What is an online notary (RON)?

An online notary public is a commissioned notary public in the State of Texas who has the authority to perform a remote notarization using an audio-visual conference rather than having the individual physically appear before the notary at the time of the notarization. The notary must use a third party to perform identify proofing and credential analysis in order to identify the person for whom you are performing the notarization.

Online notaries public in Texas are governed by Subchapter C, Chapter 406 of the Texas Government Code and Title 1, Chapter 87 (PDF) of the Texas Administrative Code. Please note that Chapter 87 has been revised effective August 19, 2018.

Important Differences Between Notaries and "Notarios" - by nationalnotary.org

In Hispanic countries, Notarios Publicos are highly trained legal professionals akin to attorneys who provide legal advice and draft legal documents.

In the United States, however, Notaries are state-commissioned officials with narrow witnessing duties and much less discretion. Many unethical individuals exploit the confusion over these different roles to take advantage of unsuspecting immigrants.

For six decades, the National Notary Association has worked to educate Notaries, government officials and the general public about Notario abuse.

The NNA's handout "What Is A Notary Public" explains the lawful role of U.S. Notaries and how it differs from that of Notarios.

Source: https://www.nationalnotary.org/knowledge-center/about-notaries/notaries-and-notarios

What form of identification can I use as proof of identity?

An officer may not take the acknowledgment of a written instrument unless the officer knows or has satisfactory evidence that the acknowledging person is the person who executed the instrument and is described in it. An officer may accept, as satisfactory evidence of the identity of an acknowledging person, only:

(1) the oath of a credible witness personally known to the officer;

(2) a current identification card or other document issued by the federal government or any state government that contains the photograph and signature of the acknowledging person (i.e.: Driver's License, State ID, Military ID, US Passport); or

(3) with respect to a deed or other instrument relating to a residential real estate transaction, a current passport issued by a foreign country.

Source: Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 121