email address:

(a) a certified electronic copy of the Electronic Notarial Book with the month’s entries; and

(b) copies of the corresponding notarized electronic documents

If there is no entry to certify for the month, the ENP shall email to the ENA a statement to this effect in lieu of the required certified copies .

The ENP should comply with this reportorial requirement within the first 10 days of the month immediately following (e.g., for the month of January, the ENP is required to submit a certified electronic copy of the Electronic Notarial Book and the copies of the documents notarized in January on or before February 10).

This obligation to transmit these files will cease after the Supreme Court Central Notarial Database is established and becomes operational because the transmission of the documents from the ENF to the SC Central Notarial Database will be automatic.

Question 52

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

Accepted Answer

No. The creation and retention of the AV recordings of the electronic notarial act are at the discretion, and for the benefit of, the principals. The ENPs are under no obligation to create and retain AV recordings.

Question 53

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

Accepted Answer

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

The ENPs are also required to store a duplicate copy of the Electronic Notarial Book until the expiration of their commission.

Question 54

Can businesses integrate QLegal with their existing systems?

Accepted Answer

Yes. QLegal can connect with eligible ERP, case management, document management, and other business systems through secure APIs.

Question 55

Does QLegal offer API integration?

Accepted Answer

Yes. QLegal provides secure API capabilities for organizations that want to integrate electronic notarization into their existing systems and workflows.

Question 56

Can we automate our notarization workflows?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Organizations can integrate QLegal into their workflows to automate document submission, notarization requests, signing, tracking, and record management, subject to the applicable integration scope.

Question 57

Can multiple users manage notarization requests?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Business and organizational accounts may support multiple authorized users and role-based access, depending on the organization's QLegal configuration.

Question 58

Can QLegal support high-volume notarization?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 59

Can we track and audit notarization transactions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. QLegal maintains verifiable records, audit trails, transaction histories, and notarization records to support monitoring, traceability, and audit requirements.

Question 60

How can our organization become a QLegal partner?

Accepted Answer

Organizations can contact QLegal to discuss partnership opportunities, integration requirements, transaction volumes, and customized electronic notarization solutions. Join QLegal for Business. How to be a QLegal Affiliate Partner or  QLegal Referral Partner .

Electronic Notarial Facility Built for the Digital Economy

Frequently Asked Questions

Electronic Notarial Facility Built for the Digital Economy

Frequently Asked Questions

General & Account

Electronic Notarization

Security & Compliance

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For Electronic Notaries Public (ENPs)

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