How To File a DBA in Tennessee in 3 Steps

Before you file your DBA, check for name availability. This is an essential step because you’ll need to ensure that the name you choose for your business is distinguishable from other business names. If another business entity already takes the name you’d like to use for your business, you should choose another name.

To see if the name you’d like to use for your business is available, search the Business Entities database. Type in the business name and click the search button.

Finally, consider the naming restrictions in your state. In Tennessee, you need to avoid the following in your business name:

• Words that imply that your business has a connection with a professional, religious, veteran, service, or charitable organization without this connection in writing
• Words that imply that your business is affiliated with a governmental agency
• Words such as “bank,” “credit union,” “trust,” and “mortgage,” unless the business has approval from the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions

After searching the state business records, you should move on to a search of the trademark database. Use the USPTO trademark database to see if someone has trademarked the business name you’d like to use. Don’t use a trademarked name.

While the state has regulations that tend to prevent registration of the same name in Tennessee, assumed name registration doesn’t guarantee that yours is the only business using the name you registered. You should look into trademarking your name to get legal protection for your assumed name.

For sole proprietor or general partnerships you file a Business Tax License at the county clerk’s office for the county where the business is. To contact the county clerk for the county where you do business, check the list of county clerks provided by the Tennessee Department of Revenue.

Although you’ll have to check with the county clerk in the appropriate county for specific instructions on filing a Business Tax License Application, you can get an idea of the general process by examining the filing process in Knox County, Tennessee.

In Knox County, you must search a separate database to ensure your business name isn’t already taken. Once you have a business name available for use, you can apply either online or by mail. Be sure to submit the filing fee of $15 along with your application.

Whether you need a standard business license or a minimal activity license depends on your annual gross earnings. You must apply for the standard business license if your business makes $10,000 or more annually. But, if you make less than $10,000 in sales, you must apply for the minimal activity license.

Once you have your new business name, you may want to change, renew, or withdraw it.

You’ll need to check with the county clerk in the appropriate county for specific instructions on managing your DBA.

To renew a minimal activity license in Knox County, for example, submit an Application for Renewal or Reclassification of a Minimal Activity License. You can cancel or withdraw a Tennessee business tax license by filing your final tax return with the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Changing your business name will require cancellation and a new registration.

You must have a unique DBA distinguishable from other registered names. This is not only important from a marketing perspective but also vital for registration purposes. According to the guidelines set out by the Division of Business Services, the name you choose to register as an assumed name must be distinguishable from any other name in the division’s database.

To check for name availability, you should first search state business records. If already in use, choose a different name to submit to the Tennessee Secretary of State.

If your name appears available in Tennessee, run it through the USPTO trademark database. If someone trademarked the name you’d like to use, you should choose a different name.

For corporations and limited liability companies (LLCs), you file an Application for Registration Of Assumed Name with the Tennessee Secretary of State’s Office. You can file by mail or online. 

Be ready to provide the following information on your application form:

• Name of the business entity
• Proposed assumed name of the business entity
• State in which the business entity was organized or incorporated

The filing fee for Tennessee assumed name applications is $20.

You must renew your DBA every 5 years with the Secretary of State. Complete the Application for Renewal of Assumed Corporate Name and submit it to the Tennessee Secretary of State, along with a $20 renewal fee, within two months before the assumed name’s expiration.

If you want to change or withdraw the assumed name you chose for your business, use the appropriate form and submit it with $20.