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HB0461 • 2026

Notary Public

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8, Chapter 16, Part 3, relative to online notaries public.

Technology
Active

The official status still shows this bill as active or still awaiting another formal step.

Sponsor
Farmer, Stevens
Last action
2025-02-05
Official status
Withdrawn.
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill has been withdrawn, so it is no longer active and its provisions are not in effect.

Online Notary Public Requirements

This bill changes Tennessee laws to require online notaries to complete a course and pass an exam before getting their commission.

What This Bill Does

  • Adds that people must take a course about online notarization and pass an examination to qualify for becoming an online notary public.
  • Changes the application process by requiring applicants to certify understanding of rules set by the secretary of state.
  • Specifies that the course must cover laws, technology procedures, and ethics related to online notarizations.

Who It Names or Affects

  • People who want to become online notaries in Tennessee

Terms To Know

Notary Public
A person authorized by law to witness and certify documents, such as signatures on contracts or affidavits.
Online Notarization
The process of notarizing a document remotely using technology instead of in-person meetings.

Limits and Unknowns

  • This bill was withdrawn and is no longer active.
  • It does not specify who will provide the courses or exams for online notaries.

Bill History

  1. 2025-02-10 Tennessee General Assembly

    Withdrawn.

  2. 2025-02-10 Tennessee General Assembly

    Introduced, Passed on First Consideration

  3. 2025-02-05 Tennessee General Assembly

    Withdrawn.

  4. 2025-02-05 Tennessee General Assembly

    Assigned to s/c Civil Justice Subcommittee

  5. 2025-02-05 Tennessee General Assembly

    P2C, ref. to Judiciary Committee

  6. 2025-02-03 Tennessee General Assembly

    Intro., P1C.

  7. 2025-01-30 Tennessee General Assembly

    Filed for introduction

  8. 2025-01-28 Tennessee General Assembly

    Filed for introduction

Official Summary Text

Abstract summarizes the bill.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
SENATE BILL 546
By Stevens

HOUSE BILL 461
By Farmer

HB0461
001023
- 1 -

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8,
Chapter 16, Part 3, relative to online notaries
public.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE:
SECTION 1. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 8-16-306(b), is amended by deleting
the language "and" in subdivision (1), by redesignating subdivision (2) as subdivision (3), and by
adding the following as a new subdivision (2):
(2) Completing a course of instruction concerning online notarization under
subsection (e) and passing an examination administered by the course provider; and
SECTION 2. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 8-16-306(c)(7), is amended by
deleting the subdivision and substituting instead the following:
(7) A certification that the applicant has reviewed, understands, and will comply
with the requirements of this part and the rules promulgated by the secretary of state
under this part.
SECTION 3. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 8-16-306, is amended by adding the
following as a new subsection (e):
(e)
(1) The course of instruction on online notarization, as required under
subdivision (b)(2), must cover, at a minimum:
(A) Notarial laws;
(B) Technology procedures of online notarizations; and
(C) Ethical requirements for online notaries.

- 2 - 001023

(2) The course of instruction on online notarization must be approved by
the secretary of state or the secretary of state's authorized representative or
designee.
SECTION 4. This act takes effect January 1, 2026, the public welfare requiring it.