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Remote closings · Fla. Stat. §117.265, Tex. Gov't Code §406.110Remote online notarization: signing closing documents from anywhere

Florida and Texas allow online notarization of documents such as deeds and closing papers when the signer is not in the state. In Florida an online notary physically located in Florida may notarize regardless of where the principal or witnesses are; the notary confirms identity over audio-video by personal knowledge or by remote presentation of a government ID, credential analysis and identity proofing such as knowledge-based authentication, and records the session; a principal outside Florida must confirm wanting a Florida notarization under Florida law (Fla. Stat. §117.265). In Texas an online notary may notarize regardless of where the signer is, verifying identity by personal knowledge or by a government ID with photo and signature, credential analysis and identity proofing over two-way video and audio, and keeps an electronic record of each act (Tex. Gov't Code §§406.108, 406.110). In both states the certificate must show that it was an online notarization. Whether a closing can use it also depends on the lender, title company and recording county.

What the statutes require

  1. Signer's location

    Anywhere – Florida if the notary is physically in Florida (§117.265(1)); Texas regardless of the signer's location (§406.110(a)).

  2. Identity

    Personal knowledge, or remote ID presentation + credential analysis + identity proofing (FL §117.265(4); TX §406.110(b)).

  3. If proofing fails

    Florida: the notary may not perform the online notarization (§117.265(4)).

  4. Recording and records

    Florida: the audio-video session is recorded (§117.265(2)). Texas: a secure electronic record of each online notarization (§406.108).

  5. Out-of-state signer (FL)

    Must confirm, verbally or in writing, wanting a Florida notarization under Florida law (§117.265(3)).

  6. Certificate

    Must note that it is an online notarization – in Florida, e.g. "online notary" by the seal (FL §117.265(7); TX §406.110(d)).

Before planning a remote closing

  • Ask the lender whether it accepts online notarization for the loan documents.
  • Ask the title company which RON platform it uses and whether the county records electronically.
  • Have a current government photo ID ready – identity proofing questions come from public databases.
  • Test camera, microphone and connection before the session.

What the TC schedules

  • The RON session time with the notary and every signer, in the signer's time zone.
  • Witness requirements – in Florida a principal cannot witness his or her own signature (§117.265(2)).
  • A fallback in-person or mail-away signing if identity proofing fails.

Questions buyers and sellers ask

Can I close on a house remotely?

Often yes, where the state allows online notarization and the lender, title company and county accept it – Florida and Texas allow it for signers located anywhere.

How does a remote notary verify my identity?

By personal knowledge, or by your government photo ID shown on camera, analysis of that ID and identity-proofing questions (Fla. Stat. §117.265(4); Tex. Gov't Code §406.110(b)).

Is a remote online closing recorded?

In Florida the notary records the audio-video session (§117.265(2)); Texas requires a secure electronic record of each online notarization (§406.108).

Related guides

Schedule the RON session, signer list and fallback signing as tasks with an owner and due date in ClosingCode, with the signed package stored on the deal.

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Sources: Florida Statutes §117.265 (flsenate.gov, 2025); Texas Government Code §§406.107, 406.108, 406.110 (statutes.capitol.texas.gov) – read October 25, 2026.

General information, not legal advice. ClosingCode is software; it is not a law firm, title agency or notary. This guide is not a substitute for the advice or services of an attorney.