How to reinstate your notary license in Tennessee
To reinstate a notary license in Tennessee, you contact the Tennessee Secretary of State's office, pay a reinstatement fee, and submit a new process form. The process is faster than getting a notary license for the first time because you do not need to repeat the fingerprinting or background check if your commission lapsed recently. However, if your commission has been expired for more than a few years, Tennessee may require you to take the notary exam again and submit new fingerprints.
The exact steps depend on how long your commission has been inactive. A commission that expired within the last year or two typically reinstates with just a fee and paperwork. A commission that has been expired for several years may require you to meet current requirements as if you were explore new, including passing the notary exam administered by PSI, a testing company.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Tennessee Secretary of State's Division of Publications at 615-741-2816 to find out whether your expired commission can reinstate with paperwork alone or requires a new exam and fingerprints.
- You will need to complete a notary process form, pay the reinstatement fee (which varies depending on how long your commission has been expired), and provide identification.
- If your commission expired more than a few years ago, you may need to pass the notary exam through PSI and submit a new background check with fingerprints.
- Once the Secretary of State approves your reinstatement, you will receive a new notary commission certificate by mail, which you must carry when performing notary duties.
Contact the Tennessee Secretary of State first
Before you fill out any forms or pay any fees, call the Tennessee Secretary of State's Division of Publications at 615-741-2816. This office handles notary commissions and can tell you in one conversation whether your specific situation requires a full new process or a simpler reinstatement. The staff can also confirm the current reinstatement fee and tell you which documents you need to send.
Have your notary commission number ready when you call, or the date your commission expired. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time. If you cannot reach them by phone, you can also email questions to the Secretary of State's office through their website, though a phone call will get you an answer faster.
Gather your identification and notary process form
You will need to complete the notary process form provided by the Tennessee Secretary of State. You can read this form from the Secretary of State's website or request it by phone. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, and other identifying information. You will also need a valid form of identification, such as a driver's license or passport.
Some notaries also need to provide proof of residency in Tennessee, though this requirement varies. When you call the Secretary of State's office, ask whether you need to include a utility bill, lease, or other proof of address with your process. Having all documents ready before you submit your process speeds up the process.
Determine whether you need to take the notary exam again
If your notary commission expired within the last one to two years, you typically do not need to retake the exam. However, if your commission has been expired for three or more years, Tennessee may require you to pass the current notary exam. The exam is administered by PSI, a testing company, and covers Tennessee notary law, your duties, and common mistakes notaries make.
The exam costs money and you must schedule it in advance through PSI's website or by phone. You can take the exam at a PSI testing center or, in some cases, online. When you call the Secretary of State's office, ask them to confirm whether you need to take the exam for your reinstatement. If you do, they will tell you how to register with PSI and what score you need to pass.
Submit your process and pay the reinstatement fee
Once you have your process form completed and your identification ready, mail everything to the Tennessee Secretary of State along with the reinstatement fee. The fee amount depends on how long your commission has been expired and whether you need to take the exam. Call the Secretary of State's office to confirm the exact fee before you send your payment.
Mail your process to the address provided by the Secretary of State's office. Include a check or money order for the reinstatement fee made out to the Tennessee Secretary of State. Do not send cash. Keep a copy of everything you mail for your records, and consider sending your process by certified mail so you have proof of delivery.
Wait for approval and receive your new commission certificate
After the Secretary of State's office receives your process, they will review it and process your reinstatement. This usually takes two to four weeks, though it can take longer if the office is busy or if they need to contact you for missing information. You will receive your new notary commission certificate by mail at the address you provided on your process.
Once you receive your certificate, you are officially reinstated as a notary public in Tennessee. You must carry this certificate with you whenever you perform notary duties. If you do not receive your certificate within six weeks, call the Secretary of State's office to check on the status of your process.
What to do if your reinstatement is denied
If the Secretary of State's office denies your reinstatement request, they will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons for denial include failing the notary exam, providing incomplete information on your process, or having a criminal record that disqualifies you from being a notary. If your process is denied, you can contact the Secretary of State's office to ask whether you can reapply or appeal the decision.
If you failed the exam, you can retake it through PSI after waiting the required time between attempts. If your process was incomplete, you can submit a new process with all required documents. If you have questions about why your reinstatement was denied, call the Secretary of State's office and ask to speak with someone who can explain the specific reason.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to reinstate a notary license in Tennessee?
The reinstatement fee varies depending on how long your commission has been expired and whether you need to retake the exam. Call the Tennessee Secretary of State's Division of Publications at 615-741-2816 to find out the exact fee for your situation before you submit your process.
Do I need to take the notary exam again if my commission expired five years ago?
Yes, if your commission has been expired for more than a few years, Tennessee typically requires you to pass the current notary exam through PSI. The Secretary of State's office can tell you the exact time limit for your situation when you call them.
Can I perform notary duties while my reinstatement is being processed?
No, you cannot perform notary duties until you receive your new commission certificate from the Secretary of State. Performing notary work without a valid commission is illegal in Tennessee and can result in fines or criminal charges.
What if I move to a different address before my reinstatement is approved?
Contact the Tennessee Secretary of State's office when ready and provide your new address. They will make sure your commission certificate is mailed to the correct location. If you have already submitted your process with an old address, call them before they process it so they can update your file.
How long does the reinstatement process usually take?
The process typically takes two to four weeks from the time the Secretary of State's office receives your complete process. If you need to take the notary exam first, add one to two weeks for scheduling and taking the test. Call the office if you have not received your certificate within six weeks.