Saudi notarial offices go paperless, enabling e-notarization of PoA documents

Saudi notarial offices have started going paperless as they begin to work within a digital framework, enabling clients to get low-risk power of attorney (PoA)s issued via the Ministry of Justice portal, without having to physically visit an office.

Saudi Justice Minister Waleed al-Sama’ani had earlier set a deadline of Nov. 18 when justice ministry would eliminate paperwork for all notarial operations.

The ministry announced the launch of e-services for “digital powers of attorney” (PoA) and “digital notarization of PoAs.”

The first service fulfills the needs of most clients by enabling them to obtain digital PoAs on specific terms without having to visit notarial offices. The digital PoA is sent to the client’s Absher-registered mobile number.

The second service (digital notarization of PoAs) puts an end to paperwork for PoA terms that require visiting a notarial office or seeing a private notary. Similarly, the PoA is sent to the client’s Absher-registered mobile number without the need for a hard copy.

In addition, government agencies will have access to the digital PoA data through the Government Service Bus (GSB).

The agencies will be able to verify a PoA by providing the PoA number and the ID of any of the PoA parties.

Through its portal, the ministry has also enabled private entities, and natural and legal persons to inquire about PoAs and verify their authenticity and validity.

“The Saudi Ministry of Justice aims at full digitization of notarial services and judicial work,” the ministry said. Digital powers of attorney and e-notarizations are among several services initiated by the ministry.

“Such services simplify and fast-track procedures for the benefit of our clients,” the ministry added.