Remote online notarization is legal in Texas under Tex. Gov’t Code §406.101 et seq. and 1 TAC ch. 87. Texas allows up to $25 in addition to regular notarial fees for an online notarization — not a replacement. Notaries must register for online notarization authority through the Secretary of State.
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- ✅ Status: Legal
- 📅 Effective: 2018-07-01
- 🪪 ID: Identity proofing and credential analysis meeting SOS rules; or credible witness where permitted.
- 🎥 Retention: Retain audio–video recordings for at least 5 years.
- 💵 Fees: Up to $25 in addition to regular notarial fees for an online notarization.
- 🔗 Statute: Tex. Gov't Code §406.101 et seq.; 1 TAC Ch. 87
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- ✅Government-ID check & audit trail
- ✅Instant notarized PDF (tamper-evident seal)
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Is remote online notarization legal in Texas? Yes — Texas authorizes remote online notarization under Tex. Gov’t Code § 406.101 et seq. with implementing rules in 1 TAC Chapter 87. Texas allows up to $25 in addition to regular notarial fees for an online notarization — an additive structure, not a replacement. Notaries must register for online notarization authority through the Secretary of State and use a 1 TAC Chapter 87-compliant platform.
Texas’s RON Authorization: Statute and 1 TAC Chapter 87
Texas’s RON framework is built on Tex. Gov’t Code § 406.101 et seq. for the statutory authority and 1 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 87 for the detailed implementing rules. The 1 TAC Chapter 87 rules — developed by the Secretary of State’s office — establish platform technical standards, identity verification requirements, electronic journal specifications, and recording retention obligations. Compliance with Texas RON law requires working from both the Government Code and the 1 TAC rules.
Texas notaries must register for online notarization authority through the Secretary of State before performing remote sessions. This registration is separate from and additional to the standard Texas notary appointment. Only platforms that comply with 1 TAC Chapter 87 may be used for Texas RON sessions — confirming a platform’s Texas compliance before beginning practice is essential.
The Additive Fee Structure: $25 On Top of Standard Fees
Texas’s RON fee structure is distinctive: the $25 online notarization premium is charged in addition to the standard Texas notarial fee — not as a replacement for it. Under Texas law, standard acknowledgment fees and jurat fees ($6 per act under Tex. Gov’t Code § 406.024) continue to apply. The online notarization add-on of up to $25 is layered on top of those base fees.
For Texas notaries communicating pricing to clients, this means a typical RON session involves: base notarial fee ($6 per acknowledgment or jurat) plus up to $25 RON premium plus the platform’s technology fee. Presenting this structure clearly and transparently to clients before each session is both a legal obligation and fundamental client service.
Texas’s Real Estate Market: Scale and Scope
Texas’s real estate market is by volume one of the largest in the country. The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and their surrounding suburban communities collectively process an extraordinary number of residential, commercial, land, and industrial real estate transactions annually. Out-of-state buyers — particularly from California, New York, and other high-cost states — have been purchasing Texas real estate in record numbers, frequently completing transactions without visiting the state. RON provides Texas title companies, independent closers, and real estate attorneys the legal mechanism to serve these remote buyers efficiently.
Energy, Technology, and Corporate Texas
Texas’s energy sector — oil and gas production across the Permian Basin, Eagle Ford Shale, Barnett Shale, and the Gulf Coast — generates enormous legal document volume. Mineral rights conveyances, royalty assignments, oil and gas leases, surface use agreements, and pipeline easements are executed in large numbers involving landowners across rural Texas and energy companies and financial institutions based anywhere. RON delivers efficient notarization for these high-stakes documents.
Austin’s technology sector — anchored by Tesla, Apple, Oracle, Google, and a dense startup ecosystem — generates corporate governance, intellectual property, and financing documents. Houston’s healthcare sector (Texas Medical Center — the world’s largest medical complex), Dallas’s financial and telecom industries (AT&T, Southwest Airlines, Toyota North America, ExxonMobil), and San Antonio’s military and cybersecurity economy collectively make Texas one of the country’s most diverse and high-volume professional document markets.
Getting Started in Texas
For Texas notaries pursuing online notarization authority under Tex. Gov’t Code § 406.101 et seq. — including the SOS registration process, 1 TAC Chapter 87 compliance, the additive fee structure, platform selection, and step-by-step guidance — see the Texas RON notary how-to guide.
What’s Allowed under RON
- ✓ Acknowledgments
- ✓ Oaths/Affirmations
- ✓ Jurats
- ✓ Witnessing (where allowed)
- ✓ Copy certifications (where allowed)
Core Requirements
ID Requirements
Identity proofing and credential analysis meeting SOS rules; or credible witness where permitted.
Audio-Video Standards
Two-way, real-time audio–video; tamper-evident record; prevent session tampering.
Journal / Recordkeeping
Maintain electronic records per SOS; keep identity proofing outcomes.
Retention / Recording
Retain audio–video recordings for at least 5 years.
Fees & Limits
Up to $25 in addition to regular notarial fees for an online notarization.
Platform / Vendor Approval
Use platforms meeting Texas SOS standards; online notary commission required.|Use platforms meeting Texas SOS standards; online notary commission required.
FAQ
Is remote notarization in Texas available for all types of documents?
Yes, remote notarization can be used for a variety of documents, but some specific requirements or restrictions may apply depending on the type of document.
How long does it take to become a remote notary in Texas?
The time may vary, but it typically takes a few weeks to complete the application, training, and obtain the necessary commission and certificates.
Do I need to notify the Texas Secretary of State each time I perform a remote notarization?
No, you do not need to notify the Texas Secretary of State for each individual remote notarization, but you must maintain proper records as required by law.
Can out-of-state clients use remote notarization services in Texas?
Yes, out-of-state clients can utilize remote notarization services in Texas, as long as the notary is authorized to perform the notarization and follows Texas regulations.
What happens if there is a technical issue during a remote notarization?
If a technical issue arises, the notary should attempt to resolve it quickly. If it cannot be resolved, the notarization may need to be rescheduled, ensuring that all relevant laws are followed.
Are there any fees associated with remote notarization services in Texas?
Yes, notaries may charge fees for their services, and these can vary based on the notary's discretion and the nature of the documents being notarized.
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