How to Become a Notary Public in Tennessee

The following are the general steps to obtain a TN Notary Public commission in most counties:

Meet Tennessee's requirements.
Complete an application form from your county clerk's office.
Submit the application to your county clerk and pay the $12 application fee.
Be elected by the county legislative body (county commission).
Receive notification that your commission was received.
Get a $10,000 surety bond.
Visit the county clerk to take your oath of office and get your bond recorded.
Pick up your Notary commission at the county clerk's office.
Buy your Notary seal and journal.

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About the Tennessee Notary Process

The term of office for a Notary Public is four years. Here is some more information on applying for a Notary commission in the Volunteer State.

Cost to Become a TN Notary

The cost to become a Tennessee Notary ranges between $117 to $142, depending on where you purchase your Notary bond and supplies.

Expense	Cost
Application fee	$12
$10,000 surety bond	$45
Notary seal	$30
Notary journal	$30 - $55
Total Cost	$117 - $142

Commission Processing Time

The process varies county by county, but contact the county clerk's office where you reside or maintain your principal place of business for details.

Tennessee Notary Public Requirements

Learn how you can qualify to become a TN Notary Public.

Eligibility

If you want to become a Tennessee Notary Public, you must:

Be at least 18 years old
Be a resident of or maintain a principal place of business in Tennessee
Be a citizen or legal permanent resident of the U.S.
Not be convicted of bribery, larceny or certain other offenses unless your rights of citizenship have been restored

Who cannot become a Notary?

You cannot become a Notary if you:

Are a member of the military or Congress
Hold any office of profit or trust under a foreign power, other state or the U.S.
Have unpaid judgments to the U.S., state or county or owe money to the state or federal treasury

Application

Complete an application form from your county clerk's office. Submit the application to your county clerk and pay the $12 fee.

Election

Be elected by the county legislative body (county commission). The county clerk will certify your election as a Notary and will forward it to the Secretary of State.

Commission

The Secretary will prepare and sign your commission, and the Governor will sign it too. The Secretary will then forward it to your county clerk who will record it and notify you that your commission was received.

Oath of Office

Go to the county clerk to take your oath of office and get your bond recorded.

Once the Secretary issues your Notary commission, pick it up at the county clerk's office.

Notary Supplies

Tennessee requires Notaries to use a Notary seal. If you or your employer charges a fee for your Notary services, you're also required to use a Notary journal to record every notarization you perform.

The Notary seal must be a circular, inked rubber stamp with the following information:

Your name as it appears on your commission (at the top)
The words "State of Tennessee Notary Public" or "Tennessee Notary Public" (in the middle)
The name of the county in which you were elected as a Notary (at the bottom)

The stamp cannot use black or yellow ink and cannot include your commission expiration date.

Surety Bond

Tennessee Notaries are required to secure a $10,000 surety bond.

Tennessee Notary Public FAQs

Find answers to the most common questions about being a Notary in Tennessee below.

Which state government office handles Notaries?

The commissions of Tennessee Notaries are approved by the Governor. The Tennessee Secretary of State, Division of Business Services, Notary Section, coordinates the issuance of these commissions with the county clerks.

Division of Business Services
Notary Section
312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue
6th Floor, Snodgrass Tower
Nashville, TN 37243-1102

Is Notary training required in Tennessee?

Training is not required to get your Notary commission in Tennessee.

For comprehensive training on performing your notarial duties properly, the NNA offers Tennessee training courses that can be completed on your own time at your own pace.

Do I need to take an exam?

No, passing an exam is not required to be commissioned in Tennessee.

Is insurance required of Tennessee Notaries?

No, but Notaries often purchase an errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policy to protect themselves from liability.

In this Notary E&O insurance guide, we cover the differences between an E&O policy and a surety bond and the advantages of being insured.

Who can I notarize for?

You can notarize for any member of the public except yourself or your spouse.

The Attorney General's Office issued a legal opinion on the matter, stating that the nature of a spousal relationship prevents the Notary from being impartial, and therefore they should not notarize their spouse's signature.

How much can TN Notaries charge per notarization?

Notaries may charge a reasonable fee for a notarial act, according to Tenn. Code Ann. § 8-21-1201. As a best practice, inform signers of your fees in advance to avoid any potential conflict.

What should I do if I move or change my name?

If you move to a different county or change your name, notify the county clerk of the county in which you were elected and commissioned as a Notary Public. They will notify the Secretary of State of your change of address or name. A $7 processing fee is required.

How do I renew my Notary Public commission?

To renew your Tennessee Notary Public commission, follow the same steps you initially took to become a Notary Public.

What do I need to know about remote online notarization in Tennessee?

On July 1, 2019, remote online notarization became legal in Tennessee. You must hold a current commission as a traditional Notary Public before you can apply. Once you're commissioned, follow the steps in this guide to become a TN remote online Notary.

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Last updated: Apr 22, 2025

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