Recording an online-notarized document in Fort Bend County, Texas

The recording office

Office

Fort Bend County Clerk, Recording

Official website

www.fortbendcountytx.gov/government/departments/county-clerk/recording

Address

301 Jackson St, Richmond, TX 77469

Phone

(281) 342-3411

eRecording

Accepted via Simplifile, CSC eRecording, EPN (eRecording Partners Network)

Remotely notarized documents

The county says digital signatures are acceptable on a document filed electronically (eRecording). A paper printout of an electronically signed document doesn't meet the Property Code's original-signature requirement; to record it on paper, the notary must attach a "tangible paper declaration" (Property Code § 12.0013). The county says it cannot offer eRecording to the general public.

Texas online notarization rules

Can Texas notaries notarize online? Yes. Tex. Gov't Code ch. 406, subch. C (§ 406.101 et seq.). § 406.110(a): an online notary may notarize regardless of whether the principal is physically located in Texas. § 406.111: online fee up to $25 in addition to § 406.024 fees.

Maximum fee for a remote notarization: $25 + regular Notary fee.

Online notarizations from other states: Texas recognizes online notarizations that are properly performed by notaries of other states. Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §§ 121.001 & 121.004.

Full details, with statute citations: online notarization in Texas.

What you'll need to record it

1. The notarized document itself. An online notarization produces an electronic document. Fort Bend County accepts electronic recording through Simplifile, CSC eRecording, EPN (eRecording Partners Network), so a title company or eRecording vendor can usually submit the electronic file directly.
2. Recording fees. Fees are set by the county and state and change; check the current fee schedule on the official Fort Bend County Clerk, Recording site before you submit.
3. Any required state forms for your document type (for example, transfer or property-tax forms for deeds). The county site lists what it requires.
4. Confirmation the recipient accepts it. The receiving office or party decides whether to accept a remotely notarized document. If unsure, call the office before your notary session.

This page combines facts from the county's official site with Texas's rules as summarized on our state page. It is not legal advice.