Are you ready for the session?

• You has a valid, unexpired government ID showing both photo and signatureMost people get this wrong
  Why this matters

  Competent evidence of identity means at least one current government-issued photo-and-signature ID: passport, driver's licence, PhilID, UMID, PRC, postal ID, OFW/OWWA ID, seaman's book, PWD ID or senior citizen ID. Expired IDs are rejected automatically by the platform, not by a person you can reason with.

• You has their OWN account on the platform
  Why this matters

  Each participant must be separately identity-verified, so accounts and devices cannot be shared. Two people signing from one login is the single most common reason a session fails.

• The document is saved as a PDF and is NOT signed yetMost people get this wrong
  Why this matters

  For a jurat you swear the contents are true, and the Rules require you to sign live in view of the e-notary. A pre-signed document cannot be used for a jurat. If you are unsure which act you need, leaving it unsigned is the safe choice — you can always sign during the session.

• A device with a working camera and microphone
  Why this matters

  Remote sessions are live video. Everyone stays on camera for the whole session — that is what replaces standing in front of the notary's desk.

• Internet fast enough for HD video — at least 2 Mbps per personMost people get this wrong
  Why this matters

  The Rules set a video floor of 1280×720 at roughly 2 Mbps per user. A weak connection does not just look bad, it can invalidate the session.

• A quiet, private room where you can be seen clearly
  Why this matters

  The e-notary has to confirm you are acting voluntarily and that nobody off-camera is pressuring you. A noisy or crowded space makes that impossible.

• You is physically inside the PhilippinesMost people get this wrong
  Why this matters

  The e-notary must always be in the Philippines, and as a general rule so must everyone else. The only exception is a principal physically inside a Philippine embassy, consular office or Honorary Consul's office. Turn any VPN off — using one to fake a location is a punishable act.

• A digital payment method ready
  Why this matters

  Accredited platforms take digital payments and issue e-receipts. Keep the receipt with your notarized document.

• Decide whether to ask for the session recording
  Why this matters

  Recording is optional and exists for the principal's benefit. If you want a copy, ask before the session starts — not afterwards.

Send this to anyone else joining your session — every person needs their own ID and their own account. General legal information only — not legal advice.