Tennessee LLC Name Search
Check if your business name is available in Tennessee before you file, then see Tennessee's LLC naming rules, fees and filing requirements
- Filing Fee
- $300
- Articles of Organization
- Annual Report
- $300
- Due by the first day of the fourth month after your fiscal year ends (April 1 for most LLCs)
- Name Reservation
- $20
- Holds a name for 120 days
How to Check LLC Name Availability in Tennessee
Tennessee checks every new LLC name against the businesses already on its records. These steps help your name get approved the first time.
- 1
Search Tennessee business records
Enter your name in the search above to open Tennessee’s official business entity search in a new tab.
- 2
Check close variations, not just the exact name
Tennessee law requires a new LLC name to be distinguishable from the names already on file with the Secretary of State (T.C.A. § 48-249-106). Differences in punctuation, spacing, capitalization, a leading “The” or the ending (LLC vs. L.L.C.) usually aren’t enough to make a name different, so search the core words of your name.
Read T.C.A. § 48-249-106 → - 3
Add an LLC designator
Your Tennessee LLC name must include “Limited Liability Company” or an abbreviation such as “LLC” or “L.L.C.”.
- 4
Avoid restricted words
Words like Bank, Insurance, Trust or University usually need approval from another agency, and names that suggest a government connection are typically not allowed.
- 5
Reserve the name if you aren’t ready to file
A Tennessee name reservation costs $20 and holds the name for 120 days.
Reservation rules → - 6
File to lock in the name
A clear search doesn’t hold the name for you. Tennessee confirms it when it accepts your Articles of Organization ($300).
Doing business under a different name
Register an assumed name with the Secretary of State for $20. Tennessee recognizes registered assumed names rather than DBAs, and the registration lasts five years.
Assumed name rules →Prefer to search the state directly? Open Tennessee’s official business search →
How Much Does an LLC Cost in Tennessee?
Filing your Articles of Organization in Tennessee costs $300. After that, the annual report costs $300 a year and is due by the first day of the fourth month after your fiscal year ends (April 1 for most LLCs). Tennessee LLCs also owe at least $100 a year in franchise tax.
Articles of Organization
Tennessee charges $50 per member, with a $300 minimum and a $3,000 maximum, so LLCs with up to six members pay $300. Source →
$300
Annual Report
Due by the first day of the fourth month after your fiscal year ends (April 1 for most LLCs). The fee is also $50 per member, with a $300 minimum. Source →
$300
Franchise tax
Filed with the Department of Revenue each year, together with the excise tax. Source →
$100 minimum a year
Name reservationOptional
Holds a name for 120 days. Source →
$20
Assumed nameOptional
Only if you do business under a name other than the LLC’s legal name. Source →
$20
Checked against official Tennessee sources on October 23, 2026. Fees change, so confirm with the state before you file.
LLC Requirements in Tennessee
Formation Requirements
Basic Requirements
- Operating Agreement (recommended)
- Federal Tax ID (EIN)
- Business Licenses (if applicable)
Registered Agent
Tennessee requires all LLCs to maintain a registered agent in the state.
Contact the Tennessee Business Filing Office
Search LLC Name isn’t a government website. For an official answer about a name or a filing, contact the state office directly.
Contact Details
Phone
615-741-2286Address Information
Mailing Address
Corporate Filings, 312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, 6th Floor, Snodgrass Tower, Nashville, TN 37243-1102
Physical Address
Corporate Filings, 312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, 6th Floor, Snodgrass Tower, Nashville, TN 37243-1102
Official Tennessee Resources
Tennessee LLC Name Search FAQ
Enter the name in the search at the top of this page to open Tennessee’s official business entity search. Search close variations too: Tennessee law requires a new LLC name to be distinguishable from the names already on file with the Secretary of State (T.C.A. § 48-249-106). A clear search is a good sign, but the state makes the final call when it reviews your filing.
It must include “Limited Liability Company” or an abbreviation such as “LLC” or “L.L.C.”. Tennessee law requires a new LLC name to be distinguishable from the names already on file with the Secretary of State (T.C.A. § 48-249-106). Words like Bank, Insurance or Trust usually need approval from another agency.
A Tennessee name reservation costs $20 and holds the name for 120 days.
Filing your Articles of Organization in Tennessee costs $300. After that, the annual report costs $300 a year and is due by the first day of the fourth month after your fiscal year ends (April 1 for most LLCs). Tennessee LLCs also owe at least $100 a year in franchise tax.
Yes, Tennessee requires every LLC to keep a registered agent in the state who can receive legal documents for the business.
Tennessee requires an annual report ($300), due by the first day of the fourth month after your fiscal year ends (April 1 for most LLCs). Franchise tax: $100 minimum a year. Filed with the Department of Revenue each year, together with the excise tax. You also need to keep a registered agent in the state.
Register an assumed name with the Secretary of State for $20. Tennessee recognizes registered assumed names rather than DBAs, and the registration lasts five years.
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