With the recent activation of our new business filing system, the Business Services Division is pleased to offer a new online service available from our website. This new service will allow customers to purchase and download the complete Business Services database for the price of $1,000. Database purchases can be made with MasterCard, Visa or American Express credit cards. The price includes a complete list of records on business entities, active or inactive, that have filed with the Secretary of State Business Services Division. The data sets include address information, filing history, and assumed names. Customers may also purchase weekly and monthly updates for an additional $50 for each update. The database download function is available by clicking here.

The Department of State launched a new software system for business record filings that will help the department serve its customers more efficiently.

The Business Entity and Annual Report (BEAR) System replaced the nearly 30-year-old Corporate Management System software. With the addition of BEAR, the department’s service by mail, through the website and at the walk-in counter in Nashville should be faster and more accurate.

“We are excited to implement this new system,” Secretary of State Tre Hargett said. “With this upgraded technology, we hope to elevate the Division of Business Services’ already excellent reputation for customer service.”

Although no major disruption is expected as the BEAR system goes online, Business Services customers may experience slight delays in counter service shortly after the launch.

“We appreciate the patience of our customers during the first few days of using the BEAR system as we make positive changes to help serve you better,” Secretary Hargett said.

 

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
• Notary Commissions
• 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 Availibility
• 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.

Division of Business Services
Nathan Burton, Director
312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue
Snodgrass Tower, 6th Floor
Nashville, TN 37243
615-741-2286
business.services@tn.gov

Directions | Hours and Holidays

Can't find what you need? Contact Business Services at (615) 741-2286 or business.services@tn.gov

How do I form a for-profit domestic corporation in Tennessee? How do I form a nonprofit domestic corporation in Tennessee? How do I form a limited liability company in Tennessee? How do I form a limited partnership in Tennessee? How do I form a limited liability partnership company in Tennessee? How do I obtain a certificate of authority for a for-profit corporation? How do I obtain a certificate of authority for a LLC? How do I obtain a certificate of authority for a LP? How do I obtain a certificate of authority for a LLP? How do I reinstatement my corporation? How do I reinstate my LLC? How do I reinstate my LLP? How do I obtain a Certificate of Existence/Authorization (Good Standing)? How do I file a UCC1? How do I file a continuation statement for a UCC1? How do I serve a summons/obtain service of process? How do I become a notary public in the state of Tennessee? How do I obtain a trademark or servicemark? How do I locate the application to file a temporary lien? How do I find information about the motor vehicle temporary lien program? How do I obtain an Apostille or an Authentication? How do I obtain certification as a municipal clerk?

 

Apostilles FAQs

Coporations FAQs

Motor Vehicle Temporary Liens

Notary FAQs

Summons/Service of Process FAQs

Trademarks FAQs

UCC FAQs