How to Become a Notary Public in Tennessee

This guide covers all the requirements, costs, processing times, and eligibility criteria you need to get started.

Steps to Become a Notary in Tennessee

1. Meet Tennessee Notary Eligibility Requirements
  - Be at least 18 years old
  - Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
  - Be a resident of the county where you apply
  - Have no felony convictions or crimes involving fraud or dishonesty
2. Submit a Notary Application to Your County Clerk
  - Obtain an application from your local county clerk’s office.
  - Complete and submit the application along with the required filing fee.
3. Secure a $10,000 Surety Bond
  - Purchase a $10,000 surety bond from an insurance or bonding company.
  - The bond must be valid for your entire notary commission term.
4. Get Approval from the County Legislative Body
  - Your application will be reviewed by your county’s legislative body.
  - Once approved, you will receive a Notary Commission Certificate from the county clerk.
5. Take the Oath of Office
  - After receiving your certificate, take the oath of office at the county clerk’s office.
6. Purchase Notary Supplies
  - Obtain a Tennessee-compliant notary seal or stamp.
  - A notary journal is recommended for keeping records of your notarizations.

Ready to get started?

Become a Notary public today!

About the Tennessee Notary Process

Becoming a Notary Public in Tennessee allows you to provide essential services in legal, financial, and real estate transactions. A Tennessee Notary commission is valid for four years before renewal is required.

Cost to Become a Notary in Tennessee

The total cost to become a Notary Public in Tennessee varies based on required and optional supplies. Below is a cost breakdown:

Item	Cost	Details
Application Fee	$12	Paid to the county clerk when submitting your application.
Surety Bond	$50 - $100	Required $10,000 bond for Tennessee notaries.
Notary Seal or Stamp	$20 - $50	Required for performing notarizations in Tennessee.
Notary Journal	$15 - $30	Optional but recommended for maintaining records.
Notary Public Course	$25	Optional training course covering Tennessee notary laws.
Total Cost	$122 - $217	Varies depending on supplies and training.

Tennessee Commission Processing Time

The Tennessee county clerk typically processes Notary Public commission applications within 1-2 weeks from the date of submission. Processing times vary by county.

Tennessee Notary Requirements

To qualify as a Notary Public in Tennessee, applicants must meet these requirements:

Be at least 18 years old
Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Reside in the county where applying
Have no felony convictions related to fraud or dishonesty

Who Is Ineligible to Become a Notary in Tennessee?

Certain individuals are not eligible to become a Notary in Tennessee:

Applicants with felony convictions involving fraud, dishonesty, or moral turpitude.
Individuals who do not reside in the county where they are applying.

Notary Training Requirements

Is training required in Tennessee?
No, Tennessee does not require training, but an optional Notary Public Course is recommended to understand state laws and best practices.

Is an exam required to become a Notary in Tennessee?
No, Tennessee does not require a notary exam.

Tennessee Notary Supplies

To perform notarizations in Tennessee, Notaries need:

Notary Seal or Stamp – Must include the notary’s name, “Notary Public,” “State of Tennessee,” and commission expiration date.
Notary Journal – Optional but strongly recommended for maintaining accurate records of notarial acts.

Renewing a Tennessee Notary Commission

Tennessee Notary commissions last four years. To renew:

Submit a renewal application before your commission expires.
Obtain a new $10,000 surety bond valid for the next four-year term.
Pay the renewal fee to the county clerk’s office.

Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Tennessee

Tennessee allows Notaries to perform Remote Online Notarization (RON) under specific regulations. To become a Remote Notary:

Hold an active Tennessee Notary Commission.
Register with an approved RON technology provider.
Comply with Tennessee’s laws regarding remote notarization.

Tennessee RON Notaries may charge a fee for remote notarizations as permitted by state law.

Conclusion

Becoming a Notary Public in Tennessee is a valuable opportunity to serve your community, expand your professional skills, and build a rewarding career. By following the step-by-step application process, securing the necessary supplies, and understanding state requirements, you can begin your notarial journey with confidence.