Remote Online Notarization (RON) Flashcards

What is the difference between an electronic notarization (eNotarization) and a remote online notarization (RON) in Texas?

Answer: eNotarization is performed in person using electronic documents and signatures; RON uses audio-visual technology with the signer at a different location

eNotarization involves electronic documents and signatures but still requires the signer to physically appear before the notary; RON allows the signer to appear remotely via audio-visual technology.

Under Texas RON rules, what happens if the audio-visual connection is lost during a session?

Answer: The notary must immediately stop and the session must be restarted from the beginning

If the audio-visual connection is interrupted, the RON session must be halted and restarted from the beginning to ensure all required elements are properly captured.

What must a Texas RON notary's electronic seal contain?

Answer: The same four elements required for a traditional seal: name, 'Notary Public, State of Texas,' commission number, and expiration date

A RON electronic seal must contain the same required elements as a traditional seal: the notary's name, 'Notary Public, State of Texas,' commission number, and expiration date.

Can any Texas notary perform remote online notarizations, or is additional authorization required?

Answer: The notary must apply for and receive separate RON authorization from the Secretary of State

Performing remote online notarizations requires separate RON authorization from the Texas Secretary of State in addition to the standard notary commission.

What is the legal status of a Texas RON-notarized document when used in another state?

Answer: Its validity depends on the receiving state's recognition of Texas RON

The validity of a Texas RON-notarized document in another state depends on whether that state recognizes or gives full faith and credit to Texas RON notarizations.

What must a Texas notary do before they can use a specific RON technology platform?

Answer: Use only platforms approved by the Texas Secretary of State

Texas RON notaries must use technology platforms that have been approved by the Secretary of State — they cannot use any arbitrary video conferencing tool.