Texas Remote Online Notarization (RON) Laws
RON EnactedEffective July 1, 2018 · Last verified September 2026
Available to signers in all 50 states. Live, commissioned notaries 24/7.
Quick Facts
- Status
- RON Enacted
- Year Enacted
- 2017
- Statute
- Tex. Gov't Code § 406.101 et seq.
- Bill Number
- HB 1217 (Acts 2017, ch. 340)
Texas RON Law Overview
Texas authorized remote online notarization in 2017 by HB 1217 (Acts 2017, ch. 340), codified at Tex. Gov't Code § 406.101 et seq., effective July 1, 2018. A Texas online notarization is performed by a notary commissioned in Texas who also holds the state's separate remote-notary registration or endorsement (2 hours of training required). The signer appears on a live audio-video call and is identified by automated analysis of a government-issued photo ID and knowledge-based authentication questions. The notary must record each act in an electronic journal and keep the session recording for at least 5 years.
Key details for Texas
Texas was the second state to enact permanent RON legislation after Virginia (HB 1217, effective July 1, 2018). Online notaries hold a traditional Texas commission plus a separate online commission ($50), keep the $10,000 general notary bond with no additional bond for online work, and must pass dynamic knowledge-based authentication and credential analysis to the standards in 1 TAC § 87.70 (five questions, 80% pass, two minutes). The electronic record of each online notarization, including the recording, is kept at least five years (§ 406.108); the traditional record book is now kept ten years (§ 406.014(g), SB 693). SB 1780 (2023, effective January 1, 2024) added the tangible-document procedure in § 406.1103. SB 693 (2025, effective September 1, 2025) added the education requirement in force from January 1, 2026, and made notarizing without the signer's personal appearance an offense (§ 406.0091). No change to §§ 406.101–406.113 or to 1 TAC §§ 87.41 and 87.70–87.71 between April 2025 and September 2026.
Legal Citations
Texas RON Requirements
Texas requires RON sessions to be conducted over a live, two-way audio-video connection. Credential analysis of a government-issued photo ID is required to verify the signer's identity. The signer must successfully complete knowledge-based authentication (KBA), answering personal questions generated from public records and credit data to confirm their identity. Notaries must maintain an electronic journal of all remote notarizations and apply tamper-evident technology to completed documents. Audio-video recordings of each RON session must be retained for at least 5 years.
- Audio-video required
- Yes
- Tamper-evident seal
- Required
- Electronic journal
- Required
- Recording retention
- 5 years
- Credential analysis
- Required
- KBA required
- Yes
- Commissioned in state
- Required
- RON endorsement
- Required
- Bond amount
- $10,000
- Training hours
- 2 hrs
Interstate Recognition
Texas recognizes an acknowledgment or proof taken outside the state, within the United States, by a notary public (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 121.001(b)(3)), which is how a remote online notarization performed under another state's law is accepted here. A Texas online notarization itself must be performed by a Texas online notary who is physically in Texas at the time (Gov't Code §§ 406.105, 406.110).
Online Notary Availability in Texas
Notaron is available 24/7 across Texas. See location-specific guides for major Texas cities:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is remote online notarization legal in Texas?
Yes, Texas has enacted permanent RON legislation in 2017 under Tex. Gov't Code § 406.101 et seq. Remote online notarization is fully legal and authorized for Texas-commissioned notaries who meet the state's RON requirements.
What are the identity verification requirements for RON in Texas?
Texas requires credential analysis of a government-issued photo ID and knowledge-based authentication (KBA) for all remote online notarizations. The signer must correctly answer personal questions generated from authoritative data sources.
Do I need a special endorsement to perform RON in Texas?
Yes, Texas requires notaries to obtain a RON endorsement or registration in addition to their standard notary commission before performing remote online notarizations. Notaries must complete 2 hours of approved RON training.
What technology is required for RON in Texas?
Texas requires RON sessions to use real-time two-way audio-video communication. Documents must be sealed with tamper-evident technology. An electronic journal must be maintained for all remote notarizations. Session recordings must be retained for 5 years.
Does Texas accept out-of-state RON?
Texas recognizes an acknowledgment or proof taken outside the state, within the United States, by a notary public (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 121.001(b)(3)), which is how a remote online notarization performed under another state's law is accepted here. A Texas online notarization itself must be performed by a Texas online notary who is physically in Texas at the time (Gov't Code §§ 406.105, 406.110).
What is the bond requirement for RON notaries in Texas?
A notary performing remote online notarizations in Texas must hold a surety bond of $10,000. The bond protects the public against errors or misconduct by the notary; whether it is the state's ordinary notary bond or a separate electronic-notary bond depends on the state, and the statute linked above says which.