How to Notarize a Document in the Philippines (2026 Guide)

What Notarization Does

Notarization converts a private document into a public document. A public document carries stronger evidentiary weight in court (it is presumed authentic and duly executed) and, for certain transactions, is a precondition to registration — for example, a deed of sale affecting registered land must be notarized before the Registry of Deeds will act on it. The notary public verifies the identity of the signatories, confirms their voluntary execution, and records the act in a notarial register.

How to Notarize a Document: Step by Step

1. Prepare the complete, unsigned document

Finalize the document and make sure every blank is filled. Do NOT sign it yet — under the Rules on Notarial Practice you must sign in the personal presence of the notary public.

2. Bring competent evidence of identity

Bring at least one current government-issued ID bearing your photograph and signature (e.g. passport, driver's license, PhilSys ID, UMID). The notary records the ID type and number in the notarial register.

3. Appear personally before a notary public

Go to a commissioned notary public within the territorial jurisdiction where they are commissioned. All signatories must appear in person; a notary cannot notarize for someone who is not physically present.

4. Sign in the presence of the notary

Sign the document in front of the notary. For a jurat, you also swear to the truth of its contents; for an acknowledgment, you declare that the signature is your free and voluntary act.

5. Notary completes the notarial act

The notary fills in the jurat or acknowledgment, affixes their signature and notarial seal, and records the act in the notarial register with the Doc. No., Page No., Book No., and Series.

6. Pay the notarial fee and keep your copies

Pay the prescribed notarial fee and keep your notarized copies. For documents that must be registered (deeds, mortgages), proceed to the BIR and Registry of Deeds.

Jurat vs. Acknowledgment

Two notarial acts cover most documents:

Jurat — the affiant swears to the truth of the contents and signs before the notary. Used for affidavits and sworn statements. The closing reads "SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO BEFORE ME…".
Acknowledgment — the party declares the document is their free and voluntary act. Used for deeds, contracts, and powers of attorney. The closing reads "BEFORE ME… personally appeared…".

When you generate a document with Legalia, the correct notarial block — jurat or acknowledgment — and the notarial register fields (Doc. No., Page No., Book No., Series of) are already in place, ready for the notary to complete.

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Every Legalia document comes formatted with the right jurat or acknowledgment block. Fill a short form, print, and bring it to your notary. Sign up free to get started.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a jurat and an acknowledgment?

A jurat is used when a person swears to the truth of the contents of a document (typical for affidavits) — the affiant signs in the notary's presence and takes an oath. An acknowledgment is used when a person declares that they executed a document as their free and voluntary act (typical for deeds and contracts) — it does not involve an oath as to truth, but a declaration of due execution.

Can I sign the document before going to the notary?

No. The 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice require the signatory to appear in person and sign (or acknowledge their signature) before the notary public. A document signed beforehand and brought in without personal appearance cannot be properly notarized.

What IDs are accepted for notarization in the Philippines?

Competent evidence of identity means at least one current government-issued ID bearing the individual's photograph and signature — such as a Philippine passport, driver's license, PhilSys (national) ID, UMID, or PRC ID. The notary records the ID details in the notarial register.

How much does it cost to notarize a document in the Philippines?

Notarial fees vary by document type, value, and locality, and are governed by the schedule approved by the Executive Judge in each jurisdiction. Simple affidavits are usually inexpensive; deeds and contracts involving property are charged more. Ask the notary for the applicable fee before signing.

Do all documents need to be notarized to be valid?

No. Many documents are valid between the parties without notarization. Notarization converts a private document into a public document with stronger evidentiary value and is required for certain transactions — for example, deeds affecting registered land that must be registered with the Registry of Deeds.

How to Notarize a Document in the Philippines