Project Description

Is Remote Online Notarization Legal in Tennessee?

Yes — Remote Online Notarization (RON) is fully legal and recognized in the state of Tennessee. The Tennessee General Assembly passed legislation authorizing RON in 2019, and updated provisions took effect on July 1, 2023, aligning the state with national standards for secure, remote notarization services.

Legal Authority for Remote Notaries in Tennessee

Remote notarization in Tennessee is authorized under the Tennessee Online Notary Public Act (TCA § 8-16-301 et seq.), which allows commissioned notaries to perform notarizations online using secure, audio-video communication technology. The law requires identity verification, electronic signature processes, and strict digital security protocols to ensure trust, legality, and traceability.

Key Legal Requirements

  • Tennessee Commission: Notaries must hold an active commission in Tennessee.
  • RON Certification: Notaries must apply for authorization to perform remote notarizations through the Tennessee Secretary of State.
  • Approved Platforms: All notarizations must be conducted through a compliant RON platform that records sessions and meets identity verification requirements.
  • Secure Recordkeeping: Notarial recordings and logs must be stored for at least five years in accordance with state law.

Are Remote Notarized Documents Valid Outside of Tennessee?

Yes. Documents notarized online by a Tennessee-commissioned RON notary are valid and legally binding in all 50 U.S. states, thanks to the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the U.S. Constitution and nationwide acceptance of properly notarized documents.

Common Misconceptions About Online Notarization

  • 🔍 Myth: Online notarization isn’t secure.
    ✅ Fact: RON uses encryption, ID verification, audit logs, and video recording to enhance security.
  • 🔍 Myth: It only works for Tennessee residents.
    ✅ Fact: Signers can be located anywhere — only the notary must be in Tennessee.
  • 🔍 Myth: RON isn’t valid for legal documents.
    ✅ Fact: Most legal forms (POAs, real estate documents, affidavits, etc.) can be notarized online.

Where to Learn More

To see the official Tennessee RON guidelines, visit the Tennessee Secretary of State website. We also encourage you to explore our compliance and security page for details on how TNNotary.online ensures legal integrity in every session.

Need a RON-Certified Notary?

All our notaries are fully certified and compliant with Tennessee’s remote notarization laws. Book a session today and get your document notarized legally and conveniently — 100% online.