Business Services

Highlighted Services

Apostilles and Authentication Services

An Apostille or an Authentication certifies the authenticity of the signature, seal and position of...

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Business Information Search

Search by business name or Secretary of State Control Number in order to file annual reports and other amendments or to view the business detail.
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File an Annual Report

File or prepare an Annual Report for a business entity registered in the State of Tennessee.
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Form or Register a new Business

File documents to form or register a new business with the Tennessee Secretary of State.
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Online Business Services

Form or register a new business entity, find and update business records, request a certificate of existence, or file an annual report.
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Request for Certificate of Existence or Authorization

Request, pay for, receive, and/or verify a Certificate of Existence online.
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UCC Online Services

Online file UCC financing statements and access the UCC database.
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Workers' Compensation Exemption Registry Online Services

List of Workers' Compensation Exemption Online Processes.
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Business Services Videos

How-To: File an Annual Report – For Profit Corporation

This video demonstrates how to file an annual report for a for profit corporation with the Tennessee Secretary of State Division of Business Services.

How-To: File an Annual Report – LLC

This video demonstrates how to file an annual report for an LLC, or Limited Liability Company, with the Tennessee Secretary of State Division of Business Services.

How-To: File an Annual Report – LLP

This video demonstrates how to file an annual report for an LLP, or Limited Liability Partnership, with the Tennessee Secretary of State Division of Business Services.

How-To: File an Annual Report – Nonprofit Corporation

This video demonstrates how to file an annual report for a nonprofit corporation with the Tennessee Secretary of State Division of Business Services.

How-To: Use the Business Information Search

This video demonstrates how to use the Business Information Search tool from the Tennessee Secretary of State Division of Business Services.

Secretary Hargett, Better Business Bureau Warn Against Familiar Scam

A familiar scam that continues to target Tennessee businesses is now in the spotlight of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Middle Tennessee.
Graphic that says: The TN Quarterly Business and Economic Indicators; Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett; The University of Tennessee Knoxville Boyd Center for Business & Economic Research
Tennessee's Economy Shows Continued Momentum
The number of new entity filings coupled with a historically low unemployment rate indicates Tennessee has a healthy economy, according to a report released by the Secretary of State's office. There were 9,524 new entity filings in the second quarter of 2017, representing a 6.8 percent increase compared to the same time last year. Initial filings have had positive year-over-year growth for 23 consecutive quarters. As of July 1, there were 267,143 active entities in Tennessee, representing a 3 percent increase compared to the first quarter of the year.
Graphic that says: The TN Quarterly Business and Economic Indicators; Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett; The University of Tennessee Knoxville Boyd Center for Business & Economic Research
Tennessee’s Economy Experiences Robust Growth
Tennessee’s economy continues to grow with a robust start to 2017, according to a report released by the Secretary of State's office. There were 10,372 new entity filings in the first quarter of 2017, which represents an 8.7 percent increase over the same time last year. This marks the 22nd consecutive quarter of positive year-over-year growth. As of April 1, there were 259,282 active entities in Tennessee, representing a 5.2 percent increase compared to the first quarter of 2016.
Gavel and legal balance scales
Indictment, Arrests Highlight Why Legislation is Needed
A recent 320-count indictment and the arrests of 10 people from a joint investigation by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Knoxville Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation highlight an ongoing problem. People are filing fraudulent liens with the Division of Business Services, which can ruin the lives of public officials.
Graphic that says "The TN Quarterly Business and Economic Indicators, Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett, The University of Tennessee Knoxville, Boyd Center for Business & Economic Research"
Economic Indicators Point to Continued Growth
Initial business filings have grown year-over-year for more than five years and don't show any signs of slowing down, according to a report released Tuesday by the Secretary of State's office.
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The Division of Business Services is where a variety of documents required for starting and maintaining business operations in Tennessee are filed. Business Services also handles filings for:

  • Uniform Commercial Code
  • Motor Vehicle Temporary Liens
  • Trademarks
  • Apostille and Authentication Services

The Business Services Division assists approximately 9,500 persons monthly, processing on average 46,875 documents per month.

Additionally, Business Services maintains certain business information on its searchable databases. Some of this information includes: business name, principal office address, registered agent, and business status. Its databases are most often used by businesses, citizens and the law enforcement community. Additional databases are available for

  • Business Information
  • Search Business
  • Name Availability
  • Motor Vehicle Temporary Liens
  • Notary Commissions
  • Nonresident Fiduciaries
  • Summons/Service of Process
  • Trademarks
  • Uniform Commercial Code

Documents may be filed by mail, in person, and others are available to be filed online.

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