Which One Fits Your Situation?
Both services can lead to a valid notarization. The biggest difference is how you and the notary meet.
When you need a document notarized, convenience matters. Some people would rather meet face to face. Others prefer to complete the process from home. In Texas, both traditional in person notarization and authorized online notarization are available, but they work differently.
A mobile notary provides a traditional notarization by traveling to the signer. An online notary performs the notarization remotely through approved two way audio and video technology.
What Is a Mobile Notary?
A mobile notary is a traditional Texas notary who travels to meet you at an agreed location, such as your home, office, hospital, assisted living community, or another convenient place. Texas notaries have statewide jurisdiction, so a commissioned notary may perform authorized notarial acts in any Texas county.
The signer and notary are physically together. The notary verifies identity, completes the required notarial act, and applies a traditional signature and seal to the document.
What Is an Online Notary?
A Texas online notary holds a traditional notary commission and additional authorization to perform remote online notarizations. The session takes place through secure two way audio and video technology that meets state requirements.
The Texas online notary must be physically located in Texas during the notarization, but the signer may be located elsewhere. Online notarization also involves electronic identity verification, an electronic seal, a digital certificate, and an electronic record of the session.
Online May Be a Good Fit When
You want to avoid travel, you are comfortable using a computer or compatible device, your document can be completed electronically, and the receiving organization accepts remote online notarization.
Online notarization can also be useful when the signer and notary are in different locations. Before scheduling, it is wise to confirm that the document and the organization receiving it allow an online notarization.
Mobile May Be a Good Fit When
You prefer a face to face appointment, you are working with a paper document, technology would create unnecessary stress, or the signer is more comfortable having the notary come to them.
Mobile service may also make sense when several people need to sign together or when the appointment is taking place in a home, office, care setting, or another location where travel is difficult for the signer.
Some Documents Need Extra Attention
Online notarization is not appropriate for every document. Texas specifically excludes wills, codicils, and testamentary trusts from electronic execution under the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, so these documents cannot simply be handled as a routine Texas remote online notarization.
Other documents may have requirements set by the receiving agency, lender, title company, court, or document provider. When in doubt, ask the organization receiving the document which form of notarization it will accept before you schedule.
A Simple Way to Choose
Choose online when convenience, distance, and digital access make remote service the smoother option.
Choose mobile when in person support, a paper document, or the signer’s comfort makes a face to face appointment more practical.
The best option is the one that fits the document, the signer, and the receiving organization.
Prepare Before Either Appointment
Whichever service you choose, have the complete document, acceptable identification, and any instructions from the organization requesting the notarization ready. Make sure every required signer is available and ask questions about document requirements before the appointment.
Educational Note
This article provides general educational information about Texas notary services and is not legal advice. Requirements can vary by document and receiving organization. If you have questions about the legal effect of a document or which notarial act is required, contact the document provider or a qualified attorney.
Sources
• Texas Secretary of State, Frequently Asked Questions for Notaries Public.
• Texas Secretary of State, Online Notary Public Educational Information.
• Texas Secretary of State, Getting Started as an Online Notary.
