On March 25, 2020, the State of Rio Grande do Sul, like other Brazilian states, launched the e-protocol service, allowing its users to digitally submit titles subject to real estate registration.

The e-protocol is available on the platform of Rio Grande do Sul Real Estate Registration (www.cri-rs.com.br), which allows sending documents digitally to the competent Real Estate Registry Offices for the protocol of the title, or examining and calculating fees.

The titles must contain, in addition to the digital signature and the legal requirements, technical attributes of metadata, in accordance with the e-PING system, authenticated for this purpose. Currently, documents in PDF/A format, without metadata, can be accepted. However, this method will be revoked after the adaptation period of this new service.

The e-protocol represents a major advance for the Real Estate Registry Offices in line with the currently technological evolution. Such innovation allows business to continue, even in the current scenario of restricted personal attendance due to the preventive measures related to the fight against COVID-19.