Tennessee notary commission
Tennessee notary public: elected by your county commission
Apply at your County Clerk's office and pay $12. The county legislative body votes on applicants, and the Governor commissions those elected. File a $10,000 surety bond with the clerk, take the oath there, and pick up your commission when the Secretary of State returns it to the clerk. The commission lasts four years.
Tennessee eligibility
- At least 18, and a US citizen or legal permanent resident (T.C.A. 8-16-101).
- You live in the county or have your principal place of business there. A resident of another state may be elected in the Tennessee county where their principal business is.
- You certify under penalty of perjury that you were never removed as a notary for misconduct, never had a commission revoked or suspended in any state, and were never found to have practiced law without a license.
- Not disqualified from county office under T.C.A. 8-18-101.
Source: How to become a notary, Tennessee Secretary of State; Tennessee Notary Public Handbook, Knox County Clerk.
County clerk to commission: the Tennessee route
- Apply at the County Clerk. Get the application from the clerk in your county and pay $12 ($7 stays with the county, $5 goes to the Secretary of State). Ask how far ahead of the commission meeting it must be filed.
- Be elected by the county commission. The county legislative body votes on applicants; the Governor commissions those elected.
- Get a $10,000 surety bond. From a company selling surety bonds in Tennessee. Give the clerk proof; the clerk charges $2 to take and record it. File it before you act.
- Take the oath at the clerk's office. Before the county clerk or a deputy.
- Pick up the commission and buy the seal. The Secretary of State issues the commission and returns it to your County Clerk. Order the seal afterward so the name and county match.
Source: How to become a notary, Tennessee Secretary of State; Tennessee Notary Public Handbook, Knox County Clerk; Notary public applications, CTAS.
Tennessee costs
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $12 Paid to the County Clerk. |
| $10,000 surety bond premium | Set by surety Payable to the state. |
| Bond recording | $2 County Clerk. |
| Circular ink seal | Vendor price The clerk can obtain it for you for up to 20% of its cost. |
| Online notary application | $75 Optional, paid to the Secretary of State. |
The county and recording fees come to $14. The bond premium and seal are the other startup costs.
Source: Tennessee Notary Public Handbook, Knox County Clerk; Notary public applications, CTAS.
TN starter kit · $29
Tennessee Notary Starter Kit
Tennessee's County Clerk, election, $10,000 bond and oath steps, the reasonable-fee and record rules, ID rules, the circular seal, online notary registration, the required notice, a checklist, a budget and record pages.
Four years, then the county process again
A Tennessee commission lasts four years from the date the Governor issues it (T.C.A. 8-16-103). Renewal is the same process as a first application, through your County Clerk; ask the clerk how early to start.
For a name change, or a move to another Tennessee county, notify the clerk of the county that elected you and pay $7. If you move out of state with no Tennessee home or principal business, surrender the commission.
Source: Tennessee Notary Public Handbook, Knox County Clerk; Notary public applications, CTAS.
Tennessee online notaries
Online notarization has been allowed since July 1, 2019 under the Online Notary Public Act (T.C.A. 8-16-301 et seq.) for notaries the Secretary of State approves. You must already hold a county commission; apply online to the Secretary of State for $75. The online commission ends the same day as your county commission.
Your vendor must attach your electronic certificate, signature and seal, run identity proofing and credential analysis, and store the audio-video recording; the Department does not endorse vendors. Before you apply, ask the Secretary of State's notary office whether a course or exam applies to online notaries.
Source: Register as an online notary, Tennessee Secretary of State.
A reasonable fee and the record rule
Tennessee sets no dollar maximum: notaries may receive reasonable fees for their services (T.C.A. 8-21-1201). If you charge a fee, record the act in a well-bound book or electronically; with no separate fee, no record is required.
The circular seal shows your name at the top, your county at the bottom and "State of Tennessee Notary Public" or "Tennessee Notary Public" in the center. Use an ink stamp in any color except black or yellow, and sign by hand in ink with your true commission expiration date.
Source: Tennessee Notary Public Handbook, Knox County Clerk.
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Tennessee notary questions
Who appoints Tennessee notaries?
The county legislative body elects applicants, and the Governor commissions them. The Secretary of State issues the commission through your County Clerk.
Is there a maximum notary fee in Tennessee?
No dollar maximum. Tennessee law allows a reasonable fee, and you keep a record when you charge one.
What color seal can I use in Tennessee?
Any ink color except black or yellow, and the imprint must show black on a non-color copier.
Do I need a course or exam to be a Tennessee online notary?
Ask the Secretary of State's notary office before you apply.
Can I live in Georgia and be a Tennessee notary?
Yes, if your principal place of business is in the Tennessee county that elects you.
Guides for other states · Becoming a notary in New Jersey
General information from official Tennessee sources, checked November 2026. It is not legal advice, and we are not lawyers. Requirements and fees change, so confirm them with the Tennessee Secretary of State, and your County Clerk before you apply. MCC Solutions is not affiliated with the State of Tennessee or any county.