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DBA filing · Tennessee

How to File a DBA in Tennessee

In Tennessee, a DBA is registered at the state level. Register with the Secretary of State — Business Services for $20.

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A DBA — short for “doing business as,” also called a fictitious business name, assumed name, or trade name — lets you legally operate under a name that isn't your own legal name or your company's exact registered name. In Tennessee, a DBA is registered at the state level.

Here's exactly where and how to register your DBA in Tennessee — and what it costs — so your filing is accepted the first time.

How to file a DBA in Tennessee

  1. Confirm your name is available. Run a quick pre-check on our name-search tool, then verify it against the official Tennessee records so you don't pay to file a name that's taken.
  2. Complete the Tennessee filing. Register with the Secretary of State — Business Services. The filing fee is $20.
  3. Handle any extra steps. Corporations/LLCs file an assumed name with the SoS; individuals file with the county Register of Deeds.
  4. Keep it active. Your registration lasts 5 yrs before it needs renewing — we'll remind you before it lapses.
Where it's filed: State filing — Secretary of State — Business Services.

Two ways to file in Tennessee

DBAform is a resource either way — do it yourself with the official link, or let us handle it.

Do it yourself — free

Use the official Tennessee link and the details on this page to file it yourself at no charge.

Open the official Tennessee filing page →

Done for you — via LegalZoom

Prefer to hand it off? File through LegalZoom, our recommended service (plus the $20 state fee).

File through LegalZoom →

Rather have it done for you?

Don't want to navigate the Secretary of State — Business Services yourself? File through LegalZoom, our recommended filing service — they prepare the paperwork and submit it to the correct office (from $99 plus the $20 state fee). DBAform may earn a commission if you use our link, at no extra cost to you.

File through LegalZoom →Read the FAQ

Tennessee DBA — frequently asked questions

Where do I file a DBA in Tennessee? +

In Tennessee, a DBA is filed with the Secretary of State — Business Services. This is a state-level filing.

How much does a DBA cost in Tennessee? +

Tennessee's government filing fee is $20. You can file it yourself and pay only that fee, or file through LegalZoom (from $99 plus the state fee).

Does a DBA in Tennessee expire or need to be renewed? +

A Tennessee DBA must be renewed every 5 years.

Does Tennessee require newspaper publication for a DBA? +

No. Tennessee does not require you to publish a notice of your DBA in a newspaper.

Do I have to file a DBA in Tennessee? +

If you operate under any name other than your own legal name (as a sole proprietor) or your business's exact registered name (as an LLC or corporation), Tennessee requires you to register it. If you use only your legal name, you generally don't need one.

Is a DBA the same as an LLC in Tennessee? +

No. A DBA is only a registered trade name -- it doesn't create a legal entity or protect your personal assets. An LLC does both. Many owners form an LLC and then file a DBA under it.

Other states

Filing in more than one state, or not sure this is the right one? Browse every jurisdiction or jump to a popular state:

DBA in CaliforniaDBA in TexasDBA in FloridaDBA in New YorkDBA in IllinoisDBA in GeorgiaAll 50 states →

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