Electronic Notarisation in Ireland: Current Status

Q: Can I get a document notarised electronically in Ireland?

No. All notarial acts in Ireland currently require in-person attendance. Electronic and remote notarisation are not permitted under Irish law.

Q: Are electronic signatures valid in Ireland?

Yes, for many purposes under the EU eIDAS Regulation. However, documents requiring notarisation typically need physical wet ink signatures and a physical notary seal.

Q: What can I do electronically before my notary appointment?

You can communicate by email, send documents for the notary to review in advance, and prepare all paperwork electronically. Only the actual notarial act must be done in person.

As technology transforms legal services worldwide, electronic notarisation has become a topic of significant interest. Some jurisdictions have embraced digital processes, while others — including Ireland — maintain traditional in-person requirements. This guide examines the current status of electronic notarisation in Ireland, what is permitted, what is not, and what the future may hold.

The Current Position

Ireland does not currently permit electronic or remote notarisation. All notarial acts in Ireland require the physical presence of the person before the Notary Public. The notary must examine original identification documents in person, witness signatures physically, and apply a physical seal to the document.

This position reflects both the current state of Irish legislation and the standards of the Faculty of Notaries Public in Ireland.

What Is Electronic Notarisation?

Electronic notarisation (e-notarisation) can refer to several different things:

Remote Online Notarisation (RON): The signer and notary connect via video call. The notary verifies identity digitally and the document is signed and sealed electronically. Used in many US states.
In-Person Electronic Notarisation (IPEN): The signer appears before the notary in person, but the document is electronic and the notary applies a digital seal. The physical attendance requirement is maintained.
Electronic apostille (e-Apostille): An apostille issued in electronic format, authenticating a notarised document digitally.

None of these forms are currently authorised in Ireland for traditional notarial acts.

What Is Possible in Ireland Today

While full electronic notarisation is not available, some aspects of the notarial process can use technology:

Email communication: You can discuss your requirements and send documents to the notary by email before your appointment.
Digital document preparation: Documents can be prepared and formatted electronically before being printed for signing.
Scanning: After notarisation, documents can be scanned and sent electronically to the destination (though the original physical document is usually required).
Online booking: Appointments can be made by phone or email.

However, the core notarial act — identity verification, signature witnessing, oath administration, and sealing — must all be done in person with physical documents.

International Context

Other jurisdictions have moved further toward electronic notarisation:

United States: Over 40 states now permit some form of remote online notarisation. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated adoption. However, US notaries perform a more limited function than Irish notaries.
France: French notaries (who play a much larger role than in common law systems) have adopted electronic signatures and digital processes for some acts, supported by EU regulations.
Estonia: A leader in digital government, Estonia permits certain notarial acts using digital ID and electronic signatures.
EU eIDAS Regulation: The EU's electronic identification and trust services regulation provides a framework for electronic signatures and seals, but does not mandate electronic notarisation in member states.

The key challenge for Ireland is that documents notarised electronically in one jurisdiction may not be accepted in another. International acceptance remains inconsistent.

Electronic Signatures and Notarisation

Electronic signatures (e-signatures) are widely used in commercial and legal practice in Ireland under the eIDAS Regulation. However, there is an important distinction:

E-signatures on contracts: Many contracts and agreements can be validly signed electronically under Irish and EU law.
E-signatures on notarised documents: This is different. A document that requires notarisation typically requires a physical, "wet ink" signature witnessed by the notary, followed by the notary's physical seal.

The fact that electronic signatures are legal for many purposes does not mean they are accepted for notarial acts. The two are governed by different rules.

What May Change in the Future

Several factors could drive change in Irish electronic notarisation:

EU digital initiatives: The revised eIDAS Regulation (eIDAS 2.0) and the European Digital Identity Wallet may provide infrastructure for digital identity verification that could support electronic notarial acts.
Professional development: The Faculty of Notaries Public in Ireland and international notarial bodies are monitoring technological developments.
Market demand: Increasing globalisation and remote working create demand for more flexible notarial services.
COVID-19 legacy: The pandemic demonstrated both the need for and the challenges of remote legal services.

Any change would require legislative action, professional consensus, and confidence that electronic notarisation meets the security and reliability standards that the traditional system provides.

Practical Advice for Today

While electronic notarisation is not yet available in Ireland, you can still access efficient notary services:

Prepare electronically: Email documents to the notary before your appointment.
Same-day service: Many matters can be handled in a single visit.
Efficient processes: A well-prepared appointment takes just 15–30 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a document notarised electronically in Ireland?

No. All notarial acts in Ireland require in-person attendance. Electronic and remote notarisation are not currently permitted.

Are electronic signatures valid in Ireland?

Yes, for many purposes under the eIDAS Regulation. However, documents requiring notarisation typically need physical wet ink signatures and a physical notary seal.

Will Ireland introduce electronic notarisation?

It is possible in the future, but no legislation has been introduced. Any change would require primary legislation and professional consensus.

What can I do electronically before my notary appointment?

You can communicate by email, send documents for review, and prepare all paperwork electronically. Only the actual notarisation must be in person.

Need Notary Services in Cork?

Hugh Phelan provides efficient, professional notary services from his office in Douglas, Co. Cork. Contact him at 021-489-7134 or email info@phelansolicitors.com.