Short answer: Restricted words include banking and insurance terms requiring clearance. Indistinguishable names require a $20 Written Consent filing.
We've pulled these figures from the Tennessee Secretary of State, Division of Business and Charitable Organizations's own pages. If something's changed since our last check, the state's portal wins, so it's worth a quick look before you pay.
Tennessee naming rules
Restricted words include banking and insurance terms requiring clearance. Indistinguishable names require a $20 Written Consent filing.
Open the official Tennessee name search
Reserving a name
Tennessee lets you reserve a name for $20, which holds it for Not specified.
Doing business under another name
Tennessee DBAs are filed with: state. Fee: $20.
How Tennessee compares
Tennessee's name reservation fee is $20. That's the 15th lowest of 50 jurisdictions we track. The national median is $25, so Tennessee comes in $5 under it.
| State | Fee | National rank (1 = highest) |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $20 | 33 of 50 |
| Arkansas | $22.5 | 31 of 50 |
| Kentucky | $15 | 38 of 50 |
| Mississippi | $25 | 18 of 50 |
| North Carolina | $10 | 41 of 50 |
| Alabama | $28 | 17 of 50 |
Tennessee fees that apply here
| Filing | State fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (Form SS-4270) | $300 | Variable: $50 per member, with a hard minimum of $300 and maximum of $3,000. Online payments add a 2.29% credit card fee or a $0.95 e-check fee. |
| Name reservation (optional) | $20 | Not specified |
| Amendment | $20 | |
| DBA / assumed name | $20 | state |
Name search and rules: Tennessee questions
How do I check if an LLC name is available in Tennessee?
Use the official Tennessee Secretary of State, Division of Business and Charitable Organizations business search. A name that's distinguishable from existing records can usually be registered.
What words must a Tennessee LLC name include?
Restricted words include banking and insurance terms requiring clearance. Indistinguishable names require a $20 Written Consent filing.
Can I reserve an LLC name in Tennessee?
Yes. Reservation costs $20 and holds the name for Not specified.
Do I need a DBA in Tennessee?
Only if you'll do business under a name other than your exact LLC name. DBAs are filed with: state. Fee: $20.
Sources and verification
Last checked against official state sources on . States change fees with little notice, so confirm on the filing portal before you pay. How we verify.
Still being confirmed with the state: name reservation.duration, ra.self allowed, report.late penalty, foreign.fee.