Tennessee Fictitious Name Registration & Renewal
Registration requirements for Tennessee business entities
Business entities that plan to use a name other than their legal business name may need to register an assumed
name. Assumed name registration can take place at the state, local, or state and local levels of government.
State specific registration information is available below.
Initial Application for Registration
| Agency: | Tennessee Secretary of State - Division of Business Services |
| Form: | Application for Registration of Assumed Name |
| Filing Method: | Mail |
| Agency Fee: | $20 |
| Is registration mandatory?: | Sole proprietorships and general partnerships do not need to file a fictitious name. Corporations, LLCs, LLPs, and LPs desiring a second name must file an assumed name before transacting business under that name. |
| County Level Filing: | Filings for all entities can be filed through the secretary of state, however, most entities can register at the county level instead. |
| Does registration prevent others from using the name I choose?: | Registering an assumed name will prevent another individual or business from registering an identical name with the Tennessee Secretary of State due to the "distinguishability" requirement. Use of a name in the marketplace can provide name protection under common and federal trademark law. |
| Notes: | - Publication of registration is not required in Tennessee.
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Renewal Filing
Revised November 23, 2021. Complete data last reviewed November 23, 2021.
