For our last post in our Tennessee how to become a notary series, we’ll explore how to become a notary in Nashville Tennessee. By the time we’re finished, you’ll know everything you need to know to start a business as a mobile notary public.
First, if you’d like to become a notary in Tennessee, you must meet several qualifications:
- You must be at least 18 years old
- You must live in or have a place of business in the county where you’re elected.
- You must be a citizen of the United States
There are also several restrictions. Your application will be denied if:
- You have been convicted of offering or giving a bribe, larceny or any other similar offense.
- There is an unpaid judgment against you for funds received in an official capacity, that is owed to the United States, to Tennessee, or to any of its counties.
- You are a defaulter to the treasury at the time of election.
- You are enlisted in the regular army, navy, or air force of The United States.
- You are a member of congress or a person holding any public office in Tennessee, another state, or the United States.
- You have had your commission revoked from the office of Notary Public for misconduct.
- You have been found by a court to have engaged in the unauthorized practice of law.
Do you have those covered? Wonderful! Let’s move on. Before you do anything else, download the Tennessee Notary Public Handbook. This handy resource is something you should keep and review periodically during your term as notary as it is chock-full of useful information about the laws and regulations for a notary public in the state of Tennessee.
First, download an application. The application can be downloaded here. Fill out the document clearly and concisely. After filling out the application sign it under witness of a notary and have the document notarized. There is a $12.00 application fee made payable to Davidson County Clerk. Submit the application to the County Clerk’s office at:
Davidson County Clerk
523 Mainstream Drive
Nashville, TN 37228
Next you’ll need to procure a surety bond. The purpose of this bond is to protect the public from any errors you may make during your term as notary. These bonds can be purchased at a number of different insurance agencies, check the Nashville area yellow pages or your favorite internet search engines for listings. After you obtain the bond, it must be filed at the Davidson County Clerk’s office. There is a $1.50 filling fee.
After that, there is a swearing-in ceremony. Once your application is approved, you’ll take the oath of office at an official swearing in ceremony in front of the Davidson county clerk. You will swear that you “will, without favor or partiality, honestly, faithfully, and diligently discharge the duties of notary public.”
Finally, you are required to purchase a notary stamp. This stamp must be rubber or other type stamp (not an impression seal), and it must be imprinted in a color other than black or yellow. It must be clearly legible and appear black when copied on a non-color copier. Many office supply stores in the Nashville area carry stamps like these, or you could also order one online.
You did it! You are now ready to start marketing your notary business in Nashville. Good luck with your notary business and let us know how things are going, we love to hear your tips!
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