Texas RON Law Changes 2025: What Every Remote Online Notary Needs to Know
August 11, 2025 | Written By Team Notary HubBottom Line Up Front
Senate Bill 693, effective September 1, 2025, introduces new penalties, education requirements, and record retention rules for Texas notaries. While most Remote Online Notary (RON) requirements remain unchanged, understanding these updates is crucial for compliance and avoiding new criminal penalties.
Major Changes to Texas RON Laws Coming in 2025
If you're a commissioned notary or planning to become a Remote Online Notary (RON) in Texas, Senate Bill 693 brings important updates you need to know. While Texas remains a national leader in RON legislation, these new requirements are designed to improve compliance, enhance training, and significantly increase accountability in both traditional and online notarization.
What's Changing in Texas Remote Online Notarization Law?
1. New Education Requirements for Texas Notaries
Education Required But Duration Flexible. Beginning September 1, 2025, the Texas Secretary of State will establish education requirements for new applicants and renewing notaries.
Senate Bill 693 actually sets a maximum limit of 2 hours, stating that rules "may not require a person to complete more than two hours of education." The actual training duration will be determined by the Secretary of State's rules, adopted by January 1, 2026.
This education ensures all notaries in Texas—especially those performing online notary services—understand the legal, ethical, and technical responsibilities of notarization under the new enforcement framework.
💡 Tip: Monitor the Texas Secretary of State website for final education requirements, which will be announced by early 2026.
2. Extended Record Retention: 10 Years for Traditional Notaries
Senate Bill 693 requires traditional notary records be retained "until the 10th anniversary of the date of notarization," doubling the previous 5-year requirement. However, RON-specific record retention remains at 5 years under existing Government Code Section 406.108(c), creating a potential compliance discrepancy that may be clarified in future rulemaking.
💡 Notary Hub Advantage: While this creates uncertainty for many notaries, Notary Hub has upheld the highest standards by maintaining 10 years of secure record retention for all clients—ensuring your compliance is never in question and your business is always protected, regardless of which state requirements apply.
This change promotes transparency, audit-readiness, and public trust, particularly important given the new criminal penalties.
3. Significantly Stronger Criminal Penalties
The most significant change in SB 693 establishes new criminal offenses for notary misconduct:
- Class A Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail and $4,000 fine for knowingly performing notarizations without proper personal appearance
- State Jail Felony: 6 months to 2 years imprisonment when fraudulent notarization involves real property transfers
- Expanded "Good Cause" Provisions: Including failure to maintain records, which can result in commission revocation
These penalties apply to both traditional and remote online notarizations, representing a substantial increase in enforcement severity.
What Stays the Same for Online Notaries in Texas?
While Senate Bill 693 adds new layers of training and compliance, the core Texas RON framework established in 2018 remains unchanged:
- Commission Requirements: RON only permitted by commissioned Texas notaries with active online notary authorization
- Geographic Requirements: Notary must be physically in Texas; signer can be anywhere in the U.S.
- Identity Verification: Must use knowledge-based authentication (KBA), credential analysis, or personal knowledge—conducted entirely online
- Technology Standards: Two-way audio/video conferencing mandatory with X.509 compliant digital certificates
- Documentation: All RON sessions must be recorded and journaled per existing requirements
- Fee Structure: Maximum $25 additional fee for RON services (plus standard notary fees up to $10 per signature)
How Much Does Texas RON Certification Cost in 2025?
Understanding the complete cost breakdown helps notaries budget effectively:
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Setup Costs: | |
| Texas notary commission | $21 state fee |
| RON application fee | $50 |
| Digital certificate (X.509 compliant) | $100-200 annually |
| RON platform subscription | $30-100+ monthly |
| Total Initial Investment | $200-400+ |
| Ongoing Costs: | |
| Annual digital certificate renewal | $100-200 |
| Monthly platform fees | $30-100+ |
| Commission renewal (every 4 years) | $71 total |
Texas RON Requirements Summary for 2025
| Requirement | Details | 2025 Updates |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Education required (up to 2 hours maximum) - specific duration and content to be determined by Secretary of State rules by January 1, 2026 | New requirement starting Sept 1, 2025 |
| Record Retention | 5 years for RON; 10 years for traditional notary records | Traditional records extended from 5 to 10 years |
| Criminal Penalties | Class A misdemeanor to state jail felony | New criminal offenses established |
| Technology | X.509 compliant platforms, e-seals, digital certificates | No changes |
| Fees | $50 RON application + $25 max per RON transaction | No changes to RON fees |
Best Practices for Texas RON Compliance in 2025
To stay compliant under the new Texas RON laws:
- ✅Complete Required Education: Monitor Texas Secretary of State announcements for final education requirements
- ✅Maintain Secure Records: Back up and store RON records securely for 5+ years (10 years for traditional notary records)
- ✅Verify Signer Presence: Always ensure proper signer appearance to avoid new criminal penalties
- ✅Use Compliant Technology: Maintain X.509 compliant RON platforms with comprehensive audit trails
- ✅Document Everything: Keep detailed journals and video recordings per existing RON requirements
- ✅Stay Updated: Follow Texas Secretary of State rules adoption through 2026
Other 2025 Texas Notary Law Changes
Beyond RON-specific updates, Texas notaries should know about these additional 2025 changes:
- Electronic Applications Required: Starting January 21, 2025, all notary applications must be submitted electronically
- Fee Increases: HB 255 raised maximum traditional notary fees from $6 to $10 per signature with inflation adjustments
- Deposition Authority Clarified: HB 3474 (effective January 1, 2025) clarifies notaries' authority to administer oaths in depositions
Texas RON Platform Comparison: Choosing the Right Provider
When selecting a RON platform for Texas compliance, evaluate these key factors:
Essential Features:
- X.509 compliant digital certificates
- Comprehensive audit trails and recording
- Knowledge-based authentication integration
- Texas-specific compliance features
- Responsive personal support
Recommended Texas RON Platform:
Selection Criteria: Compare monthly costs, transaction fees, ease of use, customer support quality, and Texas-specific compliance features.
Is Remote Notary Legal in Texas? Complete 2025 Guide
Yes, remote online notarization is fully legal in Texas and has been since 2018. Texas leads the nation in RON adoption, with comprehensive legislation supporting secure online notarizations. The 2025 updates strengthen rather than restrict RON capabilities, focusing on education and enforcement rather than limiting access.
Key Legal Points:
- Texas notaries can perform RON from anywhere in Texas
- Signers can be located anywhere in the United States
- RON documents have the same legal validity as traditional notarizations
- Specific technology and identity verification requirements must be followed
Final Thoughts: Texas Continues Leading RON Innovation
The 2025 RON law updates in Texas represent a smart evolution of a system that already leads the country in online notarization. By emphasizing education, accountability, and stronger enforcement, the new legislation protects both notaries and the public while maintaining Texas's position as the most RON-friendly state.
The key takeaway for Texas notaries: while core RON requirements remain stable, the new criminal penalties make compliance more critical than ever. Understanding the actual requirements—rather than misconceptions—ensures you can continue serving clients effectively while avoiding legal risks.
Need Help with RON Compliance?
At NotaryHub.com, we help notaries across the U.S.—especially in Texas—stay informed and compliant with state-specific RON requirements. Whether you're preparing for 2025 changes, choosing a RON provider, or setting up your digital workflow, we provide comprehensive Texas RON solutions.
Ready to get started with Texas RON? Visit NotaryHub.com to learn more about our Texas-specific RON platform, training resources, and compliance support. Our team understands the nuances of Texas RON law and can help you navigate the 2025 changes successfully.
Last updated: August 2025. Texas notary laws continue evolving—always verify current requirements with the Texas Secretary of State.