Sec. 501.174. VALIDITY OF ELECTRONIC DOCUMENTS. (a) If this chapter requires that a document be an original, be on paper or another tangible medium, or be in writing, the requirement is met by an electronic document that complies with this subchapter.

(b) Except as otherwise provided by this section, if a law requires that a document be signed, the requirement is satisfied by an electronic signature.

(c) A requirement that a document or a signature associated with a document be notarized, acknowledged, verified, witnessed, or made under oath is satisfied if the electronic signature of the person authorized to perform that act, and all other information required to be included, is attached to or logically associated with the document or signature. A physical or electronic image of a stamp, impression, or seal is not required to accompany an electronic signature.

(d) The department by rule shall establish a process to accept electronic signatures on secure documents that have been electronically signed through a system not controlled by the department.

(e) A system used for submitting electronic signatures to the department must verify the identity of the person electronically signing a document and submit the document through the electronic titling system.

(f) This section does not require the department to certify an electronic signature process or an electronic signature vendor before accepting a document that is executed with an electronic signature.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1290 (H.B. 2017), Sec. 23, eff. September 1, 2011.

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1296 (H.B. 2357), Sec. 70, eff. January 1, 2012.

Amended by:

Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 395 (S.B. 1062), Sec. 2, eff. January 1, 2018.