Key Takeaways
- Texas authorizes both Remote Online Notarization (RON) and In-Person Electronic Notarization (IPEN)
- RON allows signers to appear via two-way audio-visual technology from any location
- Additional registration with the Secretary of State is required for online notarization
- Identity verification for RON includes credential analysis and knowledge-based authentication
- Online notarization sessions must be recorded and stored
Last updated: January 2026
Online Notarization in Texas
Texas has embraced technology in notarization, offering both Remote Online Notarization (RON) and In-Person Electronic Notarization (IPEN).
Two Types of Online Notarization
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| RON | Signer appears via audio-visual technology from remote location |
| IPEN | Signer appears in person, but signs electronically |
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Technology | Two-way audio-visual (real-time) |
| Signer location | Anywhere (even out of state or country) |
| Notary location | Must be in Texas |
| Signatures | Electronic |
| Seal | Electronic |
| Recording | Required |
Requirements for RON
To perform RON in Texas:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Texas notary commission | Must be active |
| Online notary registration | Additional registration with SOS |
| Approved technology | Secretary of State approved |
| Training | Platform-specific |
| Electronic records | 10-year retention (per SB693) |
Identity Verification for RON
RON requires enhanced identity verification:
| Layer | Description |
|---|---|
| Credential Analysis | Digital verification of ID authenticity |
| Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA) | Questions only signer should know |
| Visual Verification | Notary compares signer to ID photo |
KBA Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum questions | 5 questions |
| Passing score | 80% (4 of 5 correct) |
| Time limit | 2 minutes typically |
| Question source | Credit bureaus, public records |
Recording Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| What to record | Entire RON session |
| Audio | Required |
| Video | Required |
| Storage | 10 years (per SB693) |
| Format | Secure, tamper-evident |
Benefits of RON
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Convenience | No travel required |
| Accessibility | Helps remote or disabled signers |
| Speed | Can be done after hours |
| Security | Multiple verification layers |
| Documentation | Complete audio-visual record |
In-Person Electronic Notarization (IPEN)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Signer physically present |
| Document | Electronic format |
| Signature | Electronic (on tablet, etc.) |
| Seal | Electronic |
| ID verification | Standard (same as paper) |
On the Exam
Online notarization questions focus on:
- RON: Remote via audio-visual technology
- IPEN: In-person but electronic documents
- KBA: 5 questions, 80% passing
- Recording: Required for RON
- Storage: 10 years per SB693
Test Your Knowledge
What type of notarization allows a signer to appear remotely via audio-visual technology?
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Test Your Knowledge
What is the minimum passing score for Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA) in Texas RON?
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