Lithuania will start permitting notaries to issue electronic apostilles, aiming to enhance access to notarial services and accelerate the digitization of document processing.
The Lithuanian government is introducing electronic apostilles as part of a broader initiative to modernize notarial services and improve accessibility for residents. According to the Ministry of Justice, the implementation of this system will allow documents signed with a qualified electronic signature or certified with a qualified electronic seal to be apostilled electronically. While notaries will be responsible for issuing these electronic apostilles, the process for paper apostilles remains unchanged, still accessible through both notaries and consular officials.
This modernization effort aims to facilitate faster, more convenient, and secure handling of documents intended for international use. Justice Minister Rita TamaΕ‘unienΔ emphasized the importance of this step in ensuring that Lithuanians can manage their international documentation more efficiently. The newly introduced electronic apostille system will operate through the e.Notaras information platform, managed by the Lithuanian Chamber of Notaries, which signifies a significant leap towards the digitization of essential administrative functions in the country.
Furthermore, the introduction of electronic apostilles will potentially increase the international recognition of Lithuanian electronic documents, which is crucial in a globalized economy. This initiative is expected to benefit both citizens and businesses, granting them the ability to utilize notarial services remotely and streamline the process of document authentication. As Lithuania embraces these changes, it positions itself to better serve the documentation needs of its population in an increasingly digital world.
