County Clerk

Tennessee residents are encouraged to learn more about organ and tissue donation and register as donors through Donate Life Tennessee.

Information on becoming a notary public in Tennessee, as well as application forms and instructions, can be found on the Tennessee Secretary of State’s website (Notary Application).

Vehicle registration renewals can be completed online through the Tennessee County Clerk secure portal.
(When using the portal, select Gibson County from the county list.)

Beginning January 1, 2010, business tax payments are made directly to the Tennessee Department of Revenue. However, new businesses still obtain their initial county business license through the County Clerk’s office.

You may apply online at the Tennessee County Clerk portal by selecting the appropriate county and choosing “New Business Application.” The application fee may be paid online. Paper applications can also be printed, completed, and submitted in person or by mail to the County Clerk’s office along with payment.

Each new business has up to 20 days after opening to apply for a county business license. The initial license fee is $15.00.

If a business is located inside the limits of a city or town, a separate city business license may also be required, which can be obtained from the municipality.

• Businesses with gross receipts of $3,000.00 or less are not required to obtain a standard business license, but an exemption statement must be kept on file.
• Businesses expecting to gross between $3,000.00 and $100,000.00 per year may apply for a Minimal Activity License, which is renewed annually through the County Clerk’s office for $15.00. No business tax returns are filed with the Department of Revenue under this license type.

For more detailed information about statewide business tax changes (including the Tennessee Works Tax Act), please refer to the Tennessee Department of Revenue.

Business Classifications

For tax purposes, businesses are assigned to one of five classifications based on their primary activities. Taxes are calculated on total gross receipts for the fiscal year. Examples include:

• Class 1 – Gas stations, grocery stores, lumber and building supply businesses
• Class 2 – Restaurants, auto dealers, clothing and apparel retailers
• Class 3 – Service providers such as body shops, beauty salons, janitorial services, and general services
• Class 4 – Contractors, subcontractors, exterminators, and related trades
• Class 5 – Certain financial and utility-related businesses such as industrial loan and thrift companies, natural gas marketers

At the close of each fiscal year, required business tax returns and payments are submitted online to the Tennessee Department of Revenue.

Operating a business without a current, required license may place the business in violation of state law.

All questions about sales tax registration, certificates, or account numbers should be directed to the Tennessee Department of Revenue – Taxpayer Services in Nashville at 1-800-342-1003.

Personal property used in a business is assessed by the Assessor of Property. Related questions, including how these assessments affect business tax records, should be directed to the Assessor’s office.

Tennessee residents and out-of-state couples may apply for a marriage license at the County Clerk’s office. Both applicants must generally appear in person, unless one is incarcerated or disabled; in those cases, a notarized affidavit (available from the Clerk’s office) may be used.

Applicants must provide identification, which may include:

• A valid state driver’s license or state-issued ID card, or
• A certified birth certificate, along with a Social Security card.

Non-U.S. citizens must present a passport or other documentation showing lawful presence in the United States. Applicants also complete a written application for the marriage license; many counties additionally provide an online form that can be filled out in advance and finalized in the office.

Marriage licenses are valid for 30 days from the date of issuance.

Age Requirements

• Under age 17 – No marriage license may be issued under any circumstances. Court-ordered underage marriages are no longer permitted.
• Ages 17 to 18 – If one applicant is 17, the other applicant may not be more than four years (48 months) older. A birth certificate is required for verification. Parents, legal guardians, or other authorized custodians must consent in person or by sworn, notarized affidavit, unless the 17-year-old is emancipated (in which case certified proof of emancipation is required). Some applications may also involve a short waiting or review period.

Marriage License Fees

• Standard marriage license fee: $99.50
• Reduced fee with completed premarital counseling (4 hours): $39.50

To qualify for the reduced fee, the couple must present a completed Premarital Counseling Form, signed and notarized by the instructor, at the time of application.

The County Clerk’s office may also offer fingerprinting and background check services in partnership with approved vendors such as IdentoGO.

• Services are typically by appointment only.
• Appointments are scheduled online through the provider’s website.
• Most major credit cards are accepted; cash or personal checks are generally not accepted for these services.
• Fees vary depending on the type of background check required.