How to Become a Notary in Tennessee (2026 Guide)
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Key Takeaways
- $10,000 surety bond required
- Journal required for all notarial acts
- No exam for traditional notaries
- Application fee: $12-$17 (varies by county) | Commission term: 4 years
- New for 2026: Online notaries must complete a state-approved course and pass an exam (SB1051)
- Must be 18+, a TN resident, and have no felony convictions
Tennessee requires a $10,000 surety bond and a journal, but no exam for traditional notaries. New for 2026: anyone applying for an online notary commission must complete a state-approved course and pass an exam under SB1051. Applications go through your county clerk, not the Secretary of State. Here is the process.
Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a Tennessee resident
- Be a US citizen or legal permanent resident
- Have no felony convictions (unless rights restored)
- Be able to read and write English
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Purchase Your $10,000 Surety Bond
Tennessee requires a $10,000 surety bond. Purchase it from a bonding company or insurance agent. The bond premium typically costs $30-$60 for the 4-year term.
Step 2: Submit Your Application to Your County Clerk
Unlike most states, Tennessee notary applications go through your county clerk’s office, not the Secretary of State. Submit your bond and pay the filing fee ($12-$17, varies by county). Your application is then forwarded to the Secretary of State for processing.
Step 3: Receive Your Commission and Buy Supplies
Once commissioned, purchase your notary stamp (required) and a journal (required). Stamps cost $15-$25, journals $10-$50. You must record your commission with your county clerk before you start notarizing.
Costs to Get Commissioned
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| $10,000 surety bond premium | $30-$60 |
| Application fee (varies by county) | $12-$17 |
| Notary stamp | $15-$25 |
| Notary journal (required) | $10-$50 |
| Total | $67-$152 |
Fee Schedule
Tennessee does not set a statutory maximum fee for notarizations. Notaries may charge a reasonable fee. Best practice is to communicate your fees before performing the notarization to avoid disputes.
Authorized Notarial Acts
- Take acknowledgments
- Administer oaths and affirmations
- Take verifications on oath or affirmation
- Witness or attest signatures
- Certify copies of documents
- Protest negotiable instruments
Notary Stamp Requirements
Tennessee requires a notary stamp or seal. It must include your name as it appears on your commission, “Notary Public,” “State of Tennessee,” and your commission expiration date. You must use your stamp on every notarial certificate.
Notarizing for Family Members
Tennessee does not explicitly prohibit notarizing for family members. The general rule applies: you cannot notarize a document in which you have a direct financial or beneficial interest. When in doubt, refer family members to another notary.
Errors and Omissions Insurance
Not required, but recommended. The $10,000 surety bond protects the public. E&O insurance protects you personally from lawsuits. Policies typically run $30-$100 per year for $25,000-$100,000 in coverage.
Penalties for Notary Misconduct
- Notarizing without authority: misdemeanor charge
- Fraud or forgery: felony charges
- Commission revocation: the county can revoke your commission at any time for cause
- Civil liability: your $10,000 bond covers public claims; you are personally liable for damages above that amount
Employer Obligations
- Your commission is personal and does not belong to your employer
- If you leave your job, your stamp and journal go with you
- Your employer cannot require you to skip proper procedures
- An employer who pressures you into misconduct may share legal liability
Renewal
Tennessee notary commissions last 4 years. Renew through your county clerk with a new bond. Apply before your commission expires to avoid a gap in your authority.
Online Notary Requirements (SB1051, 2026)
Tennessee SB1051, effective January 1, 2026, requires anyone applying for an online notary commission to complete a state-approved course and pass an exam. This applies to online/RON notaries only, not traditional notaries. The course covers electronic notarization procedures and state requirements.
Becoming a Signing Agent
Tennessee is an attorney-closing state for real estate, meaning an attorney must be involved in the closing process. Signing agents can still handle loan document signings, but the closing itself requires attorney oversight. Nashville and Memphis are the top markets for signing agents in the state.
How Tennessee Compares to Neighboring States
| Requirement | Tennessee | Georgia | North Carolina | Virginia | Kentucky |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bond | $10,000 | None | None | None | $1,000 |
| Exam | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Training | No | Yes (HB1292) | 6 hours | No | No |
| Term | 4 years | 4 years | 5 years | 4 years | 4 years |
| RON | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Tennessee requires a $10,000 bond, while Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia require no bond at all. Kentucky has a nominal $1,000 bond. North Carolina stands out with its 6-hour training requirement and exam. Georgia recently added mandatory training (HB1292). Tennessee is the only state in this group that is an attorney-closing state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a notary exam in Tennessee?
No. Tennessee does not require a notary exam for traditional notaries. Online notaries must pass a state-approved course and exam (SB1051, 2026).
Do I need a surety bond in Tennessee?
Yes. Tennessee requires a $10,000 surety bond.
How long does a Tennessee notary commission last?
4 years. Renew through your county clerk before your commission expires.
Is a notary journal required in Tennessee?
Yes. Tennessee requires notaries to maintain a journal of notarial acts.
Can Tennessee notaries perform remote online notarizations?
Yes. Since SB1051 (2026), online notaries must complete a state-approved course and pass an exam before applying for an online commission.
Related Reading
- How to Become a Notary Signing Agent
- How to Become a Notary in Georgia
- How to Become a Notary in North Carolina
- Dual Tray Laser Printer Recommendations for Signing Agents
Updated May 2026. Requirements based on the Tennessee Secretary of State and TCA 8-16.
