"Solicit" or "solicitation" means any oral or written request, however, communicated, whether directly or indirectly, for a contribution. See T.C.A. §48-101-501(11).
How can I check the status of a charity?
The Tennessee Secretary of State offers an online search of charities. Please note, if you do not locate the organization, please consider the following:
Organization could be exempt from the registration process by statute. Click HERE to learn more.
Organization may file as a $50,000 and Under organization. To search those organizations, please click HERE.
Make sure you are searching under the official legal name of the organization.
How much is the charitable registration fee?
The initial registration fee is $50 dollars. The fee for renewing your registration is based on the following scale:
What will I need to get a free photo ID from the Department of Safety and Homeland Security?
You will need:
Proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate), and
Two proofs of Tennessee residency (such as a voter registration card, a utility bill, vehicle registration or title, or bank statement).
If your name differs from that on your primary ID, proof of the changed name (such as a certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, etc.)
Learn more about the required documents at the Department of Safety and Homeland Security's Voter Photo ID page.
How can I check the status of my absentee by-mail ballot?
You must mail your ballot in time for your county election commission to receive it no later than the close of polls on Election Day.
You must return your ballot by mail (USPS, FedEx, UPS, etc.). Hand delivery or handing it to a poll worker during early voting or on Election Day is not permitted.
“Contributions" means the promise or grant of any money or property of any kind or value, including the payment or promise to pay in consideration of a sale, performance or show of any kind which is advertised or offered in conjunction with the name of any charity. “Contribution” does not include bona fide fees, dues or assessments paid by members; provided, that membership is not conferred solely as consideration for making a contribution in response to a solicitation. See T.C.A. §48-101-501(3).
What ID is required when voting?
Tennesseans voting early or on Election Day must bring valid photo identification with them to the polls. A driver's license or photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, by Tennessee state government or by the federal government are acceptable even if they are expired. College student IDs are not acceptable.
How much does it cost to renew a Charity's Registration?
Renewal Filing fees are based the gross revenue for the filing period. Late fees are assessed per month.
For Renewal Dates after 7/1/2021:
Gross Revenue Filing Fee
$0 to $50,000 $0.00 *
$50,000.01 to $99,999.99 $10.00
$100,000.00 to $249,999.99 $10.00
$250,000.00 to $499,999.99 $10.00
$500,000 and over $10.00
Late Fees: $10/month
For Renewal Dates on or before 6/30/2021
Gross Revenue Filing Fee
$0 to $50,000 $0.00 *
$50,000.01 to $99,999.99 $120.00
$100,000.00 to $249,999.99 $160.00
$250,000.00 to $499,999.99 $200.00
$500,000 and over $240.00
Late Fees: $25/month
* Based on answers on the renewal form, an organization may qualify for an exemption because they received less than $50,000 in gross contributions from the public. Organizations that qualify for this exemption will not be charged a filing fee for the filing period.
Where is my nearest driver service center?
Visit the Department of Safety and Homeland Security's Driver Service Center Locations page for information about locations and hours, closure advisories, and self-service kiosks and online renewal.
How do I change my business address?
You can file form SS-4800 to change the mailing address by mail or in person. A change in Registered Agent or principal address requires filing Articles of Amendment and paying the statutory $20 filing fee. Forms can be found on our the Forms & Fees page for mail and in person filings.
What are the penalties if an organization violates the Charitable Solicitations Act?
A civil penalties up to $5,000 may be imposed for each and any violation. Further, anyone who willfully and knowingly violates any provision of the Charitable Solicitations Act, or willfully and knowingly gives false or incorrect information in filing statements or reports to the division commits a Class B misdemeanor. A second or subsequent offense is a Class E felony.
Can I get a free photo ID card even if I have one of the other acceptable forms of photo ID?
No. If you already have a valid government-issued photo ID for voting purposes, the Department of Safety and Homeland Security will not issue a free photo ID to you.
What if I don’t have a photo ID?
You may obtain a free photo ID to vote from the Department of Safety and Homeland Security at any participating driver service center across the state. You may use the “express service” line at the driver service center to obtain your photo ID to minimize wait times. Visit the Department of Safety and Homeland Security's Voter Photo ID page for more information.
I can’t afford a copy of my birth certificate, so I can’t get a photo ID. Can I still vote?
Yes. If you cannot afford a copy of the documents required to obtain a free photo ID, you may sign a form stating under oath that you are indigent and have been unable to obtain an acceptable photo ID for voting without paying a fee.
When can I vote?
Find your early voting and Election Day polling place and hours in the GoVoteTN app.
What is a Nonresident Fiduciary?
A nonresident fiduciary is a person who does not reside in Tennessee, or a bank or trust company not authorized to do business in Tennessee, that is appointed by will, deed, trust agreement, court order or otherwise to serve as trustee of a corporate or personal trust, personal representative of an estate, guardian, conservator for an incompetent person, guardian for a minor or in any other fiduciary capacity.
Only certain types of individuals, banks or trust companies may serve as nonresident fiduciaries. Please consult Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 35-50-107 for a complete listing of qualified persons or entities.
What if I don’t bring a photo ID to the polling place?
If you don’t bring a photo ID, you will vote a provisional ballot. You will then have two (2) business days after Election Day to return to the election commission office to show a valid photo ID. Upon returning to the election commission office, the voter will sign an affidavit and a copy of the voter’s photo ID will be made to be reviewed by the counting board.
I have a driver license, but it doesn’t have a photo. Can I use it to vote?
No, but if you do not have another form of valid photo ID, the Department of Safety and Homeland Security will reissue your license with your photo for free upon request.
How do I get the books?
All special library materials--books, magazines and playback equipment--are circulated through the mail postage free. Patrons must borrow books each year to remain eligible for the service.
Does your office grant extensions on filing a renewal application?
Yes, for good cause shown (e.g. application for extension to file an exempt organization return that was filed with the IRS), the division may extend the time for filing a renewal application for a period not to exceed ninety (90) days, during which time the previous registration remains in effect. An organization may request a second extension of time for a period of sixty (60) days, as long as it provides proof that it has been granted an extension of time to file with the IRS.
How do I start the service?
You must first complete an application for service and send it to the Tennessee library. All states provide the service for their residents.
How do I know what titles are available?
Bimonthly magazines will tell you about newly released books and related library services: Talking Book Topics and Braille Book Review. You may also order general catalogs. You can always call the library to ask about authors and titles. The National Library Service catalog is searchable online.
Is an expired photo ID acceptable?
Yes, as long as it was validly issued by the federal or Tennessee state government and contains the name and photograph of the voter.
Is my photo ID acceptable?
If you are unsure or have questions about your photo ID, contact your county election commission or the Division of Elections at 1-877-850-4959.
How do I play the talking books?
Special playback equipment is loaned to patrons who use the library service. Books and magazines in the TLABM collection are recorded at a slower speed than conventional recordings and the books require special players. Players are mailed to patrons postage free. The library repairs and replaces equipment as necessary. For patrons who wish to purchase their own equipment, a vendor list is available.
What is provided?
The library service loans recorded, large print and braille books and magazines, music scores in large print and braille and special playback equipment. The TLABM book collection of over 50,000 titles includes popular fiction and nonfiction, best sellers, classics, history, biographies, religious literature, children's books and books in foreign language. There are over 70 popular magazines available. Go to Available Materials to find out more.