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

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 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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Uniform Commercial Code

UCC Online Services

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

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.
image for The Tennessee Quarterly Business and Economic Indicators Report
New Business Growth Continues Across Tennessee
The number of new businesses grew more than 10 percent during the first quarter of 2018 compared to the same time last year, according to a new report released by the Secretary of State's office. There were 11,480 new entity filings in the first quarter of 2018, representing a 10.7 percent increase compared to the same time the year before. Initial filings have now had positive year-over-year growth for 26 consecutive quarters. Domestic limited liability corporations (LLCs), which were up 13.3 percent compared to the first quarter of 2017, account for nearly two-thirds of all new entity filings.
image for The Tennessee Quarterly Business and Economic Indicators Report
New Businesses Continue to Choose Tennessee
The number of new businesses keeps climbing suggesting the state’s economic growth will continue, according to a new report released by the Secretary of State's office. There were 8,915 new entity filings in the fourth quarter of 2017, representing an 8.5 percent increase compared to the same time the year before. Initial filings have now had positive year-over-year growth for 25 consecutive quarters. Domestic limited liability corporations (LLCs), which were up 13.1 percent, show the strongest growth and account for more than half of all new entity filings.
image for The Tennessee Quarterly Business and Economic Indicators Report
Tennessee Economy Reaches Sixth Year of Positive Growth
Six years of year-over-year growth coupled with historically low unemployment rates indicate Tennessee’s economy won’t slow down anytime soon, according to a report released by the Secretary of State's office. There were 9,326 new entity filings in the third quarter of 2017, representing a 4.8 percent increase compared to the same time last year. Initial filings have had positive year-over-year growth for 24 consecutive quarters. Domestic limited liability corporations (LLCs), which are up 12.4 percent this quarter, account for more than half of all new entity filings.
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.
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About Business Services

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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