How to Become a Notary in Tennessee

Quick Facts

Minimum Age

Residency Required

Yes

Education Required

No

Exam Required

No

Background Check Required

Bond Requirement

Yes

Commission Term

4 years

Journal Required

Yes

Stamp Requirement

Yes

Last updated

August , 2025

Steps to Become a Notary in Tennessee

Education:

Not required.

Education Final:

No training is required.

Exam:

No exam is required

Exam Final:

No exam is required.

Background Check Final:

No background check is required

Bond:

All Tennessee notaries are required to maintain a four-year, $10,000 notary bond for the duration of their notary terms. The notary bond protects the public from a notary’s errors. If a member of the public files a claim against a notary’s bond, the bonding company is very likely to sue the notary to recoup the funds it paid on the notary’s behalf.

Bond Final:

Yes, a $10,000 bond is required

Applictation:

Obtain and complete an application from your County Clerk’s office. Submit the completed application to your County Clerk with the application fee. Be elected by the county legislative body (county commission) in the county in which the applicant, resides or maintains his/her principal place of business at the time of his/her election. Secure a surety bond. bonds are available through Tennessee insurance companies/agencies that sell surety bond coverage. Provide proof of the bond to the County Clerk. Your documents will be submitted to the state. The Secretary of State’s office will issue the Notary Commission and return it to the County Clerk’s office for you to pick up. Obtain your Notary seal.

Applictation Final:

Yes, application and a fee required

Order Supplies Final:

Stamp Required

Take the Notary Fundamentals Course Today

Coming Soon

Get the clarity and tools you need to decide if notary work is right for you. This practical course explains what a notary does, the skills required, costs, and potential income — and guides you in building a personalized action plan to get commissioned and start finding work.

Tennessee Secretary of State

Notary Public Section

The Governor approves the commissioning of Tennessee notaries public. The Tennessee Secretary of State issues the notary public commission and maintains records regarding notary commissions, and the county legislative body administers the application process and elects all notaries.

Always Verify the Information with your State’s Official Notary Licensing Agency.