- RON is a separate commission. You need a traditional Texas commission first.
- You must be physically in Texas, but your signer can be anywhere, even abroad.
- You can charge up to $25 per online act on top of the standard fee.
- Some documents, like wills, cannot be notarized online.
Remote Online Notarization, or RON, lets you notarize for a signer over a secure video call instead of in person. In Texas it is a separate commission with its own rules, and it is one of the best ways to add income without adding driving time, because you can take appointments from home and your signer can be almost anywhere.
Here is how RON works in Texas, what you need to get commissioned, and what you can charge. This is general information, not legal advice.
RON is a separate commission
A remote online notary commission is not the same thing as your regular commission. You must already hold a current, unexpired traditional Texas notary commission before you can apply for the online one. The online commission then expires on the same day as your traditional commission, so the two stay in sync.
How to apply
You apply electronically through the Secretary of State and pay the state application fee (currently 50 dollars). Since 2026, you also complete the state online notary education course, which is separate from the traditional notary course.
The technology you need
RON is built on a few required pieces. You do not assemble these yourself; you choose a RON technology provider that supplies them, but you should understand what they are:
- A third party that performs identity proofing and credential analysis on your signer.
- Two way live audio and video conference technology.
- An electronic seal that meets the same content rules as your physical stamp.
- A digital certificate that uses public key technology and is tamper evident, so any later change to the document can be detected.
What you can charge
For an online notarization you may charge up to 25 dollars per act, on top of the standard act fee set by Texas law. So a one signer online acknowledgment can run up to about 35 dollars. Confirm current figures with the Secretary of State, since fees can be adjusted over time.
Records and limits
RON has stricter recordkeeping than in person work. You keep the audio video recording of each session, along with your electronic records, for five years. And not everything can be done online: wills, codicils, and testamentary trusts are excluded.
Is RON worth it?
For most Texas notaries who already do mobile work, yes. RON fills the gaps in your schedule with appointments you can take without leaving home, and it lets you serve signers who are traveling, out of state, or simply prefer to sign from their couch. It pairs naturally with loan signing work.
General information, not legal advice. For the authoritative, current rules, consult the Texas Secretary of State.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a regular notary commission before RON?
Yes. You must already hold a current, unexpired traditional Texas notary commission before you can apply to become an online notary.
Where do I have to be during a RON appointment?
You, the notary, must be physically located in Texas. Your signer can be anywhere, including outside the United States.
How much can I charge for a remote online notarization?
Up to 25 dollars per online notarization, in addition to the standard act fee. A one signer online acknowledgment can be up to 35 dollars.
Can any document be notarized online?
No. Some documents, including wills, codicils, and testamentary trusts, cannot be notarized online in Texas.
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Zeltmann Notary
A bilingual Texas Notary Public and NNA Certified Loan Signing Agent, with Remote Online Notarization available statewide. Practical guidance from real day to day signing work.