Tennessee Remote Online Notarization (RON) Laws
RON EnactedEffective July 1, 2019 · Last verified September 2026
Available to signers in all 50 states. Live, commissioned notaries 24/7.
Quick Facts
- Status
- RON Enacted
- Year Enacted
- 2018
- Statute
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 8-16-301 et seq. (Online Notary Public Act); § 66-22-101(c)
- Bill Number
- SB 1758 / HB 1794 (Pub. Ch. 931, 2018)
Tennessee RON Law Overview
Tennessee authorized remote online notarization in 2018 by SB 1758 / HB 1794 (Pub. Ch. 931, 2018), codified at Tenn. Code Ann. § 8-16-301 et seq. (Online Notary Public Act); § 66-22-101(c), effective July 1, 2019. A Tennessee online notarization is performed by a notary commissioned in Tennessee who also holds the state's separate remote-notary registration or endorsement. The signer appears on a live audio-video call and is identified by automated analysis of a government-issued photo ID and knowledge-based authentication questions. The notary must record each act in an electronic journal and keep the session recording for at least 5 years.
Key details for Tennessee
Enacted by SB 1758 / HB 1794 (Pub. Ch. 931, 2018). Signer location: Anywhere; the statute authorizes online notarization 'without regard to the physical location of the principal'. The notary must be physically located in the state during the act.
Legal Citations
Tennessee RON Requirements
Tennessee requires RON sessions to be conducted over a live, two-way audio-video connection. Credential analysis of a government-issued photo ID is required to verify the signer's identity. The signer must successfully complete knowledge-based authentication (KBA), answering personal questions generated from public records and credit data to confirm their identity. Notaries must maintain an electronic journal of all remote notarizations and apply tamper-evident technology to completed documents. Audio-video recordings of each RON session must be retained for at least 5 years.
- Audio-video required
- Yes
- Tamper-evident seal
- Required
- Electronic journal
- Required
- Recording retention
- 5 years
- Credential analysis
- Required
- KBA required
- Yes
- Commissioned in state
- Required
- RON endorsement
- Required
Interstate Recognition
Tennessee recognizes a notarial act performed under the law of another state (Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 66-22-103, 66-22-101(c)(2)).
Online Notary Availability in Tennessee
Notaron is available 24/7 across Tennessee. See location-specific guides for major Tennessee cities:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is remote online notarization legal in Tennessee?
Yes, Tennessee has enacted permanent RON legislation in 2018 under Tenn. Code Ann. § 8-16-301 et seq. (Online Notary Public Act); § 66-22-101(c). Remote online notarization is fully legal and authorized for Tennessee-commissioned notaries who meet the state's RON requirements.
What are the identity verification requirements for RON in Tennessee?
Tennessee requires credential analysis of a government-issued photo ID and knowledge-based authentication (KBA) for all remote online notarizations. The signer must correctly answer personal questions generated from authoritative data sources.
Do I need a special endorsement to perform RON in Tennessee?
Yes, Tennessee requires notaries to obtain a RON endorsement or registration in addition to their standard notary commission before performing remote online notarizations.
What technology is required for RON in Tennessee?
Tennessee requires RON sessions to use real-time two-way audio-video communication. Documents must be sealed with tamper-evident technology. An electronic journal must be maintained for all remote notarizations. Session recordings must be retained for 5 years.
Does Tennessee accept out-of-state RON?
Tennessee recognizes a notarial act performed under the law of another state (Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 66-22-103, 66-22-101(c)(2)).