DBA in Tennessee: Guide to Filing and Registration in 2025

A DBA in Tennessee, short for “Doing Business As”, allows business owners to operate under a name different from their legal business name. Whether you’re a sole proprietor, LLC, partnership, or corporation, using a DBA can help streamline branding, manage multiple business lines, and remain legally compliant.

This guide explains everything about filing a DBA in Tennessee, including legal requirements, registration steps, fees, renewal, and best practices.

Understanding the Purpose of a DBA in Tennessee

A DBA is often referred to as an “assumed name” in Tennessee. It provides the legal framework for businesses to conduct operations under a different trade name without forming a new business entity.

For example, if your LLC legally bears the name Bennett Ventures LLC but operates as Nashville Brew Hub coffee shop, you will need DBA registration in Tennessee under the new business name.

Operating with a DBA is particularly beneficial for:

• Small businesses using more marketable names
• Entrepreneurs testing new concepts
• Companies expanding product lines or services
• Businesses aiming for flexible branding options

What is a DBA in Tennessee?

Who Needs to File a DBA in Tennessee?

You may need to file a DBA if you are:

• A sole proprietor using any name other than your personal legal name
• A partnership or LLC conducting business under a brand or product line
• A corporation or nonprofit expanding into new service lines under different names

In Tennessee, both individuals and legal entities (like LLCs and corporations) can register a DBA, provided they meet local and state requirements.

Legal Requirements for Registering a DBA in Tennessee

In Tennessee, the rules for setting up a DBA vary based on your business structure:

A DBA does not form a separate legal entity. It simply allows a business to operate under a different name while remaining linked to the original legal entity.

Choosing a Name for Your DBA in Tennessee

Before submitting a DBA form in Tennessee, the chosen business name must meet the following conditions:

• Must be distinguishable from existing business names on record
• Cannot include words like “Inc.,” “LLC,” or “Corporation” unless properly structured as such
• Should not be misleading or imply false governmental affiliation
• Cannot infringe on existing trademarks

Business owners may check name availability beforehand using the Tennessee Secretary of State's Business Name Search tool prior to submitting their filing.

Business name for DBA in Tennessee

Process for Filing a DBA in Tennessee

The process of filing a DBA in Tennessee is straightforward, but it must be handled correctly to avoid penalties and legal issues. Below is the step-by-step approach:

Step 1: Download the Official DBA Form

The correct document is called the Application for Registration of Assumed Name. Depending on your business entity, you can obtain it from:

• Tennessee Secretary of State’s website (for LLCs and corporations)
• Local county clerk’s office (for sole proprietors and general partnerships)

Make sure you use the most recent DBA form in Tennessee to comply with 2025 requirements.

Step 2: Fill Out the DBA Application

The information needed includes:

• Legal business name
• New assumed (DBA) name
• Business address
• Type of business entity
• The date the name will be used

Ensure the form is completed accurately and legibly. Mistakes may delay approval or lead to rejection.

Step 3: Submit the Application

Filing instructions vary depending on the business type:

• LLCs, corporations, and LPs: Submit the form to the Tennessee Secretary of State, either online or via mail.
• Sole proprietors and general partnerships: File the form at the county clerk’s office where the business operates.

Choose your preferred submission method:

• Online: Offers the fastest processing.
• By Mail: Slightly slower, but useful for hard-copy documentation.
• In-Person: Available at most county clerk offices for same-day processing.

Step 4: Pay the Filing Fee

The cost to register a DBA in Tennessee depends on where and how you file:

• Secretary of State (state level): $20–$50, depending on entity type
• County level (for sole proprietors): Usually $15–$20 per county

Steps to Process for Filing a DBA in Tennessee

Cost of Filing a DBA in Tennessee

Here’s a breakdown of typical costs involved in filing a DBA in Tennessee:

The total cost to register a DBA in Tennessee is generally under $50, making it an affordable option for branding or expansion.

Validity and Renewal of a Tennessee DBA

A Tennessee DBA remains valid for five (5) years from the date of registration. Business owners must renew it before expiration to continue legal operations under the assumed name.

Renewal Process

• Download the renewal form from the Secretary of State or county clerk.
• Complete and submit the form with updated business details (if needed).
• Pay the renewal fee (typically $20).

Mark important dates on your business calendar to avoid lapses in registration.

Making Changes to Your Registered DBA

Business owners may need to amend or withdraw a DBA due to name changes, closure, or restructuring.

Updating the DBA

• File an Amendment to Assumed Name form.
• Provide accurate, updated information.
• Submit it to the same office where the original DBA was filed.

Withdrawing the DBA

If the business closes or discontinues the use of a trade name:

• File a Withdrawal of Assumed Name form.
• No longer using the name without filing the withdrawal may lead to noncompliance issues.

Updating the DBA in Tennessee

Common Use Cases for a Tennessee DBA

Real-world scenarios where DBAs are commonly used:

• A sole proprietor named Michael Rivers wants to sell vintage clothes under “Rivers Retro Apparel.”
• An LLC named “Greystone Developments LLC” creates a luxury rental branch called “SkyView Apartments.”
• A food truck company runs multiple brands for different cuisines: “Taco Rush,” “Grill House,” and “Waffle Stop”, each with a separate DBA.

These examples show how DBAs help diversify offerings without the legal burden of multiple new business entities.

Conclusion

A DBA in Tennessee affords flexibility in operating under a trade name without the formation of another legal entity. Setting up a DBA in Tennessee involves a straightforward process with relatively low costs when rebranding or marketing under a friendlier name suddenly.