CredentialCompassJump to FAQ
Verified by TN Board of Business

Notary Public Licensing in Tennessee

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for notary public in Tennessee, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Notary Public in Tennessee

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    obtain a criminal background check conducted by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

  2. 2

    Education: Specific course required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.

  4. 4

    Certification: Certification required.

  5. 5

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  6. 6

    Completion of a Department approved EMD course, maintenance of proficiency in cardiopulmonary resuscitation for basic life support procedures, and either provide proof of having successfully certified as an EMD through an approved medical dispatch organization that has pre-qualified for certification reciprocity or satisfy the examination requirement

    • obtain a criminal background check conducted by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
  7. 7

    EXAMINATION REQUIREMENT:.

  8. 8

    Successful completion of an approved medical dispatch organization examination.

  9. 9

    RENEWAL:.

  10. 10

    Recertification is required every two (2) years contingent on maintaining proficiency in cardiopulmonary resuscitation for basic life support procedures and completion of one (1) of the following: ten (10) hours or one (1) continuing education unit (CEU) of continuing medical dispatch education or in-service approved by the EMS Board during the two (2) year recertification period OR Completion of an examination given through an approved medical dispatch organization that has qualified for recertification testing.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • certified

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $45,570 median (6% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #36 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Tennessee eligibility requirements for Notary Public licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience (Recertification is required every two (2) years contingent on maintaining proficiency in cardiopulmonary resuscitation for basic life sup...).
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; obtain a criminal background check conducted by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Department of Health~Division of Health Related Boards~Division of Health Related Boards and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Tennessee

With a median salary of $45,570, Notary Publics in Tennessee earn 6% below the national median of $48,360. Tennessee ranks #36 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.6%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,297

Median annual salary

$45,570

Hourly estimate

$21.91
6% below national median

Difference: -$2,790

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$36,190
  • P2525th percentile$39,560
  • P50Median$45,570
  • P7575th percentile$53,820
  • P9090th percentile$61,530

State vs National Median

State: $45,570
National: $48,360

Total employment: 2,020 | Annual openings: N/A

Notary Public Salary Ranking

#36 of 50 statesfor Notary Public median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Maryland$60,470
#2California$57,020
#3Rhode Island$55,370
#4Hawaii$54,260
#5New Jersey$53,940

Nearby States Comparison

Notary Public licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Tennessee$45,570Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Kentucky$47,490Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Virginia$50,690Specific course requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
North Carolina$39,230Varies by state boardNo exam requiredVaries by board
Georgia$45,760Degree requiredThird-party exam required2-18 years
Alabama$52,670Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams required1-19 years
Mississippi$48,530No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries by board
Arkansas$44,840No educational requirementsState exam required10-18 years
Missouri$44,120No educational requirementsState exam required21 years

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Tennessee62MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Kentucky54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Virginia60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
North Carolina33LowLimited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply.
Georgia60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Alabama58MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Agency website unverified

Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards

"665 Mainstream Drive, 2nd Floor", Na, 000TN-7243

Phone: N/A

Website Pending VerificationOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Tennessee

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Architect$85,490Degree requiredVaries by board
Audio and Video Technicians$48,010Degree requiredVaries by board
Certified Public Accountant$75,500Degree requiredVaries by board
Civil Engineer$97,730Degree required4-3196 years

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Notary Public in Tennessee?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Notary Publics in Tennessee?

Tennessee lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Notary Publics.

What education do you need to become a Notary Public in Tennessee?

The board typically expects Specific course required for Notary Public licensure in Tennessee.

What is the typical Notary Public salary in Tennessee?

The median annual salary for Notary Publics in Tennessee is $45,570. Salaries range from $36,190 (10th percentile) to $61,530 (90th percentile).

How does the Notary Public salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?

Notary Publics in Tennessee earn 6% below the national median of $48,360, with a state median of $45,570.

How many Notary Publics work in Tennessee?

Tennessee employs approximately 2,020 Notary Publics according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Notary Public license to Tennessee from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Notary Publics in Tennessee?

The licensing agency is Department of Health / Division of Health Related Boards / Division of Health Related Boards. The official board website is currently under manual verification.

How often do you renew a Notary Public license in Tennessee?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.