Tex. R. Evid. 901

Authenticating or Identifying Evidence

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Rule 901. Authenticating or Identifying Evidence
(a) In General. To satisfy the requirement of authenticating or identifying an item of evidence,
the proponent must produce evidence sufficient to support a finding that the item is what
the proponent claims it is.
(b) Examples. The following are examples only—not a complete list—of evidence that
satisfies the requirement:
(1) Testimony of a Witness with Knowledge. Testimony that an item is what it is
claimed to be.
(2) Nonexpert Opinion About Handwriting. A nonexpert’s opinion that handwriting
is genuine, based on a familiarity with it that was not acquired for the current
litigation.
(3) Comparison by an Expert Witness or the Trier of Fact. A comparison by an expert
witness or the trier of fact with a specimen that the court has found is genuine.
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(4) Distinctive Characteristics and the Like. The appearance, contents, substance,
internal patterns, or other distinctive characteristics of the item, taken together with
all the circumstances.
(5) Opinion About a Voice. An opinion identifying a person’s voice—whether heard
firsthand or through mechanical or electronic transmission or recording—based on
hearing the voice at any time under circumstances that connect it with the alleged
speaker.
(6) Evidence About a Telephone Conversation. For a telephone conversation,
evidence that a call was made to the number assigned at the time to:
(A) a particular person, if circumstances, including self-identification, show that
the person answering was the one called; or
(B) a particular business, if the call was made to a business and the call related
to business reasonably transacted over the telephone.
(7) Evidence About Public Records. Evidence that:
(A) a document was recorded or filed in a public office as authorized by law; or
(B) a purported public record or statement is from the office where items of this
kind are kept.
(8) Evidence About Ancient Documents or Data Compilations. For a document or
data compilation, evidence that it:
(A) is in a condition that creates no suspicion about its authenticity;
(B) was in a place where, if authentic, it would likely be; and
(C) is at least 20 years old when offered.
(9) Evidence About a Process or System. Evidence describing a process or system and
showing that it produces an accurate result.
(10) Methods Provided by a Statute or Rule. Any method of authentication or
identification allowed by a statute or other rule prescribed under statutory authority.

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