Tennessee Notary Bond Overview
- Purpose: To protect the public and the state from illegal notary actions
- Who Needs It: Any person applying to become a public notary in Tennessee
- Regulating Body: The Tennessee Secretary of State
- Bond Amount: $10,000
- Premium Price: $30–$90 based on E&O coverage
What Is a Tennessee Notary Bond?
A Tennessee notary bond ensures that notaries follow the law and act ethically. All notaries public in Tennessee need a $10,000 surety bond.
By filing this surety bond, you agree to perform all duties as required by law. The bond protects your clients if you fail to do so.
How Much Do Notary Bonds Cost?
Tennessee notary bonds cost a low, flat rate of $30 for four years of coverage.
Want extra protection? Add on optional errors and omissions (E&O) coverage for just $20–$60 more. Buy your bond in minutes.
SuretyBonds.com offers the lowest available rates from our nationwide provider network with no added fees.
Bond and E&O Requirements for Tennessee Notaries
All notaries in Tennessee need a $10,000 surety bond and can choose optional E&O coverage. Here’s how they work together:
- Surety Bond: Can reimburse clients for notary malpractice or serious professional mistakes
- E&O Insurance: Protects a notary if a client takes legal action due to accidental errors or omissions
Put simply: the notary bond protects your clients while E&O insurance protects you.
How to Get Your Notary Bond
You can get your Tennessee notary bond in minutes using the form on this page. It only takes three steps:
- Select your E&O coverage option
- Enter your name and address
- Provide payment details
We’ll email you the bond right after you check out. If you don’t see the bond in 5–10 minutes, please check your junk folder.
Where Do I File the Bond?
To apply for a Tennessee notary commission, you'll need to request an application from your county clerk office. This office is also where you'll file your application and surety bond paperwork.
How Does a Notary Bond Work?
When you file a Tennessee notary bond, you enter a legally-binding contract with two other parties.
| Bond Party | Description |
|---|---|
| 1) Principal | You, the bonded notary public |
| 2) Obligee | The Tennessee Secretary of State |
| 3) Surety | Us, the issuing surety provider |
If you break the bond terms, anyone harmed can file a claim on the bond. If a claim is valid, the surety reimburses the damages up to the bond amount.
How Do I Renew My Notary Bond?
Tennessee notary bonds last for four years. If you renew your notary commission, you’ll also need to renew the surety bond.
We’ll send out helpful reminders during the renewal period. Just pay the renewal premium and we’ll issue a bond form for the next term.
Can I Make Changes to My Bond?
If the Tennessee Secretary of State or your county clerk requires a change to your bond documentation for any reason, contact your surety company. You can reach us at [email protected] with the change request.
When possible, we issue free bond rider forms to amend existing bond forms.
How to Become a Notary Public in Tennessee
You must be a legal U.S. resident who's at least 18 years old and live or work in the county you apply in. If you've committed any of the following acts, you're not eligible to become a Tennessee notary public.
- Been removed as a notary public for official misconduct
- Had any notary commission revoked or suspended
- Been found guilty by a court for unauthorized law practice
You'll need to complete these steps to become a notary public in Tennessee:
- Submit a notary application with your county clerk's office.
- Pay the $12 application fee.
- Get elected by your county legislative body.
- Purchase a $10,000 Tennessee notary surety bond.
- File your bond with your county clerk.
- Purchase your official notary stamp or seal.
Learn more details in our How to Get a Tennessee Notary Public Commission Guide.
