Digital Notarisation — Is Ireland Moving Online?

In an era where you can sign contracts, open bank accounts, and file tax returns online, the idea that you must physically attend a notary's office to get a document notarised can seem anachronistic. Several countries have moved to allow online notarisation. Is Ireland next? This article examines where things stand.

The Current Position in Ireland

Under Irish law, notarisation requires the personal appearance of the signatory before the Notary Public. The notary must:

• Verify the identity of the person signing (by examining original identification documents)
• Confirm the person understands the document they are signing
• Witness the actual signing of the document
• Apply their official notarial seal and signature

There is currently no legislation in Ireland that authorises fully remote or online notarisation. The regulatory framework for notaries public is overseen by the Chief Justice, and any change would require statutory reform.

What About Electronic Signatures?

Ireland recognises electronic signatures under both the EU's eIDAS Regulation (Regulation (EU) No 910/2014) and the domestic Electronic Commerce Act 2000. However, there are important limitations:

• Notarial acts are generally excluded: The eIDAS Regulation explicitly allows member states to exclude notarial acts from electronic signature provisions
• The notarial seal is physical: A notary's seal — an embossed or inked seal applied to the document — is a core element of the notarial act and has no currently accepted electronic equivalent in Irish practice
• Witnessing requires presence: The legal requirement that the notary witnesses the signing in person cannot currently be satisfied by video conferencing

What Other Countries Are Doing

United States

The US has been the global leader in Remote Online Notarisation (RON). Virginia became the first state to authorise RON in 2012. As of 2025, the majority of US states have enacted RON legislation. The process typically involves:

• Audio-visual technology (video call between notary and signatory)
• Identity proofing through knowledge-based authentication
• Digital certificates and tamper-evident technology
• Recording of the notarisation session

European Union

Most EU member states have not introduced full remote notarisation. Some countries (including France and Germany) introduced temporary provisions during the Covid-19 pandemic for certain acts, but these were generally limited in scope and duration. The strong civil law notarial tradition in many EU countries places particular emphasis on physical presence and the notary's personal verification role.

United Kingdom

England and Wales have not introduced remote notarisation. The Faculty Office, which regulates notaries, has maintained the in-person attendance requirement. Scotland's position is similar.

Covid-19 and Temporary Measures

During the pandemic, some jurisdictions introduced emergency measures for remote witnessing. In Ireland, the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform (Amendment) Act 2021 allowed for remote witnessing of certain documents (such as wills), but this did not extend to notarial acts. The distinction is important: witnessing a signature and performing a notarial act are different legal functions.

Arguments for Digital Notarisation

• Convenience: Remote notarisation would benefit Irish citizens living abroad, those with mobility issues, and people in rural areas far from a notary
• Speed: Removing the need for physical attendance could dramatically reduce turnaround times
• Competitiveness: As other jurisdictions adopt digital notarisation, Ireland could be at a disadvantage in international business transactions
• Technology exists: Secure video conferencing, digital identity verification, and tamper-evident document technology are mature and widely available

Arguments Against

• Identity verification: In-person identification is considered more reliable than remote methods, particularly for detecting coercion or undue influence
• International acceptance: Many countries still expect notarised documents to bear a physical seal, and some may not accept digitally notarised documents
• Fraud prevention: The notary's in-person assessment of the signatory's capacity and voluntariness is a core safeguard
• Legal certainty: The centuries-old notarial tradition provides a well-understood and internationally respected framework

What Might the Future Look Like?

While there is no current legislation or published proposal to introduce fully remote notarisation in Ireland, several developments could influence the direction of reform:

• The EU's ongoing work on digital identity (the European Digital Identity Framework) could provide a secure foundation for remote identity verification
• Increasing cross-border transactions and remote working patterns create demand for more flexible notarial services
• Any reform would likely involve consultation with the Law Society of Ireland, the Faculty of Notaries Public, and the judiciary

What This Means for You Today

For now, if you need a document notarised in Ireland, you will need to attend the notary's office in person with your original identification. This means:

• Bring a valid passport or national identity card
• Bring the documents to be notarised (unsigned — you will sign in front of the notary)
• If you are abroad and need documents notarised for use in Ireland, contact an Irish embassy or consulate, or use a notary in your current jurisdiction

Frequently Asked Questions

Can documents be notarised online in Ireland?

Currently, no. Irish law requires personal appearance before the Notary Public for identity verification and witnessing of signatures.

Are electronic signatures accepted on notarised documents in Ireland?

While electronic signatures have legal recognition in Ireland under eIDAS and the Electronic Commerce Act 2000, notarial acts — requiring the notary's physical seal and in-person witnessing — are generally excluded from electronic signature provisions.

Which countries allow online notarisation?

Several US states allow Remote Online Notarisation (RON), beginning with Virginia in 2012. Most EU member states, the UK, and Ireland still require in-person appearance.

Will Ireland introduce digital notarisation in the future?

There is no current legislation or published proposal. Any change would require statutory reform and consultation with the judiciary and legal profession.

Need Notarisation in Cork?

While the world debates digital notarisation, Hugh Phelan provides prompt, efficient in-person notarial services from his office in Douglas, Cork. Contact Hugh Phelan’s office at 021-489-7134 or email info@phelansolicitors.com.