Electronic Notarisation in Ireland: Current Status

As the world increasingly moves towards digital solutions for legal and administrative processes, many people wonder whether notarisation can be done electronically in Ireland. This article examines the current status of electronic notarisation, the legal framework for electronic signatures, relevant EU developments, and what the future may hold for digital notarial services in Ireland.

Current Position: Traditional Notarisation Required

As of 2025, Ireland maintains a traditional, in-person notarisation system. This means:

• The client must attend before the Notary Public in person
• Identity is verified through physical inspection of original documents
• Signatures are witnessed in the physical presence of the notary
• The notary's physical seal (an embossed or ink stamp) is applied directly to the document
• A notarial certificate is prepared and physically signed by the notary

There is currently no legislation in Ireland that authorises fully electronic or remote notarisation.

Electronic Signatures in Ireland

While electronic notarisation is not yet available, electronic signatures are legally recognised in Ireland under the Electronic Commerce Act 2000 and the EU eIDAS Regulation (EU 910/2014). The eIDAS Regulation establishes three levels of electronic signature:

1. Simple electronic signature: Any electronic data attached to or logically associated with other electronic data (e.g., typing your name in an email)
2. Advanced electronic signature: Uniquely linked to the signatory, capable of identifying the signatory, and linked to the data in such a way that any subsequent change is detectable
3. Qualified electronic signature: An advanced electronic signature created by a qualified electronic signature creation device and based on a qualified certificate — this has the legal equivalent of a handwritten signature across all EU member states

However, electronic signatures are excluded from certain transactions under Irish law, including some types of property transfers, wills, and certain court documents. And importantly, the notarial act itself — the application of the notary's seal and the creation of the notarial certificate — is not currently covered by electronic signature legislation.

The eIDAS 2.0 Framework

The EU is currently developing the eIDAS 2.0 framework, which includes the European Digital Identity Wallet. This updated regulation aims to:

• Provide every EU citizen with a digital identity wallet
• Enable secure online identification and authentication across borders
• Expand the trust services framework to include new types of electronic authentication
• Facilitate digital transformation of public and private services

While eIDAS 2.0 does not specifically mandate electronic notarisation, the digital identity infrastructure it creates could eventually provide the foundation for some form of remote or electronic notarial services.

Challenges to Electronic Notarisation

Several challenges would need to be addressed before electronic notarisation could be introduced in Ireland:

• International acceptance: The whole point of notarisation is international recognition. Electronic notarisation would need to be accepted by foreign authorities, which requires international consensus.
• Identity verification: Remote identity verification technology would need to meet the same rigorous standards as in-person verification.
• Document integrity: The electronic system would need to provide the same level of assurance about document integrity as the physical seal.
• AML compliance: Remote customer due diligence would need to satisfy the requirements of Irish AML legislation.
• Legal framework: New legislation would be required to authorise electronic notarial acts.
• Professional standards: The Faculty of Notaries Public in Ireland would need to develop new practice rules for electronic notarisation.

What Other Countries Are Doing

• United States: Many states have adopted Remote Online Notarisation (RON), but US notaries have far fewer qualifications and less authority than Irish notaries
• Estonia: As a leader in digital government, Estonia has implemented electronic notarisation using its advanced digital identity infrastructure
• France: Has introduced limited electronic notarisation for certain transactions, using secure electronic signatures and video conferencing
• Most EU countries: Still require traditional in-person notarisation for most notarial acts

In the Meantime: Efficient In-Person Service

While electronic notarisation may come to Ireland in the future, for now the in-person process is well-established, efficient, and reliable. Hugh Phelan's office makes the process as convenient as possible with:

• Same-day appointments when available
• Remote preparation — send documents by email in advance for review
• Phone and email consultations before your appointment
• Efficient appointments — most take just 15–30 minutes

Contact us at 021-489-7134 or info@phelansolicitors.com, or book an appointment online.