Frequently Asked Questions

What is a digital notarisation in the UAE?

Digital notarisation in the UAE runs through three distinct channels described on this site — Dubai Courts e-Notary, ADJD Digital Notary and the Ministry of Justice E-Notary — each administered by a different authority and each authenticating the signatory through UAE Pass. The notarisation channel is the surface on which a document is sealed; UAE Pass is the federal identity that authenticates the signatory underneath each of them.

Why does every channel require UAE Pass?

UAE Pass is the federal digital identity through which the channels authenticate the signatory; the identity-assurance level a channel requires is set by that channel, and the channels inherit UAE Pass verification rather than building their own. Eligibility differs by channel and by the signatory’s status: Dubai’s digital rules, for example, provide an entry-permit-number route for non-residents, but not every applicant can use every channel. Confirm the channel’s current eligibility requirements before booking.

Can a document notarised through one emirate's channel be used in another emirate?

Sometimes, but not reliably. A digitally sealed instrument from one channel may be recognised in another emirate, with the acceptance question decided by the receiving counter party. Where the destination is in a different jurisdiction from the issuing channel, the prudent course is to use the channel matching the destination.

Can the signatory join the notarisation session from outside the UAE?

Subject to the administering authority’s procedure, yes. The session is conducted over the internet and the signatory’s physical location is not the point of substantive control. What matters is the verified UAE Pass account and the signatory’s identity during the session. Specific channel rules on out of country execution are published by each administering authority.

What is the position on documents intended for use outside the UAE?

A digitally sealed instrument intended for use abroad must still be authenticated for the receiving jurisdiction. The UAE is not a Contracting Party to the Hague Apostille Convention (HCCH status table, checked 10 September 2026), so no apostille is issued for a UAE document; the destination country’s own authentication requirements apply and should be confirmed with the receiving authority there. The digital seal does not substitute for that authentication when the destination is foreign.

How is a digitally sealed output verified by a receiving counterparty?

Each administering authority publishes a verification facility through which the receiving counterparty checks the seal against the issuing authority’s records. The verification confirms that the document was issued under the authority’s seal, that it has not been altered since issuance, and that the signatory’s identity was authenticated through UAE Pass at the time of execution.