Notary Public

All notaries must be 18 years of age. United States citizenship is not a requirement for a person to hold the office of notary public. Notaries are elected by the county legislative body in the county in which they reside or have their principal place of business, and are commissioned by the governor. A person with a principal place of business in a Tennessee county may be elected a notary in that county even though that person’s residence is in another state. The same basic disqualifications exist for notaries as for other county offices. A notary may be removed from office just as any other county official. The notary’s term is four (4) years, beginning on the date of issuance of the commission by the governor. Renewal is by the same method as the original procedure.

A notary public is empowered to administer oaths, take depositions, qualify parties in bills in chancery, and take affidavits. Since July 1, 1993, all notaries public have been authorized to exercise the functions of a notary public in all counties in Tennessee. Notaries are required to keep an office in the county in which the notary is appointed.

A fee of $12 is paid to the county clerk in the county of election for issuance of a commission. The county clerk will certify the election and forward the fee to the Secretary of State, who, upon receipt of the certificate and the fee, will forward the commission from the governor. The county clerk notifies the person to whom the commission was issued, and, after the oath has been taken and bond posted, the county clerk delivers the commission to the person elected. The county clerk must keep a record of issuance and expiration dates of commissions, noting such on the bond and in a minute entry. At this time the notary may go to an office supply store and purchase a notary stamp in any color except black or yellow. Click here to download a notary application.

Apply on line for your Notary Public in Jefferson County by clicking this link.