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Notary public · Tennessee

How to become a notary in Tennessee: the official requirements

Who can apply, the training, bond and term, and the steps, from the Tennessee Secretary of State's own published requirements.

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Updated Nov 5, 2026 · Requirements: each state's notary authority or statute
Quick answer

To become a notary public in Tennessee: Who can apply: You must live, or have your principal place of business, in the county whose county commission elects you. Bond: A surety bond from a Tennessee insurance company or agency that sells surety bonds; give proof of it to the County Clerk. Commission term: Four years, beginning on the date the Governor issues the commission. Commissions are issued by the Tennessee Secretary of State.

Requirements

Notary requirements in Tennessee

Data
Tennessee notary public requirements (Tennessee Secretary of State)
RequirementTennessee
Who can applyYou must live, or have your principal place of business, in the county whose county commission elects you.
TrainingNot stated in the official source we read. Check with the Tennessee Secretary of State.
ExamNot stated in the official source we read. Check with the Tennessee Secretary of State.
BondA surety bond from a Tennessee insurance company or agency that sells surety bonds; give proof of it to the County Clerk.
Commission termFour years, beginning on the date the Governor issues the commission.
State feeNot stated in the official source we read. Check with the Tennessee Secretary of State.
Background checkNot stated in the official source we read. Check with the Tennessee Secretary of State.
Oath and filingNot stated in the official source we read. Check with the Tennessee Secretary of State.

Where the official source we read does not state something, the table says so rather than guessing.

Steps

How to apply in Tennessee

Data
  1. Get and complete an application from your County Clerk's office.
  2. Submit it to the County Clerk with the application fee.
  3. Be elected by the county commission in the county where you live or have your principal place of business.
  4. Secure a surety bond and give proof of it to the County Clerk.
  5. Pick up your commission at the County Clerk's office once the Secretary of State issues it.
  6. Obtain your notary seal.
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FAQ

Questions people ask

How do I become a notary in Tennessee?
To become a notary public in Tennessee: Who can apply: You must live, or have your principal place of business, in the county whose county commission elects you. Bond: A surety bond from a Tennessee insurance company or agency that sells surety bonds; give proof of it to the County Clerk. Commission term: Four years, beginning on the date the Governor issues the commission. Commissions are issued by the Tennessee Secretary of State.
How long is a notary commission in Tennessee?
Four years, beginning on the date the Governor issues the commission.
Do I need a bond to be a notary in Tennessee?
A surety bond from a Tennessee insurance company or agency that sells surety bonds; give proof of it to the County Clerk.
Is training required to become a notary in Tennessee?
Not stated in the official source we read. Check with the Tennessee Secretary of State.
Method

How this page is built

Every requirement on this page comes from the Tennessee Secretary of State's own published material, read on the dates shown. Requirements and fees change; the authority's current instructions govern.

What this page can't tell you
  • Not legal advice.
  • Fees charged by bonding agencies, course providers and fingerprint vendors are not included.
Sources
  1. Tennessee Secretary of State, How to become a Notary, official source, read Nov 5, 2026.
  2. Tennessee Secretary of State, How long does a notary commission last?, official source, read Nov 5, 2026.