What Documents Can Be Notarized Online

Texas allows most of the same notarial acts online as in person, such as acknowledgments, jurats, oaths, and affirmations, so long as the document is eligible under law. 

However, not all documents may be remote-notarized. Some key points:

• Documents must be capable of being electronically signed, sealed, and secured so that alterations are detectable.  

• Real estate conveyances and some wills or testamentary documents may have additional restrictions or require local law review. Some counties or institutions may not accept Remote Online Notarization (RON) versions unless a “papered-out” (i.e. printed and physically recorded) version is created.  

• The document for notarization must be an unsigned original, or an electronic version not pre-signed by the principal. The principal (signer) signs the document in the live video session.  

• The remote online notary must use a qualified digital certificate, and an electronic seal to finalize the notarization, in a format that is capable of independent verification.  

• The notarial certificate itself must explicitly state that the act was performed online (i.e. that the “appearance” was by electronic means).

  
  

  In practice, many common documents are eligible:

  
  

  • Powers of attorney

  • Affidavits

  • Declarations

  • Contracts

  • Business documents

  • Many corporate resolutions

  • Some government and public agency forms

  
  

  Before using RON, it’s wise to check with the party or agency where the document will be submitted to confirm they accept remote-notarized versions.

While Texas law provides broad flexibility for remote online notarization, not every document is automatically eligible or universally accepted. The key is ensuring the document can be securely executed and verified through electronic means and that all statutory technical requirements, such as digital certificates, tamper-evident seals, and proper notarial wording, are met. Be aware that acceptance policies may vary by county, agency, or institution, it’s always prudent to confirm in advance that a remotely notarized document will be recognized by the receiving party. By doing so, both notaries and signers can avoid delays and ensure the online notarization holds the same legal weight as its in-person counterpart.