Disclosure: NotaryStyle earns from qualifying purchases as an Amazon Associate. We independently research and recommend products. When you click links to buy products, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Our recommendations are not influenced by commission — we only feature products we believe provide value to notaries.
How to Become a Notary in Tennessee: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
Tennessee's booming real estate market and growing business landscape — from Nashville's exploding economy to Memphis's thriving logistics corridor — have made notary publics more in demand than ever. Whether you're looking to add a professional credential to your resume, support your local community, or build a mobile notary side business, becoming a notary public in Tennessee is straightforward once you understand the process. This guide walks you through every requirement, cost, and step based on current information from the Tennessee Secretary of State and the National Notary Association.
Disclaimer: Notary laws change periodically. Always verify current requirements with the Tennessee Secretary of State's office before applying. This article does not constitute legal advice.
Who Can Become a Notary in Tennessee?
Tennessee keeps things relatively simple when it comes to eligibility. To qualify as a notary public in the state, you must meet these three core requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a resident of Tennessee
- Have no felony convictions unless pardoned
That's it. Unlike some states, Tennessee doesn't require you to be a registered voter, and there's no specific citizenship requirement mentioned in the statutes. As long as you meet those three criteria and follow the proper application steps, you're eligible.
What You'll Need
Before diving into the application, it's worth gathering everything upfront so you don't hit any delays. Here's what you should have ready:
- A valid government-issued photo ID
- A $10,000 surety bond (typically costs $50–$100 through a bonding agency)
- Proof of completion for a state-approved notary education course
- The $20 filing fee
Pro tip: Don't wait until you've started the application to shop for your surety bond. Many bonding agencies in Tennessee can issue your bond online within minutes, and having it ready to go keeps the process moving smoothly.
Step 1: Complete Required Education
Tennessee is one of a growing number of states that requires formal notary education before you can apply. You'll need to complete a state-approved notary education course that covers Tennessee's notary laws, proper procedures for different types of notarizations, and the specific responsibilities and limitations of notaries in the state.
The good news is that these courses are typically available online and can be completed in a few hours. Make sure the course you choose is explicitly approved by the Tennessee Secretary of State — completing an unapproved course won't satisfy the requirement and could delay your application.
Step 2: Complete the Application
Once you've finished your education course, you'll submit your notary application to the Tennessee Secretary of State. The application will ask for your full legal name, residential address, and county of residence. Double-check that everything matches your government-issued ID exactly — mismatched names or addresses are one of the most common reasons for processing delays.
Step 3: Submit with Bond and Fee
Along with your completed application, you'll need to include two critical items:
- A $10,000 surety bond
- A $20 filing fee
The surety bond is not optional — it's a legal requirement that protects the public from any errors or misconduct on your part. Keep in mind that this bond protects others, not you. If someone suffers a financial loss due to a notarization mistake you made, they can file a claim against the bond. (More on protecting yourself below.)
Step 4: Receive Your Commission
After submitting everything, processing typically takes 2–4 weeks. Once your application is approved, you'll receive your official commission certificate. Your notary commission in Tennessee is valid for four years, so mark that expiration date on your calendar as soon as you receive it.
Step 5: Get Your Notary Supplies
With your commission in hand, it's time to order your supplies. You'll need:
- A Tennessee notary stamp — this must meet the state's specific format requirements, including your name, commission number, and expiration date. Don't just buy any generic stamp; make sure it's designed for Tennessee notaries.
- A notary record book (journal) — while Tennessee law does not mandate keeping a journal, it is strongly recommended by the Secretary of State and virtually every notary organization. A journal is your best defense if a notarization is ever questioned.
Step 6: File Your Oath of Office
This is the step that trips up more Tennessee notary applicants than any other. Before you can legally perform any notarizations, you must take the oath of office and file it with the appropriate county office. This step is mandatory, and your commission may become void if you skip it or delay it.
Once your oath is properly filed at the county level, you're officially empowered to act as a notary public in Tennessee.
Common Mistakes New Tennessee Notaries Make
Learning from others' missteps can save you time, money, and potential legal headaches:
- Not filing the oath before performing acts — As mentioned above, this is the biggest slip-up. Your commission isn't fully active until that oath is filed at your county office.
- Using an incorrect stamp format — Your stamp must meet Tennessee's requirements exactly. Using an out-of-state format or missing required elements like your commission number can lead to rejected notarizations.
- Letting your commission expire — Don't wait until the last minute. Reappointment can take weeks, and you won't be able to notarize anything during a lapse.
- Notarizing without the signer physically present — Even with remote online notarization available (more on that below), traditional notarizations require the signer to be right in front of you. This is non-negotiable and grounds for commission revocation.
- Skipping the journal — Again, it's not legally required in Tennessee, but notaries who don't keep one have zero paper trail if something goes wrong. It's a small investment for a lot of protection.
How Much Does It Cost?
Here's a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to spend:
- Surety bond: $50–$100
- Application fee: $20
- Notary stamp: $15–$30
- Notary journal: $15–$25
Total estimated cost: $15–$50
Note that the surety bond is typically the largest single expense, but it's a one-time cost per commission period. Errors and omissions insurance, while not required, is another cost worth considering — policies generally run $30–$100 for a four-year term and can be a lifesaver if you ever face a claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the whole process take in Tennessee?
From the time you submit your application to having your supplies in hand and your oath filed, the process typically takes 2–4 weeks. Delays can happen during busy periods, so it's smart to apply well before you actually need to start notarizing.
Can I perform remote online notarizations in Tennessee?
Yes. Tennessee authorizes remote online notarization (RON), meaning you can notarize documents for signers who aren't physically in the same room as you — as long as you use an approved technology platform and follow the state's RON requirements. This has become especially useful for real estate transactions and legal documents.
Do I really need errors & omissions insurance?
It's not required by Tennessee law, but it is strongly recommended. The surety bond you're required to carry protects the public, not you. If a claim is filed against your bond, the bonding company will typically come to you for reimbursement. E&O insurance covers your legal defense and any settlement costs, so it's a relatively inexpensive way to protect your personal finances.
How do I renew my notary commission in Tennessee?
Begin the reappointment process before your current commission expires. The renewal process is similar to the initial application — you'll need to complete the education course again, submit a new application with a new surety bond, and pay the $20 filing fee. Don't let your commission lapse, as you'd have to start completely from scratch.
How much can I charge for a notarization?
Tennessee notaries can charge up to $5 per notarization. If you're offering mobile notary services, you can also charge a travel fee, which is typically negotiated directly with the client and isn't capped by state law.
State-Specific Notes
- Remote notarization: Tennessee is one of the states with fully operational remote online notarization (RON), giving you flexibility to serve clients across the state without being in the same room.
- Journal not required: Tennessee does not mandate a notary journal by law, but the Secretary of State and professional organizations strongly encourage keeping one. It's a best practice that can protect you significantly if a notarization is ever challenged.
Becoming a notary in Tennessee is a solid investment in your professional toolkit. With the state's continued growth, qualified notaries are finding opportunities in real estate, legal services, healthcare, and freelance mobile notarization. Take the process step by step, avoid the common pitfalls, and you'll be commissioned and ready to serve your community before you know it.
Ready for the next step?
Notary Signing Agent Academy — loan signing agents in Tennessee earn $75–$200 per appointment. The most comprehensive training available.
RON Pro: Remote Online Notarization — Tennessee supports remote notarization. Learn how to notarize documents online and reach clients anywhere.
How to Start a Mobile Notary Business — turn your Tennessee notary commission into a profitable business.
How to Market Your Notary Business — get clients from day one with proven strategies.
How to Become a Notary — our complete guide covering requirements for all 50 states.
