How to Apply for a Notary Commission in Tennessee

Interested in starting a career as a certified notary public? This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of obtaining your first commission. Since the application requirements vary by county, the best place to find detailed information is your County Clerk's office or website.

1) Meet the State Requirements

Before applying for a notary commission, make sure you meet the following requirements.

All applicants must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
  • Reside in the state or maintain a principal place of business in the state
  • Be able to read and write in English

You cannot become a notary if you:

  • Serve in the military
  • Are a member of Congress or hold an office of profit or trust under any foreign power, other state or the United States
  • Have been convicted of bribery, larceny or certain other offenses unless your rights of citizenship have been restored
  • Have unpaid judgments to the U.S. or Tennessee
  • Owe money to the state or Federal Treasury

2) Purchase Your Notary Bond and Stamp

One of the most important parts of the application process is acquiring a $10,000 surety bond. These bonds protect the public from potential notarization mistakes. Performing notarizations before filing your bond with your county clerk is a Class C misdemeanor.

You can buy a bond from an authorized surety company like Notaries.com. Our complete supplies package includes the required notary bond plus a customizable notary stamp that meets state requirements.

3) Complete Your County’s Application

The Secretary of State does not provide notary applications. We recommend visiting your clerk’s website to find their latest notary application.

If an online application isn’t available, contact your clerk directly or check TNCountyClerk.com. Many (but not all) counties use that site to host their online applications.

After finishing your application, double-check your county’s submission requirements. Many counties, including Shelby, accept mailed applications but require you to sign your bond and take the oath in the clerk’s office.

Plan Accordingly to Avoid Delays

Tennessee is unique compared to other states because all commissions must be certified by the Secretary of State and signed by the Governor. These extra steps can make the entire approval process last up to eight weeks.

Keep these tips in mind to avoid a rejected application and more delays:

  • Follow your clerk’s application instructions very closely and look for any special requirements. Bedford County, for example, says applications must arrive by the third day of the month to be elected at the next County Legislative meeting.
  • Make sure you use the exact same name on your bond and application.
  • Purchase your bond before submitting the application, so you can present it to your clerk right away.

If your application is rejected, your clerk should inform you why, so you can correct and resubmit it immediately.

Once your application is approved, you'll be elected by the legislative body of the county in which you reside or maintain your principal place of business.

4) Submit Proof of Your Notary Bond

After purchasing our all-in-one supplies package, print a copy of your notary bond and follow our detailed instructions on how to correctly submit proof of your bond to your clerk.

The County Clerk will then accept a filing fee and forward your application to the Secretary of State's office.

5) Receive Your Commission

The Secretary of State will issue your notary commission and deliver it to your county clerk. Once your commission is ready, you can collect it and take your oath of office.

To take your oath, you must appear in person at your county clerk’s office. There, you’ll pledge to support the constitutions of Tennessee and the United States and promise to honestly, faithfully, and diligently perform your notary duties without favor or partiality.

6) Get Your Notary Seal and Other Supplies

Before you can start notarizing, you need to purchase a stamp (not an embosser) that displays your seal.

In TN, a notary stamp must:

  • Use the official round design approved by the state.
  • Include your name, “Notary Public”, “State of Tennessee”, and your county.
  • Use non-black, non-yellow ink that appears black on photocopies.

When you purchase our supplies package, all you need to do is email a copy of your commission to info@notaries.com and we will create a custom stamp that meets all state requirements.

During your commission, visit our notary supplies store to restock on the essentials, such as ink refills.

Utilize Your New Commission

Once commissioned, you can start notarizing part-time or pursue a full-time career. Unlike many states, Tennessee does not place a cap on the fees notaries can charge, allowing you to set your own rates as you gain experience. The state also allows remote online notarizations (RON), giving you the flexibility to work with clients virtually — a growing opportunity in today’s digital world.

You can further expand your services by officiating weddings or offering loan signing services.