Tennessee Notary Bond

The Tennessee Notary Bond is a mandatory requirement for notaries in Tennessee. It ensures that notaries carry out their duties with honesty and accuracy. This bond protects the public in cases where a notary makes a mistake, acts negligently, or engages in fraudulent activity.

To legally operate, Tennessee notaries must obtain a $10,000 bond. If a notary makes an error or commits misconduct, an affected party can file a claim against the bond for financial compensation. If a claim is paid, the notary is responsible for reimbursing the surety company.

While the bond protects the public, it does not provide personal coverage for the notary. To safeguard themselves from potential liability, notaries are encouraged to obtain Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance. These requirements, enforced by the Tennessee Secretary of State, help ensure trust and accountability in notarial services throughout the state.

In Tennessee, notaries must obtain a $10,000 surety bond as part of the notary commission process. This bond is valid for a 4-year term and serves as a financial safeguard to protect the public from potential errors, negligence, or fraudulent acts by the notary.

The Tennessee notary bond costs as low as $35 to $55 (processing fees may be applied) and must be purchased from a state-approved surety provider before applying for a notary commission.

In addition to the bond, notaries should also budget for other expenses, such as:

• One-time Bond Processing Fee: $100
• Notary Application Fee: Typically $12, though some counties may charge more. Check with your local county clerk for exact fees.
• Notary Seal or Stamp: Required for performing notarizations in Tennessee. Costs range from $20 to $50, depending on the provider.
• Notary Journal (Optional but Recommended): Costs range from $15 to $30.

Easily apply using one of these convenient methods:

1. Apply for Your Bond

Choose one of the following convenient application methods:

• Online Application – Complete a secure online application anytime, 24/7, in just minutes.
• Call Us at (888)-592-6631 – Our bond specialists are available to assist you and answer any questions.

To apply, you’ll need:

• Bond Name: Tennessee Notary Public Surety Bond
• Bond Amount: $10,000 (as required by the state)
• Email and Contact Information

2. Receive Your Quote

After submitting your application, you’ll instantly receive a bond quote. Review the details to ensure accuracy, and if you need any adjustments, our team is happy to help.

3. Purchase Your Bond

Once you confirm the quote, complete your purchase by paying the invoice and signing the necessary documents online. Your official bond will be emailed to you within minutes, ready for submission with your notary application.

The Tennessee notary bond renewal process follows the same steps as securing an original bond. Notaries must purchase a new $10,000 surety bond from an authorized provider, submit proof of the bond along with their renewal application and fee to the County Clerk, and complete the oath of office.

To become a notary public in Tennessee, individuals must meet specific requirements and follow a defined application process. Below is an overview based on information from the Tennessee Secretary of State:

1. Complete the Application: Obtain and fill out a notary application from your County Clerk’s office.
2. Submit Your Application: Return the completed application along with the required fee to the County Clerk.
3. County Approval: Your application must be approved by the county legislative body (county commission) in the county where you reside or maintain a principal place of business.
4. Provide Proof of Bond: Submit proof of your surety bond to the County Clerk.
5. State Processing & Commission Issuance: The County Clerk will forward your application to the Tennessee Secretary of State, who will issue your Notary Commission and send it back to the County Clerk’s office.
6. Pick Up Your Notary Commission and Obtain Your Notary Seal: Retrieve your Notary Commission from the County Clerk and purchase an official notary seal as required by state law.

For more information, check the Tennessee Secretary of State Notary Commissions

The Online Notary Public Act (Also known as Senate Bill 1758) authorizes Tennessee notaries to perform online remote notarizations after the completion of an application and approval from the Tennessee Secretary of State. Below are the steps which must be taken for a notary to perform online notarizations:

Step 1: Be an Active Tennessee Notary

You must already hold a valid, active Tennessee notary commission before applying for online notarization. If you are unsure of your commission status, check with the Tennessee Secretary of State’s website.

Step 2: Review the Laws & Rules

Before applying, you must read and understand:

• The Online Notary Public Act (TCA 8-16-301 et. seq.)
• Rules & Regulations for Online Notaries (Chapter 1360-07-03)

These rules outline identity verification, security requirements, and remote notarization procedures.

Step 3: Secure a Contract with a State-Approved RON Vendor

Tennessee requires online notaries to use a third-party RON provider before applying. Your vendor must provide technology for:

• Electronic signature & seal application
• Identity proofing & credential analysis
• Secure video & audio recording of notarization sessions

Tennessee does not endorse specific vendors, but you must choose one that meets state requirements.

 Step 4: Gather Required Documents from Your RON Provider

When applying, you must upload the following materials from your vendor:

• Vendor name & technology description
• Your unique electronic notary seal
• Your electronic notarial certificate with a digital signature
• Instructions on how your notarial certificate is authenticated
• Instructions on how identity proofing & credential analysis are conducted

These documents should be provided by your vendor and must be attached to your application.

Step 5: Submit Your Online Notary Application

Go to the Tennessee Secretary of State’s website:

• Create an online account
• Complete the Online Notary Application
• Pay the $75 application fee

Step 6: Receive Your Online Notary Commission

If approved, you will receive an Online Notary Commission from the Tennessee Secretary of State. Your online notary commission will expire on the same date as your traditional notary public commission. If you renew your traditional notary commission, you must reapply separately to continue performing online notarizations.

For more information, check How to become an Online Notary Public