Become a Tennessee Notary
Becoming a notary in Tennessee is a simple process, requiring no formal training or coursework. All you have to do is meet the state requirements — our basic Tennessee notary package will take care of the rest!
Once you are officially appointed as a notary, you will hold this position for four years. Your term begins on the date the governor issues your notary commission, and you must renew your commission before it expires to continue serving as a notary.
Tennessee Notary Requirements
To become a notary in Tennessee, you must:
- Be 18 years old or older
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
- Reside in Tennessee or maintain a principal place of business in the state
- Be able to read and write in English
You cannot become a notary if you:
- Serve in the military
- Are a member of Congress or hold an office of profit or trust under any foreign power, other state or the United States
- Have been convicted of bribery, larceny or certain other offenses unless your rights of citizenship have been restored
- Have unpaid judgments to the United States, Tennessee or any Tennessee county
- Owe money to the state or federal treasury
Steps to Becoming a Tennessee Notary
Notary of America's basic Tennessee notary package includes the state-required $10,000 notary bond. After you purchase the package and receive your bond, you will need to complete the following steps to become a certified notary.
1. Fill Out Your State Application Online
Visit the Tennessee County Clerk website and select your county to access an online application. If "Notary Application" is not listed under your county's list of online services, use the provided County Clerk contact information to request an application.
2. Submit Your Application to the State
Submit your completed notary application to the County Clerk's office and pay the $12 state application fee.
3. Get Elected by the County Commission
You will be elected by the county legislative body (county commission) in the county in which you reside or maintain your principal place of business.
4. Provide Proof of Your Bond
Provide the County Clerk proof of your $10,000 surety bond (included in your purchase of our basic Tennessee notary package). The County Clerk will then submit your application and documents to the state.
The Secretary of State's office will then issue your notary commission and return it to the County Clerk's office for you to pick up.
5. Collect Your Notary Commission
When your notary commission is ready, the Secretary of State will deliver it to your local County Clerk. You must visit the County Clerk's office to collect your commission. You're also required to take an oath of office.
6. Get Your Notary Seal and Journal
Once you have your notary commission certificate, email a copy of the certificate to info@notaryofamerica.com so we can manufacture your custom notary seal.
The seal is a circular, inked rubber stamp that is included with our Tennessee notary package. You must use your notary seal to stamp every document you notarize.
In addition, Tennessee requires notaries to record the details of every notarization in a well-bound book, also known as a notary journal.
Please note: The process of becoming a notary varies county by county. For additional information, contact your local County Clerk.
Renewing Your Tennessee Notary Commission
The process of renewing your notary commission is the same as obtaining your original commission.
The Tennessee Secretary of State, Division of Business Services, Notary Section, coordinates the issuance of commissions with your County Clerk. If you have completed the steps outlined here and do not receive your commission in three to four weeks, you will need to contact the state at (615) 741-3699.
If you have questions about becoming a notary or renewing your commission, you may email us at info@notaryofamerica.com or call us at 1-800-864-6395.