What You Need to Do to Get Your Tennessee Notary License Back
To reinstate a notary license in Tennessee, you must submit a reinstatement process to the Tennessee Secretary of State's office, pay the reinstatement fee, and meet any requirements that caused your license to lapse in the first place. The process differs depending on whether your license expired, was suspended, or was revoked — and how long ago that happened. Tennessee does not automatically restore a notary license; you have to request it formally.
The Secretary of State's office handles all notary licensing in Tennessee. You cannot reinstate through a county clerk or any other local body. The timeline for reinstatement typically takes two to four weeks after the Secretary of State receives your complete process, though it can take longer if your file requires review.
Key Takeaways
- You must explore directly to the Tennessee Secretary of State's office — there is no automatic reinstatement after expiration or suspension.
- The reinstatement fee in Tennessee is the same as the initial notary process fee, which varies by commission length (typically $100 to $150 for a four-year term).
- If your license was revoked rather than expired, you may face additional requirements or a waiting period before reinstatement is possible.
- You will need to provide proof of a current background check and may need to complete a notary education course depending on how long your license has been inactive.
- Once reinstated, your new commission term runs from the reinstatement date, not from your original expiration date.
Reinstatement for an Expired License
If your notary license straightforward expired because you did not renew it on time, reinstatement is usually straightforward. You submit a reinstatement process form to the Secretary of State, pay the reinstatement fee, and provide proof of a current background check. Tennessee requires a criminal background check for all notaries, so you will need to arrange this through an approved vendor or your local law enforcement agency if you have not done so recently.
The Secretary of State's office does not specify a time limit for how long after expiration you can reinstate, but the longer your license has been inactive, the more likely the office will require you to complete a notary education course or provide additional documentation. If your license expired more than two years ago, contact the Secretary of State directly to ask what additional steps are required before you submit your process.
Reinstatement After Suspension
A notary license can be suspended for reasons such as failure to maintain bonding, failure to pay fees, or complaints about your notarial conduct. If your license was suspended rather than expired, you must address the reason for the suspension before reinstatement is possible. For example, if you were suspended because your notary bond lapsed, you must obtain a new bond and provide proof of it with your reinstatement process.
Contact the Secretary of State's office before explore to confirm what specific conditions must be met to lift the suspension. The office will tell you whether you need to pay back fees, obtain new bonding, complete additional training, or meet other requirements. Once you have satisfied those conditions, you can submit your reinstatement process along with documentation proving compliance.
Reinstatement After Revocation
Revocation is more serious than suspension or expiration. A notary license is revoked when the Secretary of State determines that the notary engaged in misconduct, fraud, or a serious violation of notary law. Reinstatement after revocation is not automatic and may not be possible at all, depending on the reason for revocation and the severity of the violation.
If your license was revoked, you must contact the Secretary of State's office to learn whether reinstatement is an option in your case. Some revocations are permanent. If reinstatement is possible, the office will explain what conditions you must meet — which may include a waiting period, completion of a notary course, a new background check, or other requirements. You may also be required to submit a written statement explaining why you should be allowed to become a notary again.
Documents and Fees You Will Need
To reinstate your notary license, gather the following before you contact or visit the Secretary of State's office:
- A completed notary reinstatement process form (available from the Secretary of State's website or by calling their office)
- Proof of a current criminal background check, typically dated within the last 30 to 60 days
- The reinstatement fee, which is the same as the initial process fee (typically $100 to $150 for a four-year commission, though this varies)
- Proof of notary bonding if you are required to carry a bond (most notaries in Tennessee are not, but check your specific situation)
- Any documentation required to address the reason your license was suspended or revoked, if applicable
If you completed a notary education course or training after your license lapsed, bring proof of that as well. The Secretary of State's office may waive the education requirement if you can show recent training.
How to Submit Your Reinstatement process
You can submit your reinstatement process by mail, in person, or online through the Secretary of State's website, depending on what options are currently available. The mailing address and online portal are listed on the Secretary of State's notary licensing page. If you submit by mail, include all required documents and the fee. If you submit in person, you can visit the Secretary of State's office in Nashville during business hours.
After you submit your process, the office will send you a confirmation. Processing typically takes two to four weeks. You can contact the office to check the status of your process if you have not heard back within that timeframe. Once your reinstatement is approved, you will receive a new notary commission certificate and your license will be active when ready.
What Happens After Your License Is Reinstated
Your new commission term begins on the date your reinstatement is approved, not on your original expiration date. For example, if your license expired in 2022 and you reinstate it in 2024, your new four-year term runs from 2024 to 2028. You will need to renew again at that future date if you want to continue as a notary.
Once reinstated, you are legally authorized to perform notarial acts in Tennessee. You should update any records with your employer, clients, or the organizations you work with to confirm your license is active again. Keep your reinstatement certificate in a safe place, as you may need to show proof of your current license status.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to reinstate a notary license in Tennessee?
The reinstatement fee is the same as the initial notary process fee, which is typically $100 to $150 for a four-year commission. The exact amount depends on the length of commission you choose. Contact the Secretary of State's office to confirm the current fee before you submit your process.
Can I reinstate my license if it has been expired for several years?
Yes, but the longer your license has been inactive, the more likely you will need to complete a notary education course or provide additional documentation. Contact the Secretary of State's office to ask what is required for your specific situation before you explore.
What if I do not know why my license was suspended or revoked?
Call the Secretary of State's office and ask them to explain the reason your license was suspended or revoked. They can tell you what conditions must be met before reinstatement is possible and what documents you need to provide.
Do I need a new background check to reinstate my license?
Yes, Tennessee requires a current criminal background check for reinstatement. The check must typically be dated within the last 30 to 60 days. You can arrange this through an approved vendor or your local law enforcement agency.
How long does reinstatement take after I submit my process?
Processing typically takes two to four weeks after the Secretary of State receives your complete process. If your file requires additional review or if documents are missing, it may take longer. You can contact the office to check the status of your process.