Texas was one of the first states to allow online notarization, and today Texans have two ways to get it done: a commissioned Texas online notary, or a commissioned online notary from another state. Either way you sign from your phone or computer and never leave the house.
Here is what you need to know about Texas online notary rules, what Texas accepts, and how to get notarized online today.
Meet a live New York electronic notary over secure video, 24/7, from anywhere in Texas. Notarize online now →
Texas online notary basics
Texas has commissioned online notaries since its online notarization law took effect in 2018. A Texas online notary performs notarizations through two-way video and audio that meet the Secretary of State’s standards, including credential analysis (checking that your ID is genuine) and identity proofing (confirming you are the person on it). Texas online notaries must keep the electronic record and the video recording for five years.
Texas also uses the term electronic notarization for something different: an in-person signing on an electronic document. If you want to sign from home, you need an online notarization.
Can a Texan use an online notary from another state?
Yes. Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code section 121.001(b) allows an acknowledgment to be taken outside Texas, but inside the United States, by a notary public. And New York law lets a New York electronic notary, located in New York, notarize for a signer located anywhere. So a notarization you complete from Houston, Dallas, Austin or San Antonio with a New York notary is performed under New York law.
As with any notarization, check with the office receiving your document. Some county clerks, courts and lenders have their own preferences for electronic documents.
How it works with NotarEaseNYC
- Upload your document. A typed, unsigned PDF. Do not sign it beforehand.
- Verify your ID. You photograph a current government photo ID and answer identity questions. New York requires two separate ways of confirming who you are.
- Meet the notary on video. A commissioned New York electronic notary, physically in New York, confirms your identity and watches you sign electronically.
- Download your document. It comes back with the notary’s electronic signature and certificate, usually in about 15 minutes total.
Online notarization is $25 for the first document, $15 each for documents 2 through 7 and $10 each from the eighth, with $15 per additional signer. Every signer joins the video with their own ID.
Want to become a Texas online notary?
You need a traditional Texas commission first, then a digital certificate and electronic seal, and a separate online notary application in the SOS Notary Portal. The full traditional process is in how to become a notary in Texas, and the online steps are covered in how to become an online notary.
Frequently asked questions
Is online notarization legal in Texas?
Yes. Texas has commissioned online notaries since 2018. Texas residents can also use a commissioned online notary from another state, such as a New York electronic notary.
Does Texas accept a notarization from another state?
Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code section 121.001(b) allows an acknowledgment of a written instrument to be taken outside Texas, inside the United States, by a notary public. Confirm with the office receiving your document that it accepts an electronic notarization.
How much does a Texas online notary cost?
Texas sets a maximum fee for online notarizations in Government Code section 406.111. With NotarEaseNYC, online notarization is $25 for the first document and less for each additional document.
Can I notarize a Texas document online from home?
Yes. You upload the document, verify your ID and meet the notary on a live video call from your phone or computer. Every signer needs their own ID and must join the call.
How do I become a Texas online notary?
You must already hold a traditional Texas notary commission, get an x.509 compliant digital certificate and an electronic seal, and apply through the Texas SOS Notary Portal. No additional bond is required.
Is an electronic notarization the same as an online notarization in Texas?
No. In Texas an electronic notarization is done in person with electronic documents. An online notarization uses two-way video so the signer and the notary can be in different places.
Related reading
This is general information, not legal advice. NotarEaseNYC is a New York notary practice, not a law firm, and is not affiliated with any state agency. Acceptance rules vary by office and change over time; if your document is going to a court, county recorder, agency or lender, confirm with them that they accept a remote online notarization before you book.