The milestone eNotarization was carried out recently by Dublin-based solicitor and Notary David Walsh for a document going out of the country. The document was referred to Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs to become the first electronically notarized document to receive an electronic Apostille. Apostilles are certificates issued by designated government agencies around the world that verify the authenticity of notarial certificates attached to documents being sent to other countries.

“These are very exciting times, indeed, for any Notary Public, as we now have a tool set which allows us to provide a more efficient service to our customers, whilst retaining the security and trust which are hallmarks of the Notarial profession,” Walsh said in a statement.

Ireland joins the United States, Estonia, the United Kingdom and a number of other nations where electronic notarizations may be performed. While the technology is not in widespread use, experts believe that electronic notarization will become the norm as the world increasingly moves toward an all-digital business environment. Electronic notarization can allow documents to be created, revised, signed and notarized in digital form, without ever needing to have a paper copy.

The National Notary Association has hosted a number of International forums for Notary leaders from around the globe to discuss legal and technology issues related to electronic notarization.