What this page covers
- Checked against sources
- October 16, 2026
Check your document, then notarize it
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5-10 minutes per document · on video · we confirm your notary and time by email
What you need
- The final, unsigned version of your document
- Government-issued photo ID for every signer
An online notary service performs a notarial act using two-way video and audio conference technology, as Texas law defines online notarization1. On Notriv, a notary meets you on a live two-way video call. The session is recorded and the recording is kept for 5 years. The notarization is entered in a notary journal kept for 5 years. The document is signed with the notary's digital certificate and electronic seal. The seal is checked for tampering before it is applied. Appointments are offered every 30 minutes. Notarizations are bought one at a time; the e-sign subscription does not include them.
What the law says
What is a notary?
A notary public has the same authority as the county clerk2. That authority covers taking acknowledgments or proofs of written instruments, protesting instruments permitted by law, administering oaths, taking depositions, and certifying copies of documents not recordable in the public records2. A notary not licensed to practice law in Texas may not give legal advice2. A notary also may not accept fees for legal advice2.
What counts as an online notarization?
"Online notarization" means a notarial act performed by two-way video and audio conference technology1. That technology must meet the standards adopted under Section 406.1041.
Do you need to be in the same state as the notary?
Yes: a Texas online notary public may notarize regardless of where the signer is physically located3.
Can a paper document be notarized online?
When the signer uses a tangible symbol instead of an electronic signature, the Texas online notary must reasonably confirm the document before the notary is the same one the signer made a statement on or signed4.
How does the certificate show it was done online?
The certificate for a Texas online notarization must note that it is an online notarization5. It must also show whether the signature was a tangible symbol or an electronic signature5.
Can you swear an oath online?
Yes: a Texas online notary may administer an oath online6. The notary must identify the signer, create a video and audio recording of the oath, and retain that recording6.
How is your identity checked online?
A Texas online notary verifies identity by personal knowledge of the signer7. Or the notary uses the signer's remote presentation of a government-issued ID with signature and photo, credential analysis of that ID, and identity proofing of the signer7.
Is the video call secure?
A Texas online notary must take reasonable steps to keep the video and audio communication secure from unauthorized interception8.
How long is the record kept?
A Texas online notary must keep the electronic record for at least five years after the transaction9. The record must include the date and time, the type of notarial act, a description of the document, the printed name and address of each principal, evidence of each principal's identity, a recording of the video and audio conference, and any fee charged10.
Can a notarization be electronic?
Under federal law, a notarization requirement is met if the notary's electronic signature, together with other required information, is attached to or logically associated with the record11.
How a session works
The notary signs with a digital certificate and electronic seal, checked for tampering first. Appointments run every 30 minutes.
How do I get it done?
Upload your document on Notriv to check it and book an online notary.
Where these facts come from
- 1. What is online notarization: In Texas, an online notarization is a notarial act performed using two-way video and audio conference technology that meets the standards adopted under Section 406.104. · statutes.capitol.texas.gov · checked October 16, 2026
- 2. Can a notary give legal advice: In Texas, a notary public who is not licensed to practice law in the state may not give legal advice or accept fees for legal advice. · statutes.capitol.texas.gov · checked October 16, 2026
- 3. Do you need to be in the same state as the notary: Yes: in Texas, an online notary public may perform an authorized online notarization that meets the subchapter's requirements and rules whether or not the principal is physically in Texas at the time. · statutes.capitol.texas.gov · checked October 16, 2026
- 4. Can a paper document be notarized online: In Texas, when the principal signs with a tangible symbol rather than an electronic signature, the online notary public must reasonably confirm that the document in front of the notary is the same document in which the principal made a statement or on which the principal signed. · statutes.capitol.texas.gov · checked October 16, 2026
- 5. How does the certificate show it was done online: In Texas, the notarial certificate for an online notarization must note that it is an online notarization and must say whether the signature was a tangible symbol or an electronic signature. · statutes.capitol.texas.gov · checked October 16, 2026
- 6. Can you swear an oath online: In Texas, except as other state law provides otherwise, an online notary public may administer an oath or affirmation to a principal online if the notary identifies the principal under Section 406.110(b), creates or causes the creation of a video and audio recording of the principal taking the oath or affirmation, and retains or causes the retention of that recording. · statutes.capitol.texas.gov · checked October 16, 2026
- 7. How is your identity checked online: In Texas, at the time of the online notarization and using compliant two-way video and audio conference technology, the online notary must verify the signer's identity either by personal knowledge of the signer, or by all of the following: the signer's remote presentation of a government-issued ID (such as a passport or driver's license) with the signer's signature and photo, credential analysis of that ID, and identity proofing of the signer. · statutes.capitol.texas.gov · checked October 16, 2026
- 8. Is the video call secure: In Texas, the online notary public must take reasonable steps to make sure the two-way video and audio communication used in an online notarization is secure from unauthorized interception. · statutes.capitol.texas.gov · checked October 16, 2026
- 9. How long is the record kept: In Texas, the online notary public must keep the electronic record for at least five years after the date of the transaction or proceeding. · statutes.capitol.texas.gov · checked October 16, 2026
- 10. What record is kept of an online notarization: In Texas, the electronic record for each online notarization must contain: the date and time; the type of notarial act; the type, title or a description of the document or proceeding; the printed name and address of each principal; evidence of each principal's identity (a statement that the person is personally known, a notation of the type of ID provided, a record of the identity verification under Section 406.110 if applicable, or the printed name and address of each credible witness plus a description of the ID of any witness not personally known); a recording of any video and audio conference that is the basis for satisfactory evidence of identity, with a notation of the ID presented; and the fee, if any, charged. · statutes.capitol.texas.gov · checked October 16, 2026
- 11. Can a notarization be electronic: Under federal law, when a signature or record tied to a transaction in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce must be notarized, acknowledged, verified or made under oath, the requirement is met if the authorized person's electronic signature, along with all other information other applicable law requires, is attached to or logically associated with the signature or record. · govinfo.gov · checked October 16, 2026