Ch. 09 · Closing
Closing remotely in Texas: remote online notarization, explained
Texas has allowed remote online notarization since 2018, which means out-of-state buyers can often sign Texas closing documents from their own kitchen. Here is how it works and when in person is still required.
Texas has allowed remote online notarization, or RON, since 2018, which means a buyer in California or Florida can sign Texas closing documents from their own kitchen table when the lender and title company permit it. Here is how a remote closing works, and when in-person is still the requirement.
The legal foundation
Texas authorized remote online notarization through House Bill 1217, effective July 1, 2018, making it one of the first states to do so. Under the Texas Secretary of State's rules, the notary must be physically located in Texas, but the signer can be anywhere, and the documents that can be notarized online include deeds, mortgages, and loan closing packages. Texas has also recognized remote ink-signed notarization (RIN) since January 1, 2024.
How an RON closing runs
You schedule a session with the closing team, verify your identity through credential analysis and knowledge-based questions, then appear by video with the notary for the ceremony. You sign electronically, the notary applies the electronic seal and certificate, and the title company records the deed. You will usually be asked to watch specific pages on screen, so give the signing your full attention rather than multitasking through it.
When lenders still want in person
Texas law permits RON, but the lender and title company set their own policies, and not every file qualifies. Some lenders approve remote signings case by case, some require a mobile notary to travel to you, and some simply want you at a signing table. Ask the question in writing early in the process, before you buy flights or book movers, and get the answer recorded in the file.
Money and fraud: the remote buyer's rules
Wire fraud is the leading scam at closing. Your title company will send wiring instructions; treat any message that changes those instructions as a fraud attempt and verify by phone using a number you looked up yourself, not one from the message. Send funds only to the exact instructions in the closing paperwork, and be suspicious of anything rushed or last minute.
Sources
Material factual claims in this chapter link to the sources below. Market figures are reported conditions, not guarantees; verify current offers in writing.
Written by
Theresa De La Rosa
Broker, Covenant Heritage Realty, LLC · TX #807294 · 18+ years in Texas and Florida real estate.
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