H.B. No. 4202 amends Section 121.005(a) of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code regarding the proof of identity for individuals acknowledging a written instrument. The bill specifies that an officer may only accept certain forms of satisfactory evidence to confirm the identity of the acknowledging person. The new legal language includes the requirement that a credible witness must be personally known to the officer or provide a current identification card or document issued by the federal or state government that includes their photograph and signature.

Additionally, the bill maintains the existing provisions that allow for the acceptance of a current identification card or document for the acknowledging person and a current passport from a foreign country for residential real estate transactions. The act will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote from both houses; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Civil Practice and Remedies Code 121.005 (Civil Practice and Remedies Code 121)
House Committee Report: Civil Practice and Remedies Code 121.005 (Civil Practice and Remedies Code 121)
Engrossed: Civil Practice and Remedies Code 121.005 (Civil Practice and Remedies Code 121)
Senate Committee Report: Civil Practice and Remedies Code 121.005 (Civil Practice and Remedies Code 121)
Enrolled: Civil Practice and Remedies Code 121.005 (Civil Practice and Remedies Code 121)