How to Become a Notary in Tennessee




2025 UPDATED GUIDE

How to Become a Notary in Tennessee

Complete step-by-step guide — requirements, costs, timeline, and how to build a profitable notary business in Tennessee.

1–3 weeks
Average Timeline
$80–380
Total Cost Estimate
No
Exam Required

Tennessee Notary Requirements at a Glance

Age & Residency

18+, TN resident

Bond Required

$10,000

Cost: $50–75

Exam

Not Required

Application Fee

$12–36 (varies by county)

4 years term

Step-by-Step: Becoming a Notary in Tennessee

Follow these steps to get your Tennessee notary commission

1

Meet Basic Eligibility Requirements

Before applying, ensure you meet these requirements:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Tennessee resident
  • No infamous crime convictions
  • Be able to read and write English
2

Complete Professional Training (Highly Recommended)

Tennessee doesn’t require formal training, but professional education significantly increases your success rate and earning potential.

✅ Our training covers Tennessee notary laws, correct notarization procedures, avoiding liability, and building a profitable business. View Tennessee Training Courses →

3

Purchase Your Notary Bond

Tennessee requires a $10,000 surety bond for your 4 years term.

Bond Amount: $10,000

Typical Cost: $50–75

Where to Buy: Licensed surety companies or insurance agencies

3

Submit Your Application

Complete and submit your notary application to the County Clerk (filed with Secretary of State).

Application Fee: $12–36 (varies by county)

Processing Time: 1–3 weeks

Commission Term: 4 years

4

Receive Commission & Order Supplies

Once approved, order your official supplies:

  • Official Notary Stamp — name, commission number, expiration
  • Notary Journal — required or strongly recommended
  • Additional Supplies — ink pads, embosser, certificates, business cards

💰 Supply Costs: Budget $50–150 for quality notary supplies.

Start Your Notary Business!

You’re now a commissioned notary in Tennessee. Here’s how to start earning:

Quick Start (Part-Time)
  • • List on notary directories
  • • Network with local businesses
  • • Join signing agent platforms
  • • Earn $500–$2K/month
Scale to Full-Time
  • • Become a loan signing agent
  • • Build title company relationships
  • • Implement marketing systems
  • • Earn $50K–$100K+/year

⚠️ Special Requirements for Tennessee:

Tennessee notaries are commissioned at the COUNTY level through the County Clerk, then filed with the Secretary of State. No exam, no education. One of the fastest states.

Total Cost Breakdown

What You’ll Spend to Become a Tennessee Notary

Application Fee$12–36 (varies by county)
Notary Bond (4 years)$50–75
Notary Supplies (stamp, journal, etc.)$50–100
Professional Training (Optional)$27–237
Total Investment:$80–380

💰 Return on Investment: Tennessee mobile notaries earn $50,000–$80,000 annually. Nashville is one of America’s fastest-growing cities with Oracle, Amazon, and AllianceBernstein relocations.

Tennessee’s no-income-tax advantage makes every dollar earned go further. Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga all see strong housing demand.

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Expand Your Notary Income

Add specialized services to maximize your earning potential in Tennessee

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International document authentication. Premium pricing.

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Background check services. Perfect add-on.

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Credit Repair

Recurring revenue alongside your notary business.

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Become a Notary Anywhere in Tennessee

Our training helps aspiring notaries in every Tennessee city

Nashville
Memphis
Knoxville
Chattanooga
Clarksville
Murfreesboro
Franklin
Jackson
Johnson City
Bartlett
Hendersonville
Kingsport
Collierville
Smyrna
Cleveland
Brentwood
Germantown
Columbia
La Vergne
Spring Hill
Gallatin
Cookeville
Mount Juliet
Lebanon
Morristown
Oak Ridge
Maryville
Farragut
Shelbyville
Tullahoma
Sevierville
Bristol

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a notary in Tennessee?

The typical timeline is 1–3 weeks. No exam is required, so the process is relatively quick.

How much does it cost?

Total costs range from $80 to $380, including application fee ($12–36 (varies by county)), bond ($50–75), supplies ($50–100), and optional training ($27–237).

How much can I earn as a notary in Tennessee?

Tennessee mobile notaries earn $50,000–$80,000 annually. Nashville is one of America’s fastest-growing cities with Oracle, Amazon, and AllianceBernstein relocations.

Do I need training?

Tennessee does not require formal training. Professional education significantly increases your success rate, earning potential, and helps avoid costly mistakes.

How do I renew my commission?

Renew before your current commission expires through the County Clerk (filed with Secretary of State). Your commission is valid for 4 years.

© 2025 Noble Notary & Legal Document Preparers. All rights reserved.

This guide provides general information about becoming a notary in Tennessee. Requirements may change. Always verify current requirements with the County Clerk (filed with Secretary of State). This is not legal advice.