How Much Do Notaries Make in Tennessee in 2025?
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In 2025, notaries in Tennessee continue to serve as vital public officials, playing a central role in safeguarding transactions, verifying identities, and preventing fraud. But beyond the social value of the role lies an efficient question: how much can a notary public in Tennessee actually earn?
Whether you’re considering becoming a notary for side income, launching a full-time mobile notary or signing agent business, or looking to scale your existing operation, this blog post will walk you through everything you need to know about notary income in Tennessee. We’ll cover general notary fees, mobile and loan signing agent opportunities, remote online notarization, startup costs, business strategies, and more.
The Importance of Notaries in Tennessee
Notaries are involved in numerous legal and financial transactions that occur daily in Tennessee. From witnessing power of attorney forms and affidavits to certifying real estate documents and loan packages, their stamp helps prevent fraud and bring legal integrity to essential deals.
As the demand for convenient and secure notarization grows, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, more Tennesseans are turning to mobile and online notaries, creating significant income potential for commissioned professionals.
What Are Tennessee Notaries Legally Allowed to Charge?
Tennessee allows notaries to charge up to $25 per notarization a notably higher cap than many other states. However, many notaries charge less depending on the market or combine multiple notarizations into bundled fees.
In addition to base fees, Tennessee notaries can legally charge for:
- Travel to the signer (mileage or flat rate)
- Administrative tasks (e.g., printing, faxing, scanning)
- After-hours or weekend services
Fee Table: Tennessee Notary Pricing in 2025
| Service Type | Typical Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Acknowledgment/Jurat/Oath | $10–$25 | Per signature |
| Travel (local area) | $20–$50 | Flat rate; varies by distance |
| After-hours/Emergency Service | $25–$75 | Often charged on weekends/holidays |
| Loan Signing Appointment | $75–$150+ | Based on loan type and service complexity |
| Remote Online Notarization | $25 per act | Must be approved for RON |
Notaries must always disclose fees in advance to remain compliant.
General Notary Income Potential
General notary work in Tennessee includes notarizing standard documents like:
- Affidavits
- Parental consent forms
- Vehicle title transfers
- Healthcare directives
- School forms
These notarizations are often completed in 10–15 minutes, making them efficient ways to earn money—especially when serving walk-in or in-home clients.
Example: Part-Time Income as a General Notary
Let’s say you handle 3 general appointments per day, each requiring 2 notarizations:
- $15 x 2 = $30 per client
- $30 x 3 clients/day = $90/day
- 20 workdays/month = $1,800/month
- Annual income = $21,600
This can be doubled or tripled by adding mobile or online capabilities.
Mobile Notary Services: Traveling for Profit
A mobile notary travels to the client’s location—home, hospital, nursing home, jail, business, etc. Mobile services are incredibly popular in Tennessee, especially in rural areas where access to legal services may be limited.
Mobile notaries can add travel and convenience fees to every appointment, significantly increasing their earnings.
Common Mobile Fee Structure
- Base Notarization: $15–$25
- Travel Fee: $25–$50
- After-hours surcharge: $25–$75
- Document delivery/faxing: $10–$20
Daily Income Projection
| Type of Appointment | Fee per Job | Appointments per Day | Daily Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Client Visits | $45 | 3 | $135 |
| Rural/Long Distance | $75 | 1 | $75 |
| Evening Urgent Job | $100 | 1 | $100 |
| Total Daily Income | $310 |
Working just 20 days/month at this pace results in $6,200/month or $74,400/year.
Loan Signing Agents in Tennessee
Loan Signing Agents (NSAs) are highly trained notaries who handle complex real estate and mortgage transactions. Because they deal with critical legal paperwork, NSAs are paid significantly more per job than general notaries.
Common documents notarized during a loan closing:
- Mortgage
- Deed of Trust
- Note
- Right to Cancel
- Affidavits
Signing Agent Setup Requirements
- Tennessee Notary Commission
- Loan Signing Training/Certification
- Background Screening
- Laser Printer/Scanner
- E&O Insurance
Average Loan Signing Fees
| Type of Signing | Fee Range |
|---|---|
| Refinance Package | $75–$125 |
| Purchase Closing | $100–$150 |
| Reverse Mortgage | $125–$200 |
| Scanbacks or Faxbacks | $10–$25 |
| Rural Travel | $25–$50 |
Signing agents who work with multiple title companies and platforms like Snapdocs, SigningOrder, or NotaryDash can earn $4,000–$6,000+ per month, depending on signing volume and territory.
Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Tennessee
Tennessee is RON-enabled, meaning notaries can notarize documents online using secure video platforms. This is especially powerful for full-time notaries who want flexibility, zero travel, and the ability to serve clients anywhere in the state.
Benefits of RON
- Work from home
- Serve clients across Tennessee (and U.S.)
- Zero travel or printing costs
- Schedule multiple appointments per hour
Typical RON Income Potential
Let’s say you average 4 RON appointments/day at $25 each:
- $100/day = $2,000/month
- Annual Income = $24,000
When combined with mobile and loan signing work, RON becomes a powerful supplement.
Combining Services for Full-Time Income
Want to build a full-time business from your notary commission? The key is combining income streams. Here’s how a full-time notary might earn in Tennessee:
Monthly Income Breakdown
| Service | Jobs/Month | Avg Fee | Monthly Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Notarizations | 30 | $20 | $600 |
| Mobile Appointments | 40 | $50 | $2,000 |
| Loan Signings | 25 | $100 | $2,500 |
| RON Sessions | 20 | $25 | $500 |
| Total Monthly | $5,600 | ||
| Total Annual | $67,200 |
With weekend jobs, direct escrow clients, and repeat business, many notaries cross the $75K–$90K threshold annually.
Rural vs Urban Notary Work in Tennessee
Tennessee’s landscape provides opportunities for both rural and city-based notaries.
Urban Areas (Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville)
- More volume of clients
- More competition
- Strong market for RON and NSA work
Rural Areas (Appalachian Counties, Small Towns)
- Higher travel fee potential
- Low competition
- Trusted go-to for local professionals (e.g., funeral homes, law offices)
Rural notaries who effectively market themselves often build lasting client relationships and receive consistent referrals.
Startup Costs for Tennessee Notaries
Starting a notary business in Tennessee is relatively low-cost. Here’s what to expect:
Basic Requirements
- Application Fee: $12
- Bond: $10,000 (about $50–$70 for 4 years)
- Notary Seal + Journal: $40–$60
Optional but Recommended
- E&O Insurance: $50–$150/year
- Loan Signing Certification: $100–$250
- Printer & Scanner: $150–$300
- RON Platform Subscription: $15–$30/month
- Business Website/Marketing: $100–$200
Total initial investment: $250–$800
Many notaries earn this back within their first 10 to 20 appointments.
Marketing Tips to Maximize Income
If you want consistent appointments, word of mouth isn’t enough. Use these strategies to boost visibility and get more bookings:
1. Set Up a Google Business Profile
- Show up in local search
- Collect 5-star reviews
- Include the service area and hours
2. Join Signing Agent Platforms
- Snapdocs, NotaryResume
- Keep profile updated
- Respond to signing offers quickly
3. Offer After-Hours & Weekend Availability
- Less competition
- Charge premium rates
- Attract busy professionals and last-minute clients
4. Build Relationships with Local Professionals
- Realtors, title offices, lawyers, banks
- Leave business cards and introduce your services
- Offer small discounts for referrals
Ready to Grow Your Notary Business in Tennessee?
Being a notary in Tennessee in 2025 is more than just stamping documents; it’s a flexible business opportunity with the potential to generate $40,000 to $ 90,000 or more annually, depending on your services, availability, and strategy.
From in-person notarizations to remote closings, the earning potential is wide open for those who treat their commission like a business.
Want templates, checklists, and coaching to help you grow faster?
Visit Notary Public Association to access free resources, training, and tools built for notaries ready to scale their income.
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Disclaimer: All information provided by Notary Public Association is for educational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. Notary Public Association makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the information provided and assumes no liability for any actions taken in reliance on it. Always consult a licensed attorney or your local commissioning authority for guidance specific to your notary responsibilities and jurisdiction.
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