Remote notarial services

When the COVID-19 pandemic started, the restrictions related to it forced many people to change their habits in different areas and organise their work remotely. The data summarised for 2020 show that the majority of people still visit Sworn Notaries at their places of practice, because the number of services provided by Sworn Notaries remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic has only increased by 0.6% out of the notarial operations conducted over the year (source: https://www.latvijasnotars.lv/articles/notaru-dienas-2021-tiessaist). Regardless of the fact that the above data demonstrate that remote visits to Sworn Notaries have not become popular, it can be concluded that the number of people who use the electronic environment has increased. It is demonstrated by the statistical data providing that in January 2021, eParaksts mobile was received by the same number of people who received it in the first six months of 2019. Moreover, in 2020, the number of times when eParaksts mobile was used to attest the e-Identity doubled. The total number of users of eParaksts mobile in January 2021 exceeded 100,000 people.

Considering the interest of people in the eParaksts mobile app, starting from 15th  February 2021, Latvian Sworn Notaries have started to issue eParaksts to people, ensuring that when people visit the Sworn Notary, they can conclude a contract on the use of eParaksts mobile that is required to use a secure digital signature.

Without a doubt, people will still choose to visit the Sworn Notary at their place of practice, and remote notarial services will not replace the usual face-to-face consultation. However, by simplifying the receipt of a modern and secure digital tool, not only is the number of remote visits to Sworn Notaries increased, but there is a general increase in the number of people using the digital environment. The use of modern technologies simplifies life and releases us from different burdens, helping in daily activities, the exchange of information and solving important matters.