A notary receives an online notary commission one year into a four-year county commission. When does the online commission terminate?Answer: On the date the county commission terminates. Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-07-03-.02(3) (revised March 2026)
A person elected notary cannot obtain a bond from a surety company authorized to do business in Tennessee. What does T.C.A. 8-16-104 allow in its place?Answer: Two or more good sureties approved by the county legislative body. Source: Public Chapter 207 of 2023, section 24, rewriting T.C.A. 8-16-104
A Tennessee notary is elected by a county body. Of which government is the notary an official, by the Secretary of State's FAQ?Answer: The state. Source: Tennessee Secretary of State, "Is a Notary a state or county official?", read October 15, 2026
A Tennessee notary's surname changes during the term. Whom must the notary notify under T.C.A. 8-16-109?Answer: The county clerk of the county where the notary was elected. Source: T.C.A. 8-16-109, public copy of the code dated May 21, 2021
Show all 105 questions (101 more)
Election, bond and commission, continued
A woman lives in Kentucky and her principal place of business is in Montgomery County, Tennessee. What does T.C.A. 8-16-101 say about her?Answer: She is eligible for election as a notary in that county. Source: T.C.A. 8-16-101, public copy of the code dated May 21, 2021
After the notary presents the executed bond, what does the county clerk do with it under the 2023 text of T.C.A. 8-16-104?Answer: Reviews it for compliance and files it in the clerk's office. Source: Public Chapter 207 of 2023, section 24, rewriting T.C.A. 8-16-104
An applicant for election as a Tennessee notary certifies three things under penalty of perjury. Which is one of them, by T.C.A. 8-16-101(c)?Answer: Never found by a court to have practiced law without authority. Source: T.C.A. 8-16-101, public copy of the code dated May 21, 2021
An application for a Tennessee online notary commission carries a fee under Rule 1360-07-03-.02. How much?Answer: $75.00. Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-07-03-.02(1)(p) (revised March 2026)
An online notary applicant gives a post office box for mail. What else does Rule 1360-07-03-.02(1)(b) require?Answer: A physical address in this state. Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-07-03-.02(1)(b) (revised March 2026)
By when must the Secretary of State receive an online notary's application for renewal, under Rule 1360-07-03-.02(3)?Answer: No later than the expiration date of the current commission. Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-07-03-.02(3) (revised March 2026)
Does Tennessee assign a number to each notary commission?Answer: No, the state assigns no numbers to commissions. Source: Tennessee Secretary of State, "Are notary commissions assigned numbers?", read October 15, 2026
How does a Tennessee notary renew a commission, by the Secretary of State's FAQ?Answer: By the same process as the original commission. Source: Tennessee Secretary of State, "How do I renew a Notary Commission?", read October 15, 2026
In the second oath of T.C.A. 8-16-105, how does the notary swear to discharge the duties of the office?Answer: Without favor or partiality, honestly, faithfully and diligently. Source: T.C.A. 8-16-105, public copy of the code dated May 21, 2021
On what date does a Tennessee notary's four-year term begin?Answer: The date the governor issues the commission. Source: Tennessee Secretary of State, "How long does a notary commission last?", read October 15, 2026
Since January 1, 2026, what must a person complete to qualify for a Tennessee online notary commission, besides the application?Answer: A course on online notarization and its examination. Source: Public Chapter 124 of 2025, amending T.C.A. 8-16-306, effective January 1, 2026
T.C.A. 8-16-102 says all notaries shall be approved by the governor. What does "approved" mean there?Answer: To accept or to sanction, not to appoint. Source: T.C.A. 8-16-102, public copy of the code dated May 21, 2021
T.C.A. 8-16-104 names the party a Tennessee notary's bond runs in favor of. Which is it?Answer: This state. Source: Public Chapter 207 of 2023, section 24, rewriting T.C.A. 8-16-104
T.C.A. 8-16-105 names the officer who hears a Tennessee notary's oath. Who is it?Answer: The county clerk or the clerk's deputy. Source: T.C.A. 8-16-105, public copy of the code dated May 21, 2021
What is the penalty amount of the bond every Tennessee notary gives before entering upon the duties of office?Answer: $10,000. Source: Public Chapter 207 of 2023, section 24, rewriting T.C.A. 8-16-104
What must happen before the county clerk delivers the commission, under T.C.A. 8-16-107?Answer: The person has taken the oath and executed the bond. Source: T.C.A. 8-16-107, public copy of the code dated May 21, 2021
Where does a newly elected Tennessee notary pick up the commission, by the Secretary of State's guide?Answer: At the county clerk's office. Source: Tennessee Secretary of State, "How to become a Notary", read October 15, 2026
Where does a Tennessee applicant obtain the notary application and hand it in with the fee?Answer: The county clerk's office. Source: Tennessee Secretary of State, "How to become a Notary", read October 15, 2026
Which status does T.C.A. 8-16-101 require in order to hold the office of notary public in Tennessee?Answer: United States citizen or legal permanent resident. Source: T.C.A. 8-16-101, public copy of the code dated May 21, 2021
Which three subjects must the Tennessee online notarization course cover at a minimum, under T.C.A. 8-16-306(e)?Answer: Notarial laws, technology procedures and ethical requirements. Source: Public Chapter 124 of 2025, amending T.C.A. 8-16-306, effective January 1, 2026
Who administers the examination that T.C.A. 8-16-306(b)(2) requires of an online notary applicant?Answer: The course provider. Source: Public Chapter 124 of 2025, amending T.C.A. 8-16-306, effective January 1, 2026
Who elects a notary public in Tennessee, by the Secretary of State's steps for becoming a notary?Answer: The county legislative body. Source: Tennessee Secretary of State, "How to become a Notary", read October 15, 2026
Who may apply to be commissioned as a Tennessee online notary public, under Rule 1360-07-03-.02?Answer: A notary already commissioned by a county legislative body. Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-07-03-.02(1) (revised March 2026)
Who must approve the course of instruction on online notarization under T.C.A. 8-16-306(e)(2)?Answer: The secretary of state or an authorized designee. Source: Public Chapter 124 of 2025, amending T.C.A. 8-16-306, effective January 1, 2026
Fees 5
A county clerk obtains an official seal for a notary at the notary's request. What is the most the clerk may charge for the service?Answer: 20 percent of the cost of the seal. Source: Tennessee Secretary of State, "What are the requirements for Notary Seals?", read October 15, 2026
Besides the online notary public, who may charge the fee for an online notarization under Rule 1360-07-03-.06?Answer: The online notary public's employer. Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-07-03-.06 (revised March 2026)
What is the most that may be charged for performing each online notarization in Tennessee?Answer: $25.00. Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-07-03-.06 (revised March 2026)
What may a Tennessee notary public demand and receive for ordinary notarial services, under T.C.A. 8-21-1201 as the Secretary of State quotes it?Answer: Reasonable fees and compensation. Source: Tennessee Secretary of State, "What fee can a notary charge for their services?", read October 15, 2026
Who pays for a Tennessee notary's official seal?Answer: The notary. Source: Tennessee Secretary of State, "What are the requirements for Notary Seals?", read October 15, 2026
Powers, limits and the seal 20
A notary is elected in Shelby County. Where in Tennessee may that notary exercise the powers of the office?Answer: In all counties of the state. Source: Tennessee Secretary of State, "What are the duties and responsibilities of a Notary?", read October 15, 2026
A Tennessee notary dies in office. Who must surrender the seal?Answer: The personal representative. Source: Tennessee Secretary of State, "What are the requirements for Notary Seals?", read October 15, 2026
A Tennessee notary used an embossed seal on an acknowledgment in 2024. What does the Secretary of State's FAQ say of it?Answer: Use after May 12, 2003 does not make the acknowledgment defective. Source: Tennessee Secretary of State, "What are the requirements for Notary Seals?", read October 15, 2026
A Tennessee notary's term expires. To whom is the seal surrendered, by the Secretary of State's FAQ on T.C.A. 8-16-114?Answer: The county legislative body, through the county clerk. Source: Tennessee Secretary of State, "What are the requirements for Notary Seals?", read October 15, 2026
How does a Tennessee notary sign documents under T.C.A. 8-16-112(a), unless the law provides otherwise?Answer: In ink, by the notary's own hand. Source: T.C.A. 8-16-112, public copy of the code dated May 21, 2021
In which two colors may a Tennessee notary's stamp NOT imprint the seal?Answer: Black or yellow. Source: Tennessee Secretary of State, "What are the requirements for Notary Seals?", read October 15, 2026
May a Tennessee notary public solemnize a marriage?Answer: Yes, since April 28, 2021. Source: Tennessee Secretary of State, "Can a notary perform marriages?", read October 15, 2026
Must a Tennessee notary keep the record of acts in one particular type of "well-bound book"?Answer: No, another recorded format will do if certain standards are met. Source: Tennessee Secretary of State, "Does the well-bound book need to be a specific format?", read October 15, 2026
T.C.A. 8-16-201 puts a notice on the Spanish-language pamphlet of a Tennessee notary who is not an attorney. In which language or languages must the notice run?Answer: In English and in Spanish. Source: T.C.A. 8-16-201, public copy of the code dated May 21, 2021
Upon what does a Tennessee notary acknowledge signatures, by the Secretary of State's description of the office?Answer: Personal knowledge or satisfactory proof. Source: Tennessee Secretary of State, "What is a Notary?", read October 15, 2026
What does Tennessee require of a notary who works as a loan signing agent, beyond the notary commission?Answer: Nothing further. Source: Tennessee Secretary of State, "What are the requirements of a notary signing agent?", read October 15, 2026
What is printed at the bottom of a Tennessee notary seal, under Rule 1360-07-02-.01?Answer: The county of election. Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-07-02-.01 (revised December 2023)
What may a Tennessee notary who is not an attorney do about forms that affect a person's immigration status, under T.C.A. 8-16-201(b)?Answer: Nothing by way of advice or help, unless federal law authorizes it. Source: T.C.A. 8-16-201, public copy of the code dated May 21, 2021
What shape is the Tennessee notary seal that Rule 1360-07-02-.01 describes?Answer: Circular. Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-07-02-.01 (revised December 2023)
When may a Tennessee notary who is not an attorney be presented to the public as an immigration consultant, under T.C.A. 8-16-202?Answer: Only as an accredited representative under federal rules. Source: T.C.A. 8-16-202, public copy of the code dated May 21, 2021
Which of these is among the powers of a Tennessee notary that the Secretary of State lists?Answer: Taking depositions. Source: Tennessee Secretary of State, "What are the duties and responsibilities of a Notary?", read October 15, 2026
Which section of the Tennessee Code did Public Chapter 255 of 2021 amend to add notaries public to those who may solemnize marriages?Answer: Section 36-3-301(a). Source: Public Chapter 255 of 2021, amending T.C.A. 36-3-301(a)
Which two kinds of notary does the State of Tennessee offer, by the Secretary of State's FAQ?Answer: Notaries and remote online notaries. Source: Tennessee Secretary of State, "Does the State of Tennessee offer e-notaries?", read October 15, 2026
Which words may stand in the center of a Tennessee notary seal, by Rule 1360-07-02-.01?Answer: "Tennessee Notary Public". Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-07-02-.01 (revised December 2023)
Who prescribes and designs the official seal that every Tennessee notary uses?Answer: The Secretary of State. Source: Tennessee Secretary of State, "What are the requirements for Notary Seals?", read October 15, 2026
Certificates 6
A Tennessee notary leaves the commission expiration date off a certificate of acknowledgment. What is the effect under T.C.A. 8-16-115?Answer: The certificate is not void or invalid for that reason. Source: T.C.A. 8-16-115, public copy of the code dated May 21, 2021
The electronic notarial certificate must note that the notarization is an online notarization. How may that be satisfied under Rule 1360-07-03-.04(6)?Answer: By affixing the online notary public's seal to the certificate. Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-07-03-.04(6) (revised March 2026)
Rule 1360-07-03-.03(13) lets an online notary certify a tangible copy of an electronic record on one condition. What is it?Answer: When able to verify independently that the copy is true. Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-07-03-.03(13) (revised March 2026)
What must every certificate of acknowledgment executed by a Tennessee notary include, under T.C.A. 8-16-115?Answer: The true date the notary's commission expires. Source: T.C.A. 8-16-115, public copy of the code dated May 21, 2021
Which of these must the electronic notarial certificate of a Tennessee online notarization identify, under Rule 1360-07-03-.03(7)?Answer: The state and county in which the notarization was performed. Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-07-03-.03(7) (revised March 2026)
Which statement must the acknowledgment in a Tennessee online notarial certificate contain, under Rule 1360-07-03-.04(6)?Answer: That the principal appeared by audio-video communication. Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-07-03-.04(6) (revised March 2026)
Identity and records 17
A principal fails the identity proofing quiz a second time. What follows under Rule 1360-07-03-.05(3)(g)?Answer: No retry with the same online notary for 24 hours. Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-07-03-.05(3)(g) (revised March 2026)
A principal leaves the online workflow partway through. What must happen when the principal returns, under Rule 1360-07-03-.05(4)?Answer: Identity proofing and credential analysis restart from the beginning. Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-07-03-.05(4) (revised March 2026)
An online notary stores recordings with a repository, apart from the journal. On what condition does Rule 1360-07-03-.03(12) allow it?Answer: The journal entry cross-references where and how it is stored. Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-07-03-.03(12) (revised March 2026)
Besides the original records of an online notarization, what must be maintained for the same five years under Rule 1360-07-03-.03(12)?Answer: A backup of the electronic records. Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-07-03-.03(12) (revised March 2026)
How long does Rule 1360-07-03-.05(3) give a principal to finish the whole knowledge-based quiz?Answer: 2 minutes. Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-07-03-.05(3)(d) (revised March 2026)
The identity proofing quiz of Rule 1360-07-03-.05(3) asks about the principal's personal history. What is the smallest number of questions it may have?Answer: 5. Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-07-03-.05(3)(a) (revised March 2026)
Rule 1360-07-03-.03(4) gives a second route to identity when the online notary lacks personal knowledge of the principal. What are its three parts?Answer: Credential presentation, credential analysis and identity proofing. Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-07-03-.03(4) (revised March 2026)
Rule 1360-07-03-.03(5) rules out one shortcut to identifying a principal. Which?Answer: Familiarity with the principal's electronic signature. Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-07-03-.03(5) (revised March 2026)
Rule 1360-07-03-.03(8) sets a floor on how long the secure electronic record of a Tennessee online notarization is kept. What is it?Answer: At least 5 years. Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-07-03-.03(8) (revised March 2026)
Rule 1360-07-03-.05(3) sets a pass mark for the knowledge-based quiz a principal takes. What is it?Answer: At least 80%. Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-07-03-.05(3)(c) (revised March 2026)
Rule 1360-07-03-.05(3)(e) speaks to a principal who fails the knowledge-based quiz once. What may follow?Answer: One retake within 24 hours. Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-07-03-.05(3)(e) (revised March 2026)
Rule 1360-07-03-.05(3)(f) keeps a retake of the knowledge-based quiz from repeating the first. How much of the first quiz must change?Answer: A minimum of 60%. Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-07-03-.05(3)(f) (revised March 2026)
What must a credential contain, and what must be true of its date, to be valid under Rule 1360-07-03-.05(2)?Answer: The principal's photograph and signature, and it must be unexpired. Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-07-03-.05(2) (revised March 2026)
Which encryption standard does Rule 1360-07-03-.03(11) name as the minimum for stored records of an online notarization?Answer: The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-07-03-.03(11) (revised March 2026)
Which identification may NOT serve as the credential in a Tennessee online notarization, under Rule 1360-07-03-.05(2)?Answer: A military identification card. Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-07-03-.05(2) (revised March 2026)
Which of these belongs in the secure electronic record of an online notarization under Rule 1360-07-03-.03(8)?Answer: A recording of the video and audio conference. Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-07-03-.03(8)(f) (revised March 2026)
Who performs identity proofing and credential analysis for a Tennessee online notarization, under Rule 1360-07-03-.05(1)?Answer: A third party that has shown the notary it can meet the rules. Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-07-03-.05(1) (revised March 2026)
Online notarization 20
A regular Tennessee notary without an online commission is asked to notarize by video call. What does Rule 1360-07-03-.01(1) say?Answer: An online notarization may not be performed by that notary. Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-07-03-.01(1) (revised March 2026)
An online notary moves so as to qualify no longer for a notary commission. What must be done with the online commission under Rule 1360-07-03-.07(1)?Answer: It is surrendered to the Secretary of State. Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-07-03-.07(1) (revised March 2026)
An online notary replaces the electronic seal during the term. What must be done before any act with the new seal, under Rule 1360-07-03-.07(2)?Answer: Provide an updated copy to the Secretary of State. Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-07-03-.07(2) (revised March 2026)
How does a remote online notarization differ from e-notarization, by the Secretary of State's FAQ?Answer: The person is not in the notary's physical presence. Source: Tennessee Secretary of State, "What is the difference between E-Notaries and Remote Online Notaries?", read October 15, 2026
How many electronic signatures may an online notary use across all online notarial acts, under Rule 1360-07-03-.04(1)?Answer: One, the same for every act. Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-07-03-.04(1) (revised March 2026)
In which of these cases must an online notary refuse to complete the notarial act, under Rule 1360-07-03-.03(6)?Answer: The notary learns the audio-visual transmission is not secure. Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-07-03-.03(6) (revised March 2026)
On what date did Tennessee's Online Notary Public Act take effect, by the Secretary of State's guide?Answer: July 1, 2019. Source: Tennessee Secretary of State, "How to become an Online Notary Public", read October 15, 2026
Rule 1360-07-03-.03(2) fixes the online notary's own whereabouts during the act. What does it require?Answer: Within this state, wherever the principal is. Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-07-03-.03(2) (revised March 2026)
Rule 1360-07-03-.03(10) guards the access information behind the electronic signature and seal. Who may ask for it and receive it?Answer: The Secretary of State, law enforcement or the courts. Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-07-03-.03(10) (revised March 2026)
Rule 1360-07-03-.03(13) confines the electronic signature of a Tennessee online notary to one use. Which?Answer: Only for performing online notarizations. Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-07-03-.03(13) (revised March 2026)
What does the Secretary of State do on finding that an online notary has not complied with the online notarization rules, under Rule 1360-07-03-.08?Answer: Terminates the online notary's commission. Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-07-03-.08 (revised March 2026)
What kind of audio-visual feeds must an online notarization system provide under Rule 1360-07-03-.05(5)?Answer: Continuous and synchronous. Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-07-03-.05(5) (revised March 2026)
What must an applicant have in place BEFORE applying to be a Tennessee online notary, by the Secretary of State's guide?Answer: A contract with a third-party technology vendor. Source: Tennessee Secretary of State, "How to become an Online Notary Public", read October 15, 2026
What must the online notary take reasonable steps to ensure about the two-way video and audio communication, under Rule 1360-07-03-.03(9)?Answer: That it is encrypted in transmission and secure from interception. Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-07-03-.03(9) (revised March 2026)
What must the principal demonstrate to the satisfaction of the online notary under Rule 1360-07-03-.03(3)?Answer: That the person is not under duress or being coerced. Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-07-03-.03(3) (revised March 2026)
What statement must accompany the electronic seal of a Tennessee online notary, under Rule 1360-07-03-.04(3)?Answer: The date the online notary's commission expires. Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-07-03-.04(3) (revised March 2026)
What technology standard must the third-party provider of an online notary's certificate be able to supply, under Rule 1360-07-03-.04(5)?Answer: Public Key Infrastructure that is X.509 compliant. Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-07-03-.04(5) (revised March 2026)
Which shapes may a Tennessee online notary's electronic seal take, under Rule 1360-07-03-.04(3)?Answer: Circular, square or rectangular. Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-07-03-.04(3) (revised March 2026)
Which words are printed below the center of a Tennessee electronic seal, under Rule 1360-07-03-.04(3)?Answer: "Online Notary Public". Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-07-03-.04(3) (revised March 2026)
Who must control the online notary's electronic notarial certificate, signature and seal at all times, under Rule 1360-07-03-.04(7)?Answer: The online notary public, exclusively. Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-07-03-.04(7) (revised March 2026)
Offenses and liability 9
A notary breaks the notice rules of T.C.A. 8-16-201 and 8-16-202. What does T.C.A. 8-16-203 call the failure?Answer: An unfair or deceptive act. Source: T.C.A. 8-16-203, public copy of the code dated May 21, 2021
A notary who takes an acknowledgment of a deed fails to discharge the duties required. What sum is forfeited under T.C.A. 66-22-113, as the Secretary of State states it?Answer: $100. Source: Tennessee Secretary of State, "What is the liability of a notary?", read October 15, 2026
A person elected notary performs an official act before filing the bond. What offense is that under the 2023 text of T.C.A. 8-16-104?Answer: A Class C misdemeanor. Source: Public Chapter 207 of 2023, section 24, rewriting T.C.A. 8-16-104
A Tennessee notary moves both home and principal place of business to Georgia. What does T.C.A. 8-16-110 require?Answer: Surrender of the commission, with no further official acts. Source: T.C.A. 8-16-110, public copy of the code dated May 21, 2021
An online notary has reasonable grounds to believe the principal is acting under undue influence. What does Rule 1360-07-03-.03(6) require?Answer: Refusal to complete the notarial act. Source: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-07-03-.03(6) (revised March 2026)
By what proceedings may a Tennessee notary be removed from office, as the Secretary of State's FAQ explains?Answer: Ouster proceedings under T.C.A. 8-17-101. Source: Tennessee Secretary of State, "How do I handle a complaint about the conduct of a Notary?", read October 15, 2026
How is acting in an official capacity after a Tennessee notary commission has expired classed?Answer: A Class C misdemeanor. Source: Tennessee Secretary of State, "How long does a notary commission last?", read October 15, 2026
Is a Tennessee notary's liability to an injured party limited to the amount of the bond?Answer: No, liability is not limited to the bond. Source: Tennessee Secretary of State, "What is the liability of a notary?", read October 15, 2026
Where does the Secretary of State direct a complaint of official misconduct by a Tennessee notary?Answer: Local law enforcement in the county concerned. Source: Tennessee Secretary of State, "How do I handle a complaint about the conduct of a Notary?", read October 15, 2026
This unofficial notary public study guide for Tennessee is 105 practice questions from the Secretary of State's rules and notary pages, three recent acts and T.C.A. Title 8, chapter 16. Checked October 15, 2026.
Read the full guide
What the online notary course covers
T.C.A. 8-16-306(e), added by Public Chapter 124 of 2025, sets three subjects: notarial laws, the technology procedures of online notarizations and ethical requirements. Nearly half of these questions come from the Secretary of State's online notary rules, chapter 1360-07-03, revised March 2026.
Study guide topics that are Tennessee's own
Election by the county legislative body, a $10,000 bond payable to the state (T.C.A. 8-16-104), a circular seal in any ink but black or yellow (8-16-114), powers in every county (8-16-112) and, since 2021, marriages (36-3-301).
Acting after the commission expires, or before the bond is filed, is a Class C misdemeanor (T.C.A. 8-16-120, 8-16-104).
Online records and their backup are kept five years. The identity quiz needs 80% right within two minutes (Rules 1360-07-03-.03, .05).
The seal goes back to the county legislative body, through the county clerk, when the term ends (T.C.A. 8-16-114).
Questions and answers
Is there a notary exam in Tennessee?
Not for a regular commission: the county legislative body elects notaries, by the Secretary of State's guide. An online notary applicant, from January 1, 2026, completes an approved course and passes the course provider's examination (T.C.A. 8-16-306(b)(2)).
Are these the real Tennessee notary exam questions?
No. This site has never seen a course provider's examination and is not affiliated with the Tennessee Secretary of State. Every question was written from the state's rules, acts, statutes and notary pages. No commissioned Tennessee notary has reviewed the answers yet.
Is there a study guide for Tennessee notary certification?
The Secretary of State's notary pages give a guide to becoming a notary, a guide for online notaries and answers to common questions, and name T.C.A. 8-16-101 and 8-18-101 as the notary statutes. This page turns those sources and the rules into questions.
How many questions are on the Tennessee online notary exam?
Neither the statute nor the Secretary of State's rules print a count, a time limit or a pass mark; the approved course provider gives the examination. An exam set here is 25 questions, a size this page chose.
How much can a Tennessee notary charge?
T.C.A. 8-21-1201, as the Secretary of State quotes it, allows reasonable fees and compensation and sets no dollar figure. An online notarization may cost up to $25 (Rule 1360-07-03-.06).