Before the appointment
- Check your invitation for the time, time zone, supported device, browser, and any advance steps.
- Have your original, unexpired government-issued photo ID with you. A photocopy or stored image is not a substitute for having the physical ID ready.
- Confirm that the notary and platform accept your ID type before the appointment.
- If the name on your ID differs from your closing documents, tell your closing team beforehand.
- Test your camera, microphone, speakers, and internet in the place you plan to sign.
- Have a trusted phone number for your closing team available in case you need help.
What comes from Texas law—and what depends on your invitation
Texas law requires identity verification during the live audio/video process. When the notary does not personally know the signer, the statutory route includes presentation of an eligible government-issued credential, credential analysis, and identity proofing. See Texas Government Code §406.110.
The platform’s supported devices, browsers, accepted credential formats, and screen sequence are separate practical requirements. Those details may be more restrictive than a general description of Texas law. Follow the invitation for your assigned transaction; this guide does not approve a specific ID or device.
A Texas online notary must be physically in Texas when performing the notarization. Tell your closing team where you will be signing, especially if you will be outside the United States, so they can confirm the arrangement for your file. Texas SOS explains the notary’s location rule.
What identity verification involves
Checking the credential: the approved process examines your ID, and the notary compares the credential with you on live video. Keep the original ID available even after completing the scan.
Identity questions: you may receive timed questions about your personal history. The Texas Secretary of State describes a passing result as at least 80% correct. Answer independently and follow the secure prompts. If questions cannot be generated or you do not pass, contact your closing team rather than repeatedly restarting.
See Texas SOS: Identity Proofing and Credential Analysis for the official explanation, including applicable retry limits. Your closing team and notary will determine how those rules apply to the next step.
If your ID will not scan
- Use your original physical ID and the capture method in your invitation.
- Clean the camera lens, provide even light, and reduce glare. Keep the required edges of the ID visible.
- Hold the camera steady and let it focus. Follow any instructions for capturing both sides.
- If the platform says the ID type is unsupported, contact your closing team. A clearer photo will not resolve an unsupported credential.
Do not alter the image or credential to make it pass. Share ID images only through the secure method approved by your closing team.
If the identity questions cannot be completed
Read the prompts and answer for yourself within the allowed time. Do not ask another person to research or supply the answers, and do not send the questions or answers to your closing team.
If questions are unavailable, the time expires, or you receive a failed result, stop and tell your closing team which step could not be completed. There may be legal and platform limits on another attempt. The team can coordinate the permitted next step or review another signing arrangement; a scheduled closing does not remove those limits.
If the camera, sound, or connection gives you trouble
Camera
Confirm the correct camera is selected and that the approved signing site has camera permission. Close other applications using the camera. Move the light in front of you so your face is clear.
Microphone and speakers
Check mute, volume, and the selected microphone and speaker. If you use a headset, confirm that the site is using it. Tell the notary if either of you cannot hear clearly.
Browser or device
Use the supported browser and device identified in your invitation. Follow the platform’s guidance before switching devices or reopening the session. Avoid making an unplanned change during a timed identity step.
Internet
Use a reliable connection in a quiet, stationary location. Pause other heavy internet use if practical. If the video freezes or disconnects during signing, pause and follow the notary’s reconnection instructions.
If you cannot complete a step
Tell them whether the problem involves the ID scan, identity questions, device, sound, or video connection. Give the on-screen error description without including ID numbers, identity-question answers, or other unnecessary personal information.
Your closing team can coordinate technical help, clarify the instructions, or review another signing arrangement. Do not keep clicking through, substitute another person’s account, or assume that finishing only part of the process is enough.
Every required signer should be ready to complete their own identity steps and appear live to the notary. Ask about any required witness or approved assistance before joining.
During and after your live session
The notary will explain recording, check your identity, and guide the required signing steps. Texas’s online-notary record includes audio/video recording; see Texas SOS recording guidance. Ask for a pause whenever something is unclear.
Your closing team will explain how to obtain signed copies and confirm when the transaction has closed. The end of the video appointment does not itself confirm funding or recording.