Republic of the Philippines

Supreme Court
Manila

EN BANC

A.M. No. 02-8-!-SC
200" Rules on Notarial Practice


RES#$%&'#N
Actin( on the compliance )ate) 0* +ul, 200" an) on the propose) Rules on Notarial Practice of
200" submitte) b, the Sub-Committee for the Stu),- .raftin( an) /ormulation of the Rules
0o1ernin( the Appointment of Notaries Public an) the Performance an) E2ercise of &heir #3cial
/unctions- of the Committees on Re1ision of the Rules of Court an) on $e(al E)ucation an) Bar
Matters- the Court Resol1e) to APPR#4E the propose) Rules on Notarial Practice of 200"- 5ith
mo)i6cations- thus7chanrobles1irtualla5librar,
200" R%$ES #N N#&AR'A$ PRAC&'CE
RULE I
IMPLEMENTATION
SEC&'#N . &itle. - &hese Rules shall be 8no5n as the 200" Rules on Notarial Practice.
SEC. 2. Purposes. - &hese Rules shall be applie) an) construe) to a)1ance the follo5in(
purposes7chanrobles1irtualla5librar,
9a: to promote- ser1e- an) protect public interest; chan robles 1irtual la5 librar,
9b: to simplif,- clarif,- an) mo)erni<e the rules (o1ernin( notaries public; an)
9c: to foster ethical con)uct amon( notaries public. chan robles 1irtual la5 librar,
SEC. !. 'nterpretation. - %nless the conte2t of these Rules other5ise in)icates- 5or)s in the
sin(ular inclu)e the plural- an) 5or)s in the plural inclu)e the sin(ular.
RULE II
DEFINITIONS
SEC&'#N . Ac8no5le)(ment. - =Ac8no5le)(ment> refers to an act in 5hich an in)i1i)ual on a
sin(le occasion7chanrobles1irtualla5librar,
9a: appears in person before the notar, public an) presents an inte(rall, complete
instrument or )ocument;
chan robles 1irtual la5 librar,
9b: is atteste) to be personall, 8no5n to the notar, public or i)enti6e) b, the notar,
public throu(h competent e1i)ence of i)entit, as )e6ne) b, these Rules; an) -
chan robles 1irtual la5 librar,
9c: represents to the notar, public that the si(nature on the instrument or )ocument
5as 1oluntaril, a32e) b, him for the purposes state) in the instrument or )ocument-
)eclares that he has e2ecute) the instrument or )ocument as his free an) 1oluntar,
act an) )ee)- an)- if he acts in a particular representati1e capacit,- that he has the
authorit, to si(n in that capacit,.
SEC. 2. A3rmation or #ath. - &he term =A3rmation> or =#ath> refers to an act in 5hich an
in)i1i)ual on a sin(le occasion7 chan robles 1irtual la5 librar,
9a: appears in person before the notar, public; chan robles 1irtual la5 librar,
9b: is personall, 8no5n to the notar, public or i)enti6e) b, the notar, public throu(h
competent e1i)ence of i)entit, as )e6ne) b, these Rules; an) chan robles 1irtual la5
librar,
9c: a1o5s un)er penalt, of la5 to the 5hole truth of the contents of the instrument or
)ocument.
SEC. !. Commission. - =Commission> refers to the (rant of authorit, to perform notarial acts an) to
the 5ritten e1i)ence of the authorit,.
SEC. ". Cop, Certi6cation. - =Cop, Certi6cation> refers to a notarial act in 5hich a notar,
public7chanrobles1irtualla5librar,
9a: is presente) 5ith an instrument or )ocument that is neither a 1ital recor)- a public
recor)- nor publicl, recor)able;
9b: copies or super1ises the cop,in( of the instrument or )ocument;
9c: compares the instrument or )ocument 5ith the cop,; an)
9): )etermines that the cop, is accurate an) complete.
SEC. *. Notarial Re(ister. - =Notarial Re(ister> refers to a permanentl, boun) boo8 5ith numbere)
pa(es containin( a chronolo(ical recor) of notarial acts performe) b, a notar, public. chan robles
1irtual la5 librar,
SEC. ?. +urat. - =+urat> refers to an act in 5hich an in)i1i)ual on a sin(le
occasion7chanrobles1irtualla5librar,
9a: appears in person before the notar, public an) presents an instrument or
)ocument;
9b: is personall, 8no5n to the notar, public or i)enti6e) b, the notar, public throu(h
competent e1i)ence of i)entit, as )e6ne) b, these Rules; chan robles 1irtual la5
librar,
9c: si(ns the instrument or )ocument in the presence of the notar,; an)
9): ta8es an oath or a3rmation before the notar, public as to such instrument or
)ocument.
SEC. @. Notarial Act an) Notari<ation. - =Notarial Act> an) =Notari<ation> refer to an, act that a
notar, public is empo5ere) to perform un)er these Rules.
SEC. 8. Notarial Certi6cate. - =Notarial Certi6cate> refers to the part of- or attachment to- a
notari<e) instrument or )ocument that is complete) b, the notar, public- bears the notar,As
si(nature an) seal- an) states the facts atteste) to b, the notar, public in a particular notari<ation
as pro1i)e) for b, these Rules. chan robles 1irtual la5 librar,
SEC. B. Notar, Public an) Notar,. - =Notar, Public> an) =Notar,> refer to an, person
commissione) to perform o3cial acts un)er these Rules.crala5
SEC. 0. Principal. - =Principal> refers to a person appearin( before the notar, public 5hose act is
the subCect of notari<ation. chan robles 1irtual la5 librar,
SEC. . Re(ular Place of Dor8 or Business. - &he term =re(ular place of 5or8 or business> refers to
a stationar, o3ce in the cit, or pro1ince 5herein the notar, public ren)ers le(al an) notarial
ser1ices. chan robles 1irtual la5 librar,
SEC. 2. Competent E1i)ence of ')entit,. - &he phrase =competent e1i)ence of i)entit,> refers to
the i)enti6cation of an in)i1i)ual base) on7chanrobles1irtualla5librar,
9a: at least one current i)enti6cation )ocument issue) b, an o3cial a(enc, bearin(
the photo(raph an) si(nature of the in)i1i)ual; or chan robles 1irtual la5 librar,
9b: the oath or a3rmation of one cre)ible 5itness not pri1, to the instrument-
)ocument or transaction 5ho is personall, 8no5n to the notar, public an) 5ho
personall, 8no5s the in)i1i)ual- or of t5o cre)ible 5itnesses neither of 5hom is pri1,
to the instrument- )ocument or transaction 5ho each personall, 8no5s the in)i1i)ual
an) sho5s to the notar, public )ocumentar, i)enti6cation.
SEC. !. #3cial Seal or Seal. - =#3cial seal> or =Seal> refers to a )e1ice for a32in( a mar8- ima(e
or impression on all papers o3ciall, si(ne) b, the notar, public conformin( the reEuisites
prescribe) b, these Rules.
SEC. ". Si(nature Ditnessin(. - &he term =si(nature 5itnessin(> refers to a notarial act in 5hich
an in)i1i)ual on a sin(le occasion7 chan robles 1irtual la5 librar,
9a: appears in person before the notar, public an) presents an instrument or
)ocument;
9b: is personall, 8no5n to the notar, public or i)enti6e) b, the notar, public throu(h
competent e1i)ence of i)entit, as )e6ne) b, these Rules; an) chan robles 1irtual la5
librar,
9c: si(ns the instrument or )ocument in the presence of the notar, public.
SEC. *. Court. - =Court> refers to the Supreme Court of the Philippines.
SEC. ?. Petitioner. - =Petitioner> refers to a person 5ho applies for a notarial commission.crala5
SEC. @. #3ce of the Court A)ministrator. - =#3ce of the Court A)ministrator> refers to the #3ce
of the Court A)ministrator of the Supreme Court.crala5
SEC. 8. E2ecuti1e +u)(e. - =E2ecuti1e +u)(e> refers to the E2ecuti1e +u)(e of the Re(ional &rial
Court of a cit, or pro1ince 5ho issues a notarial commission.crala5
SEC. B. 4en)or. - =4en)or> un)er these Rules refers to a seller of a notarial seal an) shall inclu)e
a 5holesaler or retailer. chan robles 1irtual la5 librar,
SEC. 20. Manufacturer. - =Manufacturer> un)er these Rules refers to one 5ho pro)uces a notarial
seal an) shall inclu)e an en(ra1er an) seal ma8er. chan robles 1irtual la5 librar,
RULE III
COMMISSIONING OF NOTARY PUBLIC
SEC&'#N . Fuali6cations. - A notarial commission ma, be issue) b, an E2ecuti1e +u)(e to an,
Euali6e) person 5ho submits a petition in accor)ance 5ith these Rules. chan robles 1irtual la5
librar,
&o be eli(ible for commissionin( as notar, public- the petitioner7chanrobles1irtualla5librar,
9: must be a citi<en of the Philippines; chan robles 1irtual la5 librar,
92: must be o1er t5ent,-one 92: ,ears of a(e; chan robles 1irtual la5 librar,
9!: must be a resi)ent in the Philippines for at least one 9: ,ear an) maintains a
re(ular place of 5or8 or business in the cit, or pro1ince 5here the commission is to be
issue); chan robles 1irtual la5 librar,
9": must be a member of the Philippine Bar in (oo) stan)in( 5ith clearances from the
#3ce of the Bar Con6)ant of the Supreme Court an) the 'nte(rate) Bar of the
Philippines; an)
9*: must not ha1e been con1icte) in the 6rst instance of an, crime in1ol1in( moral
turpitu)e.
SEC. 2. /orm of the Petition an) Supportin( .ocuments. - E1er, petition for a notarial commission
shall be in 5ritin(- 1eri6e)- an) shall inclu)e the follo5in(7chanrobles1irtualla5librar,
9a: a statement containin( the petitionerAs personal Euali6cations- inclu)in( the
petitionerAs )ate of birth- resi)ence- telephone number- professional ta2 receipt- roll of
attorne,As number an) 'BP membership number;

9b: certi6cation of (oo) moral character of the petitioner b, at least t5o 92: e2ecuti1e
o3cers of the local chapter of the 'nte(rate) Bar of the Philippines 5here he is appl,in(
for commission;

9c: proof of pa,ment for the 6lin( of the petition as reEuire) b, these Rules; an)

9): three 9!: passport-si<e color photo(raphs 5ith li(ht bac8(roun) ta8en 5ithin thirt,
9!0: )a,s of the application. &he photo(raph shoul) not be retouche). &he petitioner
shall si(n his name at the bottom part of the photo(raphs.
SEC. !. Application /ee. - E1er, petitioner for a notarial commission shall pa, the application fee as
prescribe) in the Rules of Court. chan robles 1irtual la5 librar,
SEC. ". Summar, Gearin( on the Petition. - &he E2ecuti1e +u)(e shall con)uct a summar, hearin(
on the petition an) shall (rant the same if7chanrobles1irtualla5librar,
9a: the petition is su3cient in form an) substance;
9b: the petitioner pro1es the alle(ations containe) in the petition; an)
9c: the petitioner establishes to the satisfaction of the E2ecuti1e +u)(e that he has
rea) an) full, un)erstoo) these Rules.
&he E2ecuti1e +u)(e shall forth5ith issue a commission an) a Certi6cate of Authori<ation to
Purchase a Notarial Seal in fa1or of the petitioner. chan robles 1irtual la5 librar,
SEC. *. Notice of Summar, Gearin(. -
9a: &he notice of summar, hearin( shall be publishe) in a ne5spaper of (eneral
circulation in the cit, or pro1ince 5here the hearin( shall be con)ucte) an) poste) in a
conspicuous place in the o3ces of the E2ecuti1e +u)(e an) of the Cler8 of Court. &he
cost of the publication shall be borne b, the petitioner. &he notice ma, inclu)e more
than one petitioner.

9b: &he notice shall be substantiall, in the follo5in( form7chanrobles1irtualla5librar,
N#&'CE #/ GEAR'N0
Notice is hereb, (i1en that a summar, hearin( on the petition for notarial
commission of 9name of petitioner: shall be hel) on 9)ate: at 9place: at
9time:. An, person 5ho has an, cause or reason to obCect to the (rant of the
petition ma, 6le a 1eri6e) 5ritten opposition thereto- recei1e) b, the
un)ersi(ne) before the )ate of the summar, hearin(.chanrobles 1irtual la5
librar, chan robles 1irtual la5 librar,
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
E2ecuti1e +u)(e
SEC. ?. #pposition to Petition. - An, person 5ho has an, cause or reason to obCect to the (rant of
the petition ma, 6le a 1eri6e) 5ritten opposition thereto. &he opposition must be recei1e) b, the
E2ecuti1e +u)(e before the )ate of the summar, hearin(. chan robles 1irtual la5 librar,
SEC. @. /orm of Notarial Commission. - &he commissionin( of a notar, public shall be in a formal
or)er si(ne) b, the E2ecuti1e +u)(e substantiall, in the follo5in( form7chanrobles1irtualla5librar,
REP%B$'C #/ &GE PG'$'PP'NES
RE0'#NA$ &R'A$ C#%R& #/ HHHHHHHHHHHHHH
&his is to certif, that 9name of notar, public: of 9re(ular place of 5or8 or business: in
9cit, or pro1ince: 5as on this 9)ate: )a, of 9month: t5o thousan) an) 9,ear:
commissione) b, the un)ersi(ne) as a notar, public- 5ithin an) for the sai)
Curis)iction- for a term en)in( the thirt,-6rst )a, of .ecember 9,ear: chan robles 1irtual
la5 librar,
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
E2ecuti1e +u)(e
SEC. 8. Perio) #f 4ali)it, of Certi6cate of Authori<ation to Purchase a Notarial Seal. - &he
Certi6cate of Authori<ation to Purchase a Notarial Seal shall be 1ali) for a perio) of three 9!:
months from )ate of issue- unless e2ten)e) b, the E2ecuti1e +u)(e.
A mar8- ima(e or impression of the seal that ma, be purchase) b, the notar, public pursuant to
the Certi6cate shall be presente) to the E2ecuti1e +u)(e for appro1al prior to use.crala5
SEC. B. /orm of Certi6cate of Authori<ation to Purchase a Notarial Seal. - &he Certi6cate of
Authori<ation to Purchase a Notarial Seal shall substantiall, be in the follo5in(
form7chanrobles1irtualla5librar,

REP%B$'C #/ &GE PG'$'PP'NES
RE0'#NA$ &R'A$ C#%R& #/HHHHHHHHHHHHH chan robles 1irtual la5 librar,
CER&'/'CA&E #/ A%&G#R'IA&'#N
&# P%RCGASE A N#&AR'A$ SEA$ chan robles 1irtual la5 librar,
&his is to authori<e 9name of notar, public: of 9cit, or pro1ince: 5ho 5as commissione)
b, the un)ersi(ne) as a notar, public- 5ithin an) for the sai) Curis)iction- for a term
en)in(- the thirt,-6rst of .ecember 9,ear: to purchase a notarial seal.chanrobles 1irtual
la5 librar, chan robles 1irtual la5 librar,
'ssue) this 9)a,: of 9month: 9,ear:.
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
E2ecuti1e +u)(e

SEC. 0. #3cial Seal of Notar, Public. - E1er, person commissione) as notar, public shall ha1e
onl, one o3cial seal of o3ce in accor)ance 5ith these Rules.
SEC. . +uris)iction an) &erm. - A person commissione) as notar, public ma, perform notarial
acts in an, place 5ithin the territorial Curis)iction of the commissionin( court for a perio) of t5o 92:
,ears commencin( the 6rst )a, of +anuar, of the ,ear in 5hich the commissionin( is ma)e- unless
earlier re1o8e) or the notar, public has resi(ne) un)er these Rules an) the Rules of Court. chan
robles 1irtual la5 librar,
SEC. 2. Re(ister of Notaries Public. - &he E2ecuti1e +u)(e shall 8eep an) maintain a Re(ister of
Notaries Public in his Curis)iction 5hich shall contain- amon( others- the )ates of issuance or
re1ocation or suspension of notarial commissions- an) the resi(nation or )eath of notaries public.
&he E2ecuti1e +u)(e shall furnish the #3ce of the Court A)ministrator information an) )ata
recor)e) in the re(ister of notaries public. &he #3ce of the Court A)ministrator shall 8eep a
permanent- complete an) up)ate) )atabase of such recor)s. chan robles 1irtual la5 librar,
SEC. !. Rene5al of Commission. - A notar, public ma, 6le a 5ritten application 5ith the
E2ecuti1e +u)(e for the rene5al of his commission 5ithin fort,-61e 9"*: )a,s before the e2piration
thereof. A mar8- ima(e or impression of the seal of the notar, public shall be attache) to the
application.crala5
/ailure to 6le sai) application 5ill result in the )eletion of the name of the notar, public in the
re(ister of notaries public.crala5
&he notar, public thus remo1e) from the Re(ister of Notaries Public ma, onl, be reinstate)
therein after he is issue) a ne5 commission in accor)ance 5ith these Rules. chan robles 1irtual la5
librar,
SEC. ". Action on Application for Rene5al of Commission. - &he E2ecuti1e +u)(e shall- upon
pa,ment of the application fee mentione) in Section ! abo1e of this Rule- act on an application for
the rene5al of a commission 5ithin thirt, 9!0: )a,s from receipt thereof. 'f the application is
)enie)- the E2ecuti1e +u)(e shall state the reasons therefor.crala5
RULE IV
POWERS AND LIMITATIONS OF NOTARIES PUBLIC
SEC&'#N . Po5ers. - 9a: A notar, public is empo5ere) to perform the follo5in( notarial
acts7chanrobles1irtualla5librar,
9: ac8no5le)(ments;
92: oaths an) a3rmations;
9!: Curats; chan robles 1irtual la5 librar,
9": si(nature 5itnessin(s;
9*: cop, certi6cations; an)
9?: an, other act authori<e) b, these Rules.
9b: A notar, public is authori<e) to certif, the a32in( of a si(nature b, thumb or other mar8 on an
instrument or )ocument presente) for notari<ation if7chanrobles1irtualla5librar,
9: the thumb or other mar8 is a32e) in the presence of the notar, public an) of t5o
92: )isintereste) an) unaJecte) 5itnesses to the instrument or )ocument;
92: both 5itnesses si(n their o5n names in a))ition to the thumb or other mar8;
9!: the notar, public 5rites belo5 the thumb or other mar87 K&humb or #ther Mar8
a32e) b, 9name of si(nator, b, mar8: in the presence of 9names an) a))resses of
5itnesses: an) un)ersi(ne) notar, publicK; an) chan robles 1irtual la5 librar,
9": the notar, public notari<es the si(nature b, thumb or other mar8 throu(h an
ac8no5le)(ment- Curat- or si(nature 5itnessin(.
9c: A notar, public is authori<e) to si(n on behalf of a person 5ho is ph,sicall, unable to si(n or
ma8e a mar8 on an instrument or )ocument if7chanrobles1irtualla5librar,
9: the notar, public is )irecte) b, the person unable to si(n or ma8e a mar8 to si(n
on his behalf;
92: the si(nature of the notar, public is a32e) in the presence of t5o )isintereste)
an) unaJecte) 5itnesses to the instrument or )ocument;
9!: both 5itnesses si(n their o5n names ;
9": the notar, public 5rites belo5 his si(nature7 =Si(nature a32e) b, notar, in
presence of 9names an) a))resses of person an) t5o L2M 5itnesses:>; an)
9*: the notar, public notari<es his si(nature b, ac8no5le)(ment or Curat.
SEC. 2. Prohibitions. - 9a: A notar, public shall not perform a notarial act outsi)e his re(ular place
of 5or8 or business; pro1i)e)- ho5e1er- that on certain e2ceptional occasions or situations- a
notarial act ma, be performe) at the reEuest of the parties in the follo5in( sites locate) 5ithin his
territorial Curis)iction7 chan robles 1irtual la5 librar,
9: public o3ces- con1ention halls- an) similar places 5here oaths of o3ce ma, be
a)ministere);
92: public function areas in hotels an) similar places for the si(nin( of instruments or
)ocuments reEuirin( notari<ation;
9!: hospitals an) other me)ical institutions 5here a part, to an instrument or
)ocument is con6ne) for treatment; an)
9": an, place 5here a part, to an instrument or )ocument reEuirin( notari<ation is
un)er )etention.
9b: A person shall not perform a notarial act if the person in1ol1e) as si(nator, to the instrument
or )ocument -
9: is not in the notar,As presence personall, at the time of the notari<ation; an)
92: is not personall, 8no5n to the notar, public or other5ise i)enti6e) b, the notar,
public throu(h competent e1i)ence of i)entit, as )e6ne) b, these Rules. chan robles
1irtual la5 librar,
SEC. !. .isEuali6cations. - A notar, public is )isEuali6e) from performin( a notarial act if
he7chanrobles1irtualla5librar,
9a: is a part, to the instrument or )ocument that is to be notari<e); chan robles 1irtual
la5 librar,
9b: 5ill recei1e- as a )irect or in)irect result- an, commission- fee- a)1anta(e- ri(ht-
title- interest- cash- propert,- or other consi)eration- e2cept as pro1i)e) b, these Rules
an) b, la5; or
9c: is a spouse- common-la5 partner- ancestor- )escen)ant- or relati1e b, a3nit, or
consan(uinit, of the principal 5ithin the fourth ci1il )e(ree. chan robles 1irtual la5
librar,
SEC. ". Refusal to Notari<e. - A notar, public shall not perform an, notarial act )escribe) in these
Rules for an, person reEuestin( such an act e1en if he ten)ers the appropriate fee speci6e) b,
these Rules if7chanrobles1irtualla5librar,
9a: the notar, 8no5s or has (oo) reason to belie1e that the notarial act or transaction
is unla5ful or immoral;
9b: the si(nator, sho5s a )emeanor 5hich en(en)ers in the min) of the notar, public
reasonable )oubt as to the formerAs 8no5le)(e of the conseEuences of the transaction
reEuirin( a notarial act; an)
9c: in the notar,As Cu)(ment- the si(nator, is not actin( of his or her o5n free 5ill.
SEC. *. /alse or 'ncomplete Certi6cate. - A notar, public shall not7 chan robles 1irtual la5 librar,
9a: e2ecute a certi6cate containin( information 8no5n or belie1e) b, the notar, to be
false.
9b: a32 an o3cial si(nature or seal on a notarial certi6cate that is incomplete. chan
robles 1irtual la5 librar,
SEC. ?. 'mproper 'nstruments or .ocuments. - A notar, public shall not
notari<e7chanrobles1irtualla5librar,
9a: a blan8 or incomplete instrument or )ocument; or chan robles 1irtual la5 librar,
9b: an instrument or )ocument 5ithout appropriate notarial certi6cation.
RULE V
FEES OF NOTARY PUBLIC
SEC&'#N . 'mposition an) Dai1er of /ees. - /or performin( a notarial act- a notar, public ma,
char(e the ma2imum fee as prescribe) b, the Supreme Court unless he 5ai1es the fee in 5hole or
in part.
chan robles 1irtual la5 librar,
SEC. 2. &ra1el /ees an) E2penses. - A notar, public ma, char(e tra1el fees an) e2penses separate
an) apart from the notarial fees prescribe) in the prece)in( section 5hen tra1elin( to perform a
notarial act if the notar, public an) the person reEuestin( the notarial act a(ree prior to the
tra1el.crala5
SEC. !. Prohibite) /ees. N No fee or compensation of an, 8in)- e2cept those e2pressl, prescribe)
an) allo5e) herein- shall be collecte) or recei1e) for an, notarial ser1ice.crala5
SEC. ". Pa,ment or Refun) of /ees. - A notar, public shall not reEuire pa,ment of an, fees
speci6e) herein prior to the performance of a notarial act unless other5ise a(ree) upon. chan
robles 1irtual la5 librar,
An, tra1el fees an) e2penses pai) to a notar, public prior to the performance of a notarial act are
not subCect to refun) if the notar, public ha) alrea), tra1ele) but faile) to complete in 5hole or in
part the notarial act for reasons be,on) his control an) 5ithout ne(li(ence on his part.crala5
SEC. *. Notice of /ees. - A notar, public 5ho char(es a fee for notarial ser1ices shall issue a receipt
re(istere) 5ith the Bureau of 'nternal Re1enue an) 8eep a Cournal of notarial fees. Ge shall enter in
the Cournal all fees char(e) for ser1ices ren)ere). chan robles 1irtual la5 librar,
A notar, public shall post in a conspicuous place in his o3ce a complete sche)ule of char(eable
notarial fees.crala5
RULE VI
NOTARIAL REGISTER
SEC&'#N . /orm of Notarial Re(ister. - 9a: A notar, public shall 8eep- maintain- protect an)
pro1i)e for la5ful inspection as pro1i)e) in these Rules- a chronolo(ical o3cial notarial re(ister of
notarial acts consistin( of a permanentl, boun) boo8 5ith numbere) pa(es. chan robles 1irtual
la5 librar,
&he re(ister shall be 8ept in boo8s to be furnishe) b, the Solicitor 0eneral to an, notar, public
upon reEuest an) upon pa,ment of the cost thereof. &he re(ister shall be )ul, pa(e)- an) on the
6rst pa(e- the Solicitor 0eneral shall certif, the number of pa(es of 5hich the boo8 consists.crala5
/or purposes of this pro1ision- a Memoran)um of A(reement or %n)erstan)in( ma, be entere)
into b, the #3ce of the Solicitor 0eneral an) the #3ce of the Court A)ministrator. chan robles
1irtual la5 librar,
9b: A notar, public shall 8eep onl, one acti1e notarial re(ister at an, (i1en time.crala5
SEC. 2. Entries in the Notarial Re(ister. - 9a: /or e1er, notarial act- the notar, shall recor) in the
notarial re(ister at the time of notari<ation the follo5in(7 chan robles 1irtual la5 librar,
9: the entr, number an) pa(e number; chan robles 1irtual la5 librar,
92: the )ate an) time of )a, of the notarial act;
9!: the t,pe of notarial act; chan robles 1irtual la5 librar,
9": the title or )escription of the instrument- )ocument or procee)in(;
9*: the name an) a))ress of each principal; chan robles 1irtual la5 librar,
9?: the competent e1i)ence of i)entit, as )e6ne) b, these Rules if the si(nator, is not
personall, 8no5n to the notar,; chan robles 1irtual la5 librar,
9@: the name an) a))ress of each cre)ible 5itness s5earin( to or a3rmin( the
personAs i)entit,;
98: the fee char(e) for the notarial act;
9B: the a))ress 5here the notari<ation 5as performe) if not in the notar,As re(ular
place of 5or8 or business; an)
90: an, other circumstance the notar, public ma, )eem of si(ni6cance or rele1ance.
9b: A notar, public shall recor) in the notarial re(ister the reasons an) circumstances for not
completin( a notarial act.
9c: A notar, public shall recor) in the notarial re(ister the circumstances of an, reEuest to inspect
or cop, an entr, in the notarial re(ister- inclu)in( the reEuesterAs name- a))ress- si(nature-
thumbmar8 or other reco(ni<e) i)enti6er- an) e1i)ence of i)entit,. &he reasons for refusal to allo5
inspection or cop,in( of a Cournal entr, shall also be recor)e).crala5
9): Dhen the instrument or )ocument is a contract- the notar, public shall 8eep an ori(inal cop,
thereof as part of his recor)s an) enter in sai) recor)s a brief )escription of the substance thereof
an) shall (i1e to each entr, a consecuti1e number- be(innin( 5ith number one in each calen)ar
,ear. Ge shall also retain a )uplicate ori(inal cop, for the Cler8 of Court.crala5
9e: &he notar, public shall (i1e to each instrument or )ocument e2ecute)- s5orn to- or
ac8no5le)(e) before him a number correspon)in( to the one in his re(ister- an) shall also state
on the instrument or )ocument the pa(eOs of his re(ister on 5hich the same is recor)e). No blan8
line shall be left bet5een entries.crala5
9f: 'n case of a protest of an, )raft- bill of e2chan(e or promissor, note- the notar, public shall
ma8e a full an) true recor) of all procee)in(s in relation thereto an) shall note therein 5hether the
)eman) for the sum of mone, 5as ma)e- b, 5hom- 5hen- an) 5here; 5hether he presente) such
)raft- bill or note; 5hether notices 5ere (i1en- to 5hom an) in 5hat manner; 5here the same 5as
ma)e- 5hen an) to 5hom an) 5here )irecte); an) of e1er, other fact touchin( the same.crala5
9(: At the en) of each 5ee8- the notar, public shall certif, in his notarial re(ister the number of
instruments or )ocuments e2ecute)- s5orn to- ac8no5le)(e)- or proteste) before him; or if none-
this certi6cate shall sho5 this fact.crala5
9h: A certi6e) cop, of each monthAs entries an) a )uplicate ori(inal cop, of an, instrument
ac8no5le)(e) before the notar, public shall- 5ithin the 6rst ten 90: )a,s of the month follo5in(-
be for5ar)e) to the Cler8 of Court an) shall be un)er the responsibilit, of such o3cer. 'f there is
no entr, to certif, for the month- the notar, shall for5ar) a statement to this eJect in lieu of
certi6e) copies herein reEuire).crala5
SEC. !. Si(natures an) &humbmar8s. - At the time of notari<ation- the notar,As notarial re(ister
shall be si(ne) or a thumb or other mar8 a32e) b, each7chanrobles1irtualla5librar,
9a: principal;
9b: cre)ible 5itness s5earin( or a3rmin( to the i)entit, of a principal; an)
9c: 5itness to a si(nature b, thumb or other mar8- or to a si(nin( b, the notar, public
on behalf of a person ph,sicall, unable to si(n.
SEC. ". 'nspection- Cop,in( an) .isposal. - 9a: 'n the notar,As presence- an, person ma, inspect
an entr, in the notarial re(ister- )urin( re(ular business hours- pro1i)e);
9: the personAs i)entit, is personall, 8no5n to the notar, public or pro1en throu(h
competent e1i)ence of i)entit, as )e6ne) in these Rules;
92: the person a32es a si(nature an) thumb or other mar8 or other reco(ni<e)
i)enti6er- in the notarial re(ister in a separate- )ate) entr,;
9!: the person speci6es the month- ,ear- t,pe of instrument or )ocument- an) name of
the principal in the notarial act or acts sou(ht; an)
9": the person is sho5n onl, the entr, or entries speci6e) b, him.
9b: &he notarial re(ister ma, be e2amine) b, a la5 enforcement o3cer in the course of an o3cial
in1esti(ation or b, 1irtue of a court or)er.
9c: 'f the notar, public has a reasonable (roun) to belie1e that a person has a criminal intent or
5ron(ful moti1e in reEuestin( information from the notarial re(ister- the notar, shall )en, access
to an, entr, or entries therein.crala5
SEC. *. $oss- .estruction or .ama(e of Notarial Re(ister. - 9a: 'n case the notarial re(ister is
stolen- lost- )estro,e)- )ama(e)- or other5ise ren)ere) unusable or ille(ible as a recor) of
notarial acts- the notar, public shall- 5ithin ten 90: )a,s after informin( the appropriate la5
enforcement a(enc, in the case of theft or 1an)alism- notif, the E2ecuti1e +u)(e b, an, means
pro1i)in( a proper receipt or ac8no5le)(ment- inclu)in( re(istere) mail an) also pro1i)e a cop,
or number of an, pertinent police report.crala5
9b: %pon re1ocation or e2piration of a notarial commission- or )eath of the notar, public- the
notarial re(ister an) notarial recor)s shall imme)iatel, be )eli1ere) to the o3ce of the E2ecuti1e
+u)(e.crala5
SEC. ?. 'ssuance of Certi6e) &rue Copies. - &he notar, public shall suppl, a certi6e) true cop, of
the notarial recor)- or an, part thereof- to an, person appl,in( for such cop, upon pa,ment of the
le(al fees.crala5
RULE VII
SIGNATURE AND SEAL OF NOTARY PUBLIC
SEC&'#N . #3cial Si(nature. N 'n notari<in( a paper instrument or )ocument- a notar, public
shall7chanrobles1irtualla5librar,
9a: si(n b, han) on the notarial certi6cate onl, the name in)icate) an) as appearin(
on the notar,As commission; chan robles 1irtual la5 librar,
9b: not si(n usin( a facsimile stamp or printin( )e1ice; an)
9c: a32 his o3cial si(nature onl, at the time the notarial act is performe).
SEC. 2. #3cial Seal. - 9a: E1er, person commissione) as notar, public shall ha1e a seal of o3ce-
to be procure) at his o5n e2pense- 5hich shall not be possesse) or o5ne) b, an, other person. 't
shall be of metal- circular in shape- t5o inches in )iameter- an) shall ha1e the name of the cit, or
pro1ince an) the 5or) =Philippines> an) his o5n name on the mar(in an) the roll of attorne,As
number on the face thereof- 5ith the 5or)s Knotar, publicK across the center. A mar8- ima(e or
impression of such seal shall be ma)e )irectl, on the paper or parchment on 5hich the 5ritin(
appears.
9b: &he o3cial seal shall be a32e) onl, at the time the notarial act is performe) an) shall be
clearl, impresse) b, the notar, public on e1er, pa(e of the instrument or )ocument notari<e).
chan robles 1irtual la5 librar,
9c: Dhen not in use- the o3cial seal shall be 8ept safe an) secure an) shall be accessible onl, to
the notar, public or the person )ul, authori<e) b, him. chan robles 1irtual la5 librar,
9): Dithin 61e 9*: )a,s after the o3cial seal of a notar, public is stolen- lost- )ama(e) or other
other5ise ren)ere) unser1iceable in a32in( a le(ible ima(e- the notar, public- after informin( the
appropriate la5 enforcement a(enc,- shall notif, the E2ecuti1e +u)(e in 5ritin(- pro1i)in( proper
receipt or ac8no5le)(ment- inclu)in( re(istere) mail- an) in the e1ent of a crime committe)-
pro1i)e a cop, or entr, number of the appropriate police recor). %pon receipt of such notice- if
foun) in or)er b, the E2ecuti1e +u)(e- the latter shall or)er the notar, public to cause notice of
such loss or )ama(e to be publishe)- once a 5ee8 for three 9!: consecuti1e 5ee8s- in a ne5spaper
of (eneral circulation in the cit, or pro1ince 5here the notar, public is commissione). &hereafter-
the E2ecuti1e +u)(e shall issue to the notar, public a ne5 Certi6cate of Authori<ation to Purchase
a Notarial Seal.crala5
9e: Dithin 61e 9*: )a,s after the )eath or resi(nation of the notar, public- or the re1ocation or
e2piration of a notarial commission- the o3cial seal shall be surren)ere) to the E2ecuti1e +u)(e
an) shall be )estro,e) or )eface) in public )urin( o3ce hours. 'n the e1ent that the missin(- lost
or )ama(e) seal is later foun) or surren)ere)- it shall be )eli1ere) b, the notar, public to the
E2ecuti1e +u)(e to be )ispose) of in accor)ance 5ith this section. /ailure to eJect such surren)er
shall constitute contempt of court. 'n the e1ent of )eath of the notar, public- the person in
possession of the o3cial seal shall ha1e the )ut, to surren)er it to the E2ecuti1e +u)(e.crala5
SEC. !. Seal 'ma(e. - &he notar, public shall a32 a sin(le- clear- le(ible- permanent- an)
photo(raphicall, repro)ucible mar8- ima(e or impression of the o3cial seal besi)e his si(nature
on the notarial certi6cate of a paper instrument or )ocument.crala5
SEC. ". #btainin( an) Pro1i)in( Seal. - 9a: A 1en)or or manufacturer of notarial seals ma, not sell
sai) pro)uct 5ithout a 5ritten authori<ation from the E2ecuti1e +u)(e.crala5
9b: %pon 5ritten application an) after pa,ment of the application fee- the E2ecuti1e +u)(e ma,
issue an authori<ation to sell to a 1en)or or manufacturer of notarial seals after 1eri6cation an)
in1esti(ation of the latterAs Euali6cations. &he E2ecuti1e +u)(e shall char(e an authori<ation fee in
the amount of PhP "-000 for the 1en)or an) PhP 8-000 for the manufacturer. 'f a manufacturer is
also a 1en)or- he shall onl, pa, the manufacturerAs authori<ation fee.crala5
9c: &he authori<ation shall be in eJect for a perio) of four 9": ,ears from the )ate of its issuance
an) ma, be rene5e) b, the E2ecuti1e +u)(e for a similar perio) upon pa,ment of the
authori<ation fee mentione) in the prece)in( para(raph.crala5
9): A 1en)or or manufacturer shall not sell a seal to a bu,er e2cept upon submission of a certi6e)
cop, of the commission an) the Certi6cate of Authori<ation to Purchase a Notarial Seal issue) b,
the E2ecuti1e +u)(e. A notar, public obtainin( a ne5 seal as a result of chan(e of name shall
present to the 1en)or or manufacturer a certi6e) cop, of the Con6rmation of the Chan(e of Name
issue) b, the E2ecuti1e +u)(e.crala5
9e: #nl, one seal ma, be sol) b, a 1en)or or manufacturer for each Certi6cate of Authori<ation to
Purchase a Notarial Seal.crala5
9f: After the sale- the 1en)or or manufacturer shall a32 a mar8- ima(e or impression of the seal to
the Certi6cate of Authori<ation to Purchase a Notarial Seal an) submit the complete) Certi6cate to
the E2ecuti1e +u)(e. Copies of the Certi6cate of Authori<ation to Purchase a Notarial Seal an) the
bu,erAs commission shall be 8ept in the 6les of the 1en)or or manufacturer for four 9": ,ears after
the sale.crala5
9(: A notar, public obtainin( a ne5 seal as a result of chan(e of name shall present to the 1en)or
a certi6e) cop, of the or)er con6rmin( the chan(e of name issue) b, the E2ecuti1e +u)(e.crala5
RULE VIII
NOTARIAL CERTIFICATES
SEC&'#N . /orm of Notarial Certi6cate. - &he notarial form use) for an, notarial instrument or
)ocument shall conform to all the reEuisites prescribe) herein- the Rules of Court an) all other
pro1isions of issuances b, the Supreme Court an) in applicable la5s. chan robles 1irtual la5 librar,
SEC. 2. Contents of the Conclu)in( Part of the Notarial Certi6cate. N &he notarial certi6cate shall
inclu)e the follo5in(7chanrobles1irtualla5librar,
9a: the name of the notar, public as e2actl, in)icate) in the commission;
9b: the serial number of the commission of the notar, public;
9c: the 5or)s KNotar, PublicK an) the pro1ince or cit, 5here the notar, public is
commissione)- the e2piration )ate of the commission- the o3ce a))ress of the notar,
public; an)
9): the roll of attorne,As number- the professional ta2 receipt number an) the place an)
)ate of issuance thereof- an) the 'BP membership number.
RULE IX
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORITY OF NOTARIES PUBLIC
SEC&'#N . Certi6cate of Authorit, for a Notarial Act. - A certi6cate of authorit, e1i)encin( the
authenticit, of the o3cial seal an) si(nature of a notar, public shall be issue) b, the E2ecuti1e
+u)(e upon reEuest in substantiall, the follo5in( form7 chan robles 1irtual la5 librar,
CER&'/'CA&E #/ A%&G#R'&P /#R A N#&AR'A$ AC&
'- 9name- title- Curis)iction of the E2ecuti1e +u)(e:- certif, that 9name of notar, public:-
the person name) in the seal an) si(nature on the attache) )ocument- is a Notar,
Public in an) for the 9Cit,OMunicipalit,OPro1ince: of the Republic of the Philippines an)
authori<e) to act as such at the time of the )ocumentAs notari<ation.chanrobles 1irtual
la5 librar, chan robles 1irtual la5 librar,
'N D'&NESS DGERE#/- ' ha1e a32e) belo5 m, si(nature an) seal of this o3ce this
9)ate: )a, of 9month: 9,ear:.chanrobles 1irtual la5 librar, chan robles 1irtual la5
librar,
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
9o3cial si(nature:
9seal of E2ecuti1e +u)(e:
RULE X
CHANGES OF STATUS OF NOTARY PUBLIC
SEC&'#N . Chan(e of Name an) A))ress. -
Dithin ten 90: )a,s after the chan(e of name of the notar, public b, court or)er or b, marria(e-
or after ceasin( to maintain the re(ular place of 5or8 or business- the notar, public shall submit a
si(ne) an) )ate) notice of such fact to the E2ecuti1e +u)(e.

&he notar, public shall not notari<e until7chanrobles1irtualla5librar,
9a: he recei1es from the E2ecuti1e +u)(e a con6rmation of the ne5 name of the notar,
public an)Oor chan(e of re(ular place of 5or8 or business; an)

9b: a ne5 seal bearin( the ne5 name has been obtaine).
&he fore(oin( not5ithstan)in(- until the aforementione) steps ha1e been complete)- the notar,
public ma, continue to use the former name or re(ular place of 5or8 or business in performin(
notarial acts for three 9!: months from the )ate of the chan(e- 5hich ma, be e2ten)e) once for
1ali) an) Cust cause b, the E2ecuti1e +u)(e for another perio) not e2cee)in( three 9!: months.
SEC. 2. Resi(nation. - A notar, public ma, resi(n his commission b, personall, submittin( a
5ritten- )ate) an) si(ne) formal notice to the E2ecuti1e +u)(e to(ether 5ith his notarial seal-
notarial re(ister an) recor)s. EJecti1e from the )ate in)icate) in the notice- he shall imme)iatel,
cease to perform notarial acts. 'n the e1ent of his incapacit, to personall, appear- the submission
of the notice ma, be performe) b, his )ul, authori<e) representati1e.crala5
SEC. !. Publication of Resi(nation. - &he E2ecuti1e +u)(e shall imme)iatel, or)er the Cler8 of Court
to post in a conspicuous place in the o3ces of the E2ecuti1e +u)(e an) of the Cler8 of Court the
names of notaries public 5ho ha1e resi(ne) their notarial commissions an) the eJecti1e )ates of
their resi(nation.crala5
RULE XI
REVOCATION OF COMMISSION AND DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS
SEC&'#N . Re1ocation an) A)ministrati1e Sanctions. - 9a: &he E2ecuti1e +u)(e shall re1o8e a
notarial commission for an, (roun) on 5hich an application for a commission ma, be )enie). chan
robles 1irtual la5 librar,
9b: 'n a))ition- the E2ecuti1e +u)(e ma, re1o8e the commission of- or impose appropriate
a)ministrati1e sanctions upon- an, notar, public 5ho7chanrobles1irtualla5librar,
9: fails to 8eep a notarial re(ister;
92: fails to ma8e the proper entr, or entries in his notarial re(ister concernin( his
notarial acts;
9!: fails to sen) the cop, of the entries to the E2ecuti1e +u)(e 5ithin the 6rst ten 90:
)a,s of the month follo5in(;
9": fails to a32 to ac8no5le)(ments the )ate of e2piration of his commission;
9*: fails to submit his notarial re(ister- 5hen 6lle)- to the E2ecuti1e +u)(e;
9?: fails to ma8e his report- 5ithin a reasonable time- to the E2ecuti1e +u)(e concernin(
the performance of his )uties- as ma, be reEuire) b, the Cu)(e;
9@: fails to reEuire the presence of a principal at the time of the notarial act;
98: fails to i)entif, a principal on the basis of personal 8no5le)(e or competent
e1i)ence;
9B: e2ecutes a false or incomplete certi6cate un)er Section *- Rule '4;
90: 8no5in(l, performs or fails to perform an, other act prohibite) or man)ate) b,
these Rules; an)
9: commits an, other )ereliction or act 5hich in the Cu)(ment of the E2ecuti1e +u)(e
constitutes (oo) cause for re1ocation of commission or imposition of a)ministrati1e
sanction.
9c: %pon 1eri6e) complaint b, an intereste)- aJecte) or a((rie1e) person- the notar, public shall
be reEuire) to 6le a 1eri6e) ans5er to the complaint. 'f the ans5er of the notar, public is not
satisfactor,- the E2ecuti1e +u)(e shall con)uct a summar, hearin(. 'f the alle(ations of the
complaint are not pro1en- the complaint shall be )ismisse). 'f the char(es are )ul, establishe)-
the E2ecuti1e +u)(e shall impose the appropriate a)ministrati1e sanctions. 'n either case- the
a((rie1e) part, ma, appeal the )ecision to the Supreme Court for re1ie5. Pen)in( the appeal- an
or)er imposin( )isciplinar, sanctions shall be imme)iatel, e2ecutor,- unless other5ise or)ere) b,
the Supreme Court.
9): &he E2ecuti1e +u)(e ma, motu proprio initiate a)ministrati1e procee)in(s a(ainst a notar,
public- subCect to the proce)ures prescribe) in para(raph 9c: abo1e an) impose the appropriate
a)ministrati1e sanctions on the (roun)s mentione) in the prece)in( para(raphs 9a: an) 9b:.crala5
SEC. 2. Super1ision an) Monitorin( of Notaries Public. - &he E2ecuti1e +u)(e shall at all times
e2ercise super1ision o1er notaries public an) shall closel, monitor their acti1ities. chan robles
1irtual la5 librar,
SEC. !. Publication of Re1ocations an) A)ministrati1e Sanctions. - &he E2ecuti1e +u)(e shall
imme)iatel, or)er the Cler8 of Court to post in a conspicuous place in the o3ces of the E2ecuti1e
+u)(e an) of the Cler8 of Court the names of notaries public 5ho ha1e been a)ministrati1el,
sanctione) or 5hose notarial commissions ha1e been re1o8e).crala5
SEC. ". .eath of Notar, Public. - 'f a notar, public )ies before ful6llin( the obli(ations in Section
"9e:- Rule 4' an) Section 29e:- Rule 4''- the E2ecuti1e +u)(e- upon bein( noti6e) of such )eath-
shall forth5ith cause compliance 5ith the pro1isions of these sections. chan robles 1irtual la5
librar,
RULE XII
SPECIAL PROVISIONS
SEC&'#N . Punishable Acts. - &he E2ecuti1e +u)(e shall cause the prosecution of an, person
5ho7chanrobles1irtualla5librar,
9a: 8no5in(l, acts or other5ise impersonates a notar, public; chan robles 1irtual la5
librar,
9b: 8no5in(l, obtains- conceals- )efaces- or )estro,s the seal- notarial re(ister- or
o3cial recor)s of a notar, public; an)
9c: 8no5in(l, solicits- coerces- or in an, 5a, inQuences a notar, public to commit
o3cial miscon)uct.
SEC 2. Reports to the Supreme Court. - &he E2ecuti1e +u)(e concerne) shall submit semestral
reports to the Supreme Court on )iscipline an) prosecution of notaries public.
RULE XIII
REPEALING AND EFFECTIVITY PROVISIONS
SEC&'#N . Repeal. - All rules an) parts of rules- inclu)in( issuances of the Supreme Court
inconsistent here5ith- are hereb, repeale) or accor)in(l, mo)i6e). chan robles 1irtual la5 librar,
SEC. 2. EJecti1e .ate. - &hese Rules shall ta8e eJect on the 6rst )a, of Au(ust 200"- an) shall be
publishe) in a ne5spaper of (eneral circulation in the Philippines 5hich pro1i)es su3cientl, 5i)e
circulation.
Promul(ate) this ?th )a, of +ul,- 200". chan robles 1irtual la5 librar,
.a1i)e- +r. C.J.- Puno- 4itu(- Pan(aniban- Fuisumbin(- Pnare<-Santia(o- San)o1al-0utierre<- Carpio-
Austria-Martine<- Corona- Carpio-Morales- CalleCo- Sr.- A<cuna an) &in(a- JJ.crala5