Document Updates: Trigger for Witness Signature Lines on Texas Plain Language Security Instruments

Per 7 TAC § 90.403(b)(23), 7 TAC § 90.503(b)(23), 7 TAC § 90.603(c)(27) and 7 TAC § 90.603(e)(28), witness signatures are optional on Texas Plain Language Security Instruments. Additionally, Fannie Mae’s Instructions for the Texas Deed of Trust and the Texas Home Equity Security Instrument permit the removal of witness signature lines when the document is notarized.

To support this flexibility, Docutech has updated the following documents:

• Cx9421 TX Home Equity Plain Language Closed End 2nd Security Instrument
• Cx9423 TX Plain Language 2nd Purchase Money Closed End Security Instrument
• Cx19173 TX Plain Language 2nd Home Improvement Deed of Trust

These documents have been enhanced to allow for the suppression of witness lines by setting “Print Witness Lines on Security Instrument” (FI 95509) to “No”.

These changes are available for testing on Stage & Stage 2 servers and will take effect on September 17, 2025. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Client Support at 1.800.497.3584.

COM-6501
DR-193518

The preceding is for informational purposes only and is not and may not be construed as legal advice. No third-party entity may rely upon anything contained herein when making legal and/or other determinations regarding its practices, and such third-party should consult with an attorney prior to embarking upon any specific course of action.