Quick answer
Sometimes. Tennessee has an Online Notary Public Act, and online real estate closings have been done here. Whether yours can be fully online depends on your lender, your title company and your county. Christopher says a client can technically close without ever leaving the house. Some closings mix online and in-person signing. Either way, your rights to review your documents stay the same.
Rules on this page were checked on against the Tennessee Secretary of State and CFPB guidance. Program terms are subject to agency and lender guidelines and may change, and individual lenders can set stricter rules.
E-closings
Transcript: Yeah, well, AI, technology, those who adapt and use technology to the best of your abilities. The example to that is e-closings. I can technically never meet my clients and they can close online and never have to go to a closing or never have to leave their house to buy a house.
E-closing availability depends on the lender, the title company and the county. The title company is your choice or your agent’s.
What kinds of closings are there?
| Type | How it works |
|---|---|
| In person | You sign the documents at the title company or attorney’s office. |
| Hybrid | You sign some documents electronically, then finish the rest in person, such as those that need a notary. |
| Fully online | You sign electronically and meet a notary by live audio and video. |
| Mobile notary | A notary comes to you with paper documents. It’s another option if you can’t travel. |
Availability depends on your lender, title company and county recorder’s office, and on the loan program.
Is it allowed in Tennessee?
Tennessee’s Secretary of State oversees online notaries under the Online Notary Public Act, Tenn. Code Ann. § 8-16-301 and following. But a notary is only one piece. Your lender and its investor must accept the loan documents that way, and the county needs to be able to record them. So ask your loan officer and your title company early, rather than assuming it will work.
Who might this help most?
- Buyers moving to Tennessee who aren’t here yet
- Service members on orders or deployed
- Someone with a health or mobility issue
- Busy families who have trouble getting away during business hours
Valor Mortgage works statewide by phone and online, and closes with the title company chosen by you or your agent.
What stays the same?
- You still need to receive your Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing.
- You still need a valid ID, and you’ll need to verify who you are.
- You’ll still bring funds to close, usually by wire.
- All parties to the loan may need to sign, so check on a spouse or co-borrower.
Protect yourself against wire fraud
Closing online doesn’t change this rule. Before you wire money, call your title company at a number you know is real and confirm the instructions. Scammers can send convincing emails with fake wire details.
What should you ask?
- Does this lender allow an online or hybrid closing on my loan?
- Does my title company offer it in this county?
- Which documents still need ink or a notary?
- What equipment and ID will I need?
- Are there any added fees?
Online closing FAQ
Do I need an attorney to close in Tennessee?
Closings in Tennessee are commonly handled by a title company or a closing attorney. Ask your title company what applies to your transaction, or consult an attorney for legal advice.
Can I close from out of state?
Often, yes, with the right arrangements. A mobile notary or an online closing may be options. Plan ahead and ask your title company.
Is an online closing faster?
It can save travel time, but it doesn’t change the underwriting or the required disclosure timing. Lenders may also need extra time to set it up.
Where these rules come from
| Rule or figure | Source | As of |
|---|---|---|
| Online notaries in Tennessee | Tennessee Secretary of State, online notaries | Nov 5, 2026 |
| Closing Disclosure timing | CFPB, Closing Disclosure | Nov 5, 2026 |
Related answers and guides
- What happens during mortgage underwriting?
- Is title insurance required?
- What happens at a first mortgage consultation?
- More answers on buying a home.
- About Christopher Armantrout.
Call me at (615) 671-9178. That’s the fastest way to get a straight answer on what you’d qualify for and how your closing could work.
If it’s after hours, grab a time on my calendar. Pick a slot that works and I’ll call you then.
If your life is too chaotic for a phone call right now — I understand — start an application and I’ll review it and reach out with a plan.
Valor Mortgage, LLC · Christopher Armantrout, Mortgage Loan Originator, NMLS #1210804 · Valor Mortgage, LLC is powered by Encore Lending Group, LLC, NMLS #1249911 · Licensed in Tennessee · Equal Housing Opportunity
724 S Main St, Springfield, TN 37172 · (615) 671-9178 · christopher@valor.mortgage · NMLS Consumer Access
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