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)
- 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: Apply Through Your County Clerk
Here’s what makes Tennessee unusual: you don’t apply to the Secretary of State. You obtain and submit your notary application — with the filing fee — to the county clerk in your county of residence. The application asks for your full legal name, residential address, and county of residence, so 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 2: Get Elected by the County Legislative Body
Yes, elected. Tennessee notaries are formally elected by their county legislative body (the county commission) from the list of applicants the county clerk presents. In practice this is a routine approval rather than a campaign — but it means your application has to be on file before the body’s next meeting, so timing matters. Ask your county clerk when the next meeting falls on the calendar.
Step 3: Submit Your Bond, Take Your Oath, and Get Certified
After the county legislative body elects you, you’ll finalize the paperwork through the county clerk:
- A $10,000 surety bond
- Your oath of office, taken at the county clerk’s office
- The $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.) Once the county clerk certifies your election and paperwork to the state, the Secretary of State processes your commission.
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: Your Oath Is Part of the County Process
As covered in Step 3, your oath of office is taken at the county clerk’s office as part of finalizing your commission — not filed separately afterward. 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 and the paperwork is certified, 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:
- Missing the county legislative body’s calendar — your election happens at a scheduled county meeting, so a late application can add weeks of waiting
- 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: $100–$175
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 the county clerk to having your supplies in hand and your oath filed, the process typically takes 2–4 weeks — longer if you just missed a county legislative body meeting. 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 go through your county clerk again with a new application, a new surety bond, and the $20 filing fee, followed by re-election. Don’t let your commission lapse, as you’d have to start completely from scratch.
How much can I charge for a notarization?
Tennessee law (updated by SB 888) requires only that your fees be reasonable — there is no fixed statutory cap. The key rule is disclosure: agree on your fee with the signer before the notarization, and don’t surprise anyone afterward. If you’re offering mobile notary services, you can also charge a travel fee, typically negotiated directly with the client.
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.
- A county-run process: Applications, election, bond, oath, and certification all run through your county clerk and county legislative body — the Secretary of State’s role is processing after the county certifies.
- 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.
Sources
Quick transparency note: we may earn commissions from purchases made through links on this page.
Ready for the next step?
Notary Signing Agent Academy — loan signing agents in Tennessee commonly report earning $75–$200 per appointment, though rates vary by state and experience. One of the most comprehensive training programs available.
*RON Pro: Remote Online Notarization (our sister site) — 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.
