Notary Public

Plain English Breakdown

The bill was withdrawn, so it did not become law as of February 10, 2025.

Online Notary Public Requirements

This bill proposes changes to Tennessee laws that would require online notaries to complete a course and pass an exam before being commissioned.

What This Bill Does

• Adds that someone must finish a training course and pass an examination to qualify as an online notary public in Tennessee.
• Changes the application process for becoming an online notary by adding a requirement to certify understanding of rules set by the secretary of state.
• Specifies that the training course must cover laws about notarization, technology procedures for online notarizations, and ethical requirements.

Who It Names or Affects

• People who want to become online notaries in Tennessee will need to complete a new training program and pass an exam if this bill becomes law.

Terms To Know

Online Notary Public

A person authorized by the state to perform notarizations remotely using technology.

Secretary of State

The official in charge of overseeing certain administrative functions, including rules for online notaries.

Limits and Unknowns

• This bill was withdrawn on February 10, 2025, so it did not become law.
• It is unclear if and when similar requirements might be implemented in the future.

Official Summary Text

Abstract summarizes the bill.

Current Bill Text

HOUSE BILL 461
By Farmer

SENATE BILL 546
By Stevens

SB0546
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.