How to Become a Notary Public in Tennessee (Get your Notary Commission)
These are the general steps to get a Tennessee Notary Public commission in most Tennessee counties:
- Complete an application form from your county clerk’s office.
- Submit the application to your county clerk and pay the $12 application fee.
- Be elected by the county legislative body (county commission). The county clerk will certify your election as a Notary and will forward it to the Secretary of State.
- The Secretary preps and signs your commission. The Governor will sign it as well. The Secretary then forwards it to your county clerk who will make record of it and will reach out to let you know that your commission has been received.
- Get a $10,000 surety bond.
- Go to the county clerk to take your oath of office and get your bond recorded.
- The SoS issues you your Notary commission and you can pick it up from the county clerk’s office.
- Get E&O insurance to limit your financial risk and exposure (optional, but strongly recommended).
Becoming an Online Notary in the state of Tennessee is an excellent way to provide yourself with some supplemental income. With the right training and qualifications, you can become an Online Notary in Tennessee and begin working with clients quickly.
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What Are The Requirements To Become A Notary Public In Tennessee?
In order to become a notary public in Tennessee, you need to meet the following requirements:
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Be at least 18 years old.
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Reside in Tennessee or have a primary place of business in the state.
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Be a citizen or legal permanent resident of the U.S.
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Have the ability to read and write English.
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Not have convictions for bribery, larceny, or similar offenses, unless citizenship rights have been reinstated.
Disqualifications for becoming a Notary
Individuals are ineligible for a Notary commission if they: -
Serve in the military or Congress.
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Hold any position of profit or trust under a foreign power, other states, or the U.S.
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Have unpaid judgments against them by the U.S., state, or county, or owe money to the state or federal treasury.
Once you meet these requirements you can apply to become a Remote Online Notary in Tennessee.
What does it cost to become a Notary Public in Tennessee?
The overall cost to become a Notary varies based on the vendors you choose for your supplies. High-quality journals with sewn pages, offering enhanced security, are priced between $20 and $40. Stamps compliant with Tennessee’s regulations range from $20 to $30. The price for a $10,000 surety bond can fluctuate between $27 and $45, depending on the provider. Additionally, there is a $12 application fee for Notary commission.
The cost may also differ for new versus renewing Notaries, with variations in supply packages across vendors. New Notaries often require additional resources like instructional books and access to training and support, which can add to the initial expenses. Be aware of packages that may include extra fees, such as processing charges. Training quality can vary significantly among providers, with some offering comprehensive Notary courses and others lacking in educational support. Availability of live support for answering Notaries’ questions also varies between vendors.
How long does it take to become a Notary in Tennessee?
The duration to become a Notary varies by county. For detailed information, it’s advisable to contact the county clerk’s office in the county where you reside or have your main place of business.
How long does a notary commission last in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, a Notary Public commission is valid for four years.
What Training is required for Tennessee Notaries?
Discover the qualifications required to become a Notary Public in Tennessee.
Training and Examination Requirements
Tennessee does not require formal training for Notary commissioning. However, the Secretary of State’s website provides access to statutes, Attorney General opinions, and FAQs that can serve as valuable resources. No examination is needed to become a commissioned Notary in Tennessee.
Necessary Supplies
Tennessee mandates the use of a Notary seal for all Notaries. If charging a fee for services, Notaries must also maintain a well-bound journal for recording notarizations. The seal should be a circular, inked rubber stamp including your commission name, the state designation, and your county of commission, without using black or yellow ink or your commission expiration date.
When selecting supplies, consider the quality and guarantees offered by vendors. An additional seal or an embosser can provide backup and added security. A well-bound journal with numbered, sewn pages ensures a tamper-evident record of notarial acts.
Surety Bonds and Insurance Requirements
A $10,000 surety bond is required by law in Tennessee to protect signers against financial losses due to a Notary’s misconduct. Notaries might also consider errors and omissions (E&O) insurance for personal liability protection, although it’s not mandated.
Is Online Notary legal in Tennessee?
Yes. Tennessee is one of a many states that has officially legalized online notarization. In 2019, the state passed an online notarization law that allows for digital signatures and remote notarizations to take place as long as both parties are present in real time using electronic audio-video technology. In other words, you just need to be on a simple internet call.
How Do You Become An Online Notary In Tennessee?
Once you have met all the requirements to become a traditional notary in Tennessee, since July 2019, Tennessee Notaries have been able to register to perform remote online notarizations (RONs). To become an online Notary in TN, you need to complete the following steps:
- Have an existing commission as a traditional Notary Public.
- Read & Review the applicable TN statute and rules.
- Sign up with a RON technology provider that meets state requirements.
- Get any required info and documents from your RON vendor that your state requires.
- Complete the Online Notary Application from the Tennessee Secretary of State website.
- Attach the required vendor materials to your application and pay the $75 fee.
- Receive your online Notary commission from the Secretary of State.
Once you have become an online notary in Tennessee, you will be able to provide secure remote notarial services for Tennessee residents. Always ensure that you follow the guidelines and laws set out by the state, as well as your selected RON vendor.
For any confusion in the process, we recommend joining the BlueNotary Mastermind Facebook Group full of notaries from each state who have been through the exact state processes and can help guide you along the way.
What Steps Should You Take To Remain Compliant With Tennessee Laws?
In order to remain compliant with Tennessee laws, online notaries must take the following steps:
- Keep up-to-date records of all your remote notarizations.
- Verify the identity of each signer using an approved identification method such as a driver’s license or passport.
- Maintain a physical presence in the state of Tennessee during remote notarial acts.
- Maintain a secure environment for digital documents.
- Keep your Notary commission active and in good standing. Make sure you are up-to-date on all the current laws and guidelines.
- Store all records and documents securely according to the requirements set out by the Tennessee Secretary of State’s office.
- Stay up-to-date on your continuing education requirements.Follow the guidelines and processes set out by your chosen RON vendor.
By following these steps, you can ensure that you remain compliant with the laws governing online notaries in Tennessee.
What to Expect From the Notary Job?
As in other professions, the amount of work an online notary receives can vary widely. Generally the busiest times for notaries are during tax season, when documents such as tax returns need to be signed and notarized. However, there is also a steady demand throughout the year from businesses and individuals in need of authentication services. There are many businesses that need consistent notarizations.
It is important to remember that when working as an online notary, you are responsible for adhering to the regulations set forth by the state. This includes making sure documents are properly completed and witnessed and ensuring they contain all of the necessary information. Additionally, the most successful online notaries spend some time doing their own client acquisition and sales funneling.
Why Should You Consider Becoming An Online Notary In Tennessee
Becoming an online notary in Tennessee is a great way to offer convenient and secure services to clients. It can also be very good gig for those who choose to do so as you have the ability to make your own schedule. Additionally, online notaries are in high demand due to the convenience they provide, from conducting remote meetings to handling transactions without requiring someone to be physically present.
Finally, it’s the perfect time as 1.25 billion notarizations are done annually in the Unites States and more and more of these notarizations are moving online.
Can I do Online Notary in Tennessee?
Yes, you can do online notary in Tennessee. In order to become an online notary, you just need to meet the state requirements for certification and have a commission from Tennessee. You can also join the BlueNotary Notary Mastermind Group in order to get advice from Tennessee notaries who have already been through the process and will share exactly what you need to do. They’ll help make guide you through working with your SOS. Becoming an online notary can be a great way to supplement your income and make a positive impact on the community.
As an online notary, you get to decide which service provider to use for finding clients. Blue Notary is the best option as we make it super easy for you to onboard and start notarizing documents online. We have training videos and a signing simulator to get you comfortable with the process. We also have a facebook group full of notaries to help you get through the process and walk the path they’ve helped trail before.
