How to Become a Notary in Tennessee 2026: Complete TN Notary Guide

How to Become a Notary Public in Tennessee

Tennessee does not require an exam to become a notary public. The process involves being elected by your county legislative body (county commission) and receiving a commission from the Governor. Applications are processed through your County Clerk's office.

Tennessee Notary Requirements at a Glance

Why Become a Tennessee Notary?

• No exam required - Straightforward application process
• Statewide commission - Serve clients across all 95 Tennessee counties
• Growing demand - Real estate, legal, and business needs
• Income potential - Charge reasonable fees for notarial acts (up to $25 for online notarization)
• Remote notarization - Tennessee allows Remote Online Notarization (RON)

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Step-by-Step: How to Become a Tennessee Notary

Step 1: Meet Eligibility Requirements

To become a Tennessee notary public, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a United States citizen or legal permanent resident
• Reside in or maintain a principal place of business in the Tennessee county where you're applying
• Be able to read and write English
• Have no disqualifying history (no removal from notary office for misconduct, no revoked/suspended commissions, no court findings of unauthorized practice of law)

Step 2: Obtain Your Surety Bond

You must obtain a $10,000 surety bond before submitting your application.

• Bond Amount: $10,000
• Bond Term: 4 years (matches commission term)
• Typical Cost: $30-$50 for the 4-year term
• Provider: Must be from a surety company licensed in Tennessee

The bond protects the public from potential errors or misconduct during notarial acts.

Step 3: Submit Application to County Clerk

Submit your application to the County Clerk in your county of residence or principal place of business:

1. Obtain and complete the Application for Notary Public Commission from your County Clerk's office
2. Submit your $10,000 surety bond
3. Pay the $12 filing fee (some counties may charge additional fees)
4. Your application will be forwarded to the county legislative body

Note: Some counties may have slightly different fees. Contact your County Clerk for exact costs.

Step 4: County Legislative Body Election

Unlike most states, Tennessee requires notaries to be elected by the county legislative body (county commission):

• The County Clerk submits your application to the county legislative body
• The body votes on your application at their regular meeting
• Once elected, you'll be commissioned by the Governor

Step 5: Take Oath of Office

Once elected and commissioned:

• Return to the County Clerk's office
• Take the Oath of Office administered by the County Clerk
• Pay any remaining fees
• Receive your official Notary Commission Certificate
• Your commission is valid for 4 years

Step 6: Purchase Notary Supplies

After receiving your commission, purchase required supplies:

Official Notary Seal (Required):

Tennessee law requires a specific seal design prescribed by the Secretary of State:

• Shape: Circular
• Content: Your name (as on commission) at top, county of election at bottom, "State of Tennessee Notary Public" or "Tennessee Notary Public" in center
• Type: Rubber stamp (NOT embosser/impression seal)
• Ink Color: Any color EXCEPT black or yellow; must be clearly legible and appear black when photocopied
• Cost: $20-$50

Important: Your County Clerk may obtain a seal for you for a fee not exceeding 20% of the seal cost.

Notary Journal (Recommended):

• Not legally required for traditional notarizations
• Required for Remote Online Notarization (RON)
• Strongly recommended for your protection
• Cost: $15-$30

Tennessee Notary Fees

Important Notes:

• Tennessee law allows "reasonable fees and compensation" for notarial services
• Online notarization fees are capped at $25 per act
• Travel fees must be disclosed and agreed upon in advance
• Always disclose fees upfront to maintain transparency

Tennessee-Specific Requirements

Seal Requirements

Your notary seal must:

• Be the official design prescribed by the Secretary of State
• Include your name exactly as on your commission
• Include your county of election
• Include "State of Tennessee Notary Public" or "Tennessee Notary Public"
• Be a rubber stamp (NOT an embosser)
• Use ink that is NOT black or yellow
• Be clearly legible and photocopy well

Certificate Requirements

Every notarial certificate must include:

• Your commission expiration date (written or typed on certificate - not required on seal)
• Your official seal impression
• Your signature

End of Commission

When your commission ends:

• Your seal must be surrendered to the county legislative body (or destroyed)
• If you die, your personal representative must surrender the seal

Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Tennessee

Tennessee has authorized Remote Online Notarization since July 1, 2019.

Becoming a Tennessee Remote Online Notary

To perform RON in Tennessee:

1. Hold a valid Tennessee notary commission (traditional commission first)
2. Complete RON-specific training covering:
   • Remote notarization technology
   • Best practices for remote notarizations
   • Legal compliance and security
3. Register as a remote notary with the Secretary of State
4. Pay the $50 registration fee
5. Contract with an approved technology platform

RON Requirements

• Two-way audio-video technology - Both parties must be visible and audible
• Identity verification - Signers must have two forms of ID, verified through biometric identification and knowledge-based authentication (KBA)
• Electronic seal - Special electronic seal with "Online Notary Public" designation
• Record keeping - Must maintain records of all online notarizations

RON Electronic Seal Design

Your electronic seal for online notarization must include:

• Your name as it appears on your commission (at top)
• Your county of election (at bottom)
• "Tennessee Notary Public" (in center)
• "Online Notary Public" (below center)
• Commission expiration date statement

Total Cost to Become a Tennessee Notary

Additional RON Costs

Timeline: How Long Does It Take?

Note: Processing time depends on your county legislative body's meeting schedule. Some meet monthly, others less frequently.

Start Your Tennessee Notary Career Today

Tennessee makes it relatively easy to become a notary public with no exam requirement. Obtain your bond, submit your application to your County Clerk, and await election by your county legislative body.

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