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Tennessee Secured Promissory Note

Create Tennessee Secured Promissory Note - $7.99

Not a blank template - your details are filled in, formatted to Tennessee law, and ready to sign.

Generate a legally compliant Secured Promissory Note for Tennessee that covers all required terms under Tennessee promissory note law. Fill in your loan details and download your completed, ready-to-sign Secured Promissory Note as a professional PDF.

Tennessee law governs promissory notes with specific usury limits and enforcement rules that secures both lending party and debtor. The usury limit in Tennessee is Formula rate: 4% above the weekly average prime loan rate, announced weekly by the Tennessee Dept. of Financial Institutions (10.75% as of May 2026). 10% effective rate absent a written contract.. Lenders have 6 years to file suit to collect on a promissory note in Tennessee. Tennessee law requires 4 specific elements in a valid promissory note.

Tennessee Promissory Note Requirements

Max Interest Rate 10.75%
Rate Details Formula rate: 4% above the weekly average prime loan rate, announced weekly by the Tennessee Dept. of Financial Institutions (10.75% as of May 2026). 10% effective rate absent a written contract.
Usury Penalty Usurious charges are unenforceable; the lender may recover only the principal plus lawful charges (Tenn. Code 47-14-117)
Statute of Limitations 6 years
Notarization Recommended
Witnesses Recommended (1)
Governing Agency Tennessee Circuit Courts
Required Elements Written agreement signed by borrower; Detailed collateral description; Interest rate disclosure; Lien filing if applicable

Tennessee Secured Promissory Note Signing Checklist

Print this or save it as a PDF and use it at the signing. Review every item before any party puts pen to paper.

Before you sign

  • Both the lender and borrower read the full note before signing.
  • Confirm the principal amount, interest rate, and repayment terms match what was agreed.
  • Confirm any late fee amount and grace period are correct.
  • The lender keeps the original signed note in a safe place.
  • Each party keeps a signed copy for their own records.

Tennessee rules to know

  • Keep the interest rate at or below Tennessee's usury cap of 10.75% per year (Formula rate: 4% above the weekly average prime loan rate, announced weekly by the Tennessee Dept. of Financial Institutions (10.75% as of May 2026). 10% effective rate absent a written contract.).
  • Notarization is not required in Tennessee but is strongly recommended. A notarized note is self-authenticating in court and harder to dispute.
  • 1 witness is recommended in Tennessee even though not legally required.
  • In Tennessee, the lender has 6 years from the date of default to file suit to collect on the note.

In the note itself

  • Borrower's full legal name and current address.
  • Lender's full legal name and current address.
  • Principal loan amount written out in both numbers and words.
  • Annual interest rate (expressed as a percentage).
  • Maturity date (the date by which the full balance must be repaid).
  • Detailed description of the collateral (make, model, serial number, or legal description for real estate).
  • Late fee amount and grace period, if any.
  • Signatures of both parties (and witnesses if required).
  • Lender's right to seize and sell the collateral upon default.

This checklist is a reference aid only. Consult an attorney for advice specific to your situation. Usury and enforcement rules for Tennessee may change; verify current rates before signing.

What to Include in a Tennessee Secured Promissory Note

Every Secured Promissory Note in Tennessee should include the following vital provisions: the full legal names and addresses of both the lender and obligor, the principal loan amount, the interest rate (which must not exceed Formula rate: 4% above the weekly average prime loan rate, announced weekly by the Tennessee Dept. of Financial Institutions (10.75% as of May 2026). 10% effective rate absent a written contract. under Tennessee law), the repayment schedule and due dates, any late payment penalties, the consequences of default, and the governing law clause. Because this is a secured promissory note, you must also describe the collateral in detail, including how it will be valued and the lender's right to seize it upon default.

Tennessee requires the following elements in a valid promissory note: written agreement signed by borrower, detailed collateral description, interest rate disclosure, lien filing if applicable.

How to Complete a Tennessee Secured Promissory Note

To complete a Secured Promissory Note in Tennessee, start by gathering the necessary information: the full legal names and addresses of both parties, the loan amount, the agreed-upon interest rate (must be at or below Formula rate: 4% above the weekly average prime loan rate, announced weekly by the Tennessee Dept. of Financial Institutions (10.75% as of May 2026). 10% effective rate absent a written contract. in Tennessee), the repayment terms, and any collateral details if applicable.

Our platform walks you through each section with a guided form tailored to Tennessee requirements. Once you have filled in all details, you can preview the document, choose from five professional document styles, and download your completed Secured Promissory Note as a PDF.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum interest rate for a promissory note in Tennessee?
Tennessee caps interest at Formula rate: 4% above the weekly average prime loan rate, announced weekly by the Tennessee Dept. of Financial Institutions (10.75% as of May 2026). 10% effective rate absent a written contract.. Charging above the legal limit is usury - in Tennessee, the penalty is: usurious charges are unenforceable; the lender may recover only the principal plus lawful charges (tenn. code 47-14-117). Always confirm the current rate with an attorney, as usury laws can change.
Do I need a notary for a promissory note in Tennessee?
Notarization is not required in Tennessee for a promissory note to be legally valid. Notarizing it anyway is strongly recommended - it deters forgery claims, simplifies court enforcement, and makes the note self-authenticating as evidence. Having 1 witness is also recommended.
What happens if a borrower defaults on a promissory note in Tennessee?
Upon default, the lender may demand immediate repayment of the full outstanding balance, charge any default interest rate specified in the note, and file suit in Tennessee court. As a secured note, the lender may also seize and sell the collateral to recover the outstanding amount. Lenders have 6 years from the date of default to file a lawsuit under Tennessee's statute of limitations for written contracts.
What collateral can be used for a secured promissory note in Tennessee?
Common collateral for secured promissory notes includes real estate, vehicles, equipment, bank accounts, or valuable personal property. The collateral must be described in detail in the note - make, model, serial number, or legal property description depending on the asset type. The lender's right to seize and sell the collateral upon default must also be clearly stated. For real estate collateral, a separate deed of trust or mortgage is typically also required.
What is the difference between a secured and unsecured promissory note?
A secured promissory note is backed by collateral - if the borrower defaults, the lender can seize the collateral to recover the debt. An unsecured note relies solely on the borrower's promise to repay; the lender must sue and obtain a judgment to collect. Secured notes carry less risk for the lender and typically carry lower interest rates as a result.
What must be included in a Tennessee Secured Promissory Note?
A valid Secured Promissory Note in Tennessee must include: Written agreement signed by borrower; Detailed collateral description; Interest rate disclosure; Lien filing if applicable. Our platform automatically includes all required elements formatted to Tennessee standards.
What usury limits apply to private promissory notes in Tennessee?
Tennessee caps interest at 10% per year as a default, but parties may agree in writing to any rate up to 24% per year for most loans (T.C.A. §47-14-103). Rates above 24% are subject to Tennessee's usury penalty - forfeiture of all interest and a fine equal to twice the interest charged. Tennessee's 6-year statute of limitations applies to written contracts. Business loans between sophisticated parties may have more flexibility under Tennessee's commercial lending statutes.

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