How to become a notary in Tennessee

Get everything you need with a full Tennessee Notary Package.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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Last updated: Apr 22, 2025

Get everything you need with a full Tennessee Notary Package.