Texas Remote Online Notarization (RON) Laws
RON EnactedEffective December 31, 2017
Quick Facts
- Status
- RON Enacted
- Year Enacted
- 2017
- Statute
- Tex. Gov't Code § 406.101 et seq.
- Bill Number
- SB 2128
Texas RON Law Overview
Remote online notarization became permanently authorized in Texas when the legislature passed legislation in 2017 (SB 2128) under Tex. Gov't Code § 406.101 et seq.. The law took effect on December 31, 2017. Texas's RON law allows commissioned notaries to use approved audio-video technology platforms to notarize documents for signers located anywhere, subject to compliance with identity verification protocols and electronic record-keeping requirements established by the statute.
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
Interstate Recognition
Texas generally recognizes remote online notarizations performed by notaries commissioned in other states that have enacted equivalent RON legislation. Documents notarized via RON in another state may be accepted for recording and legal purposes in Texas, subject to compliance with the originating state's RON requirements.
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.
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 generally recognizes remote online notarizations performed by notaries commissioned in other states with equivalent RON laws. However, specific recording offices may have additional requirements.
What is the bond requirement for RON notaries in Texas?
Texas requires RON notaries to maintain a surety bond of $10,000. This bond protects the public against errors or misconduct during remote notarizations and is in addition to any bond required for a standard notary commission.
Texas was the second state to enact permanent RON legislation after Virginia.