If you’re planning to start a business in Tennessee, one of your first steps should be performing a Secretary of State TN business search. Whether you’re checking if a business name is available, verifying an existing company, or researching your competitors, this tool is essential. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know clearly, simply, and step by step.
What Is the Secretary of State TN Business Search?
The Secretary of State TN business search is an online tool offered by the Tennessee Secretary of State’s office. It helps anyone entrepreneurs, investors, or individuals find registered businesses in Tennessee. You can use it to:
Check if your business name is available
Verify if a company is in good standing
Review business formation dates
See who owns or runs a business
Download important business documents
This tool is especially useful for preventing name conflicts, doing due diligence, and maintaining compliance with state laws.
Why You Need to Use It Before Starting a Business
Before you form your LLC or corporation, you need to ensure your desired business name is not already taken. The Secretary of State TN business search shows all active and inactive businesses on file with the state.
If you skip this step, your registration could be rejected. Worse, you might accidentally infringe on someone else’s brand opening the door to legal problems.
How to Use the TN Business Search Tool for Competitor Analysis
Beyond name checks, the tool can help you analyze competitors:
See how long a rival company has been in business
Look at the status of similar companies (active, inactive, dissolved)
Find out who owns or manages competing businesses
Research businesses in your niche, industry, or city
This kind of analysis can be useful when planning your marketing strategy or pricing model.
How to Perform a Secretary of State TN Business Search (Step by Step)
Here’s how to do a search from start to finish.
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Head to the Tennessee Secretary of State’s official search portal:
https://tncab.tnsos.gov/business-entity-search
This is where all searches begin.
Step 2: Choose Your Search Type
You’ll have a few different options:
Entity Name Search by a full or partial business name
Control Number Use the business’s unique state ID
Registered Agent Search by the person or company who receives legal documents
Tip: For most people, the Entity Name option is the easiest place to start.
Step 3: Enter Your Search Terms
When entering a name:
Leave off “LLC” or “Inc.” to broaden your results
Use the “Contains” filter to find any business with your keywords
Try multiple versions of a name if you’re not sure of the spelling
Step 4: Review the Results
You’ll see a list of matching businesses that includes:
Business Name
Status (active, inactive, dissolved, etc.)
Formation Date
Control Number
Principal Office Address
Click on any business name to see more detailed info, including:
Filing history
Registered agent name and address
Officer or member names
Annual report status
Understanding Business Statuses in Tennessee
Here are some common statuses you’ll see:
Active Business is in good standing and operating
Inactive Missed filings, but could be reinstated
Dissolved Formally shut down
Revoked Foreign businesses (from out of state) lost their authority
Withdrawn The business left Tennessee voluntarily
If you’re considering doing business with someone, make sure their status is Active.
How to Monitor Business Status Changes in Tennessee
Did you know you can monitor changes to other businesses?
This is useful if:
You’re following a competitor
You’re watching a potential partner or vendor
You’re keeping tabs on your own business filings
You can check back manually or use tools like Google Alerts (paired with Control Numbers or business names) for updates.
Common Mistakes People Make During a Business Entity Search
Let’s help you avoid them:
Only using “Starts With” This limits results. Use “Contains” for a broader match.
Not checking spelling variations Try alternate versions or abbreviations.
Including LLC or Inc. Skip suffixes for a more accurate search.
Ignoring business status A company might appear, but it may not be active.
Assuming a name is available without reserving it Always double check and reserve.
Secretary of State TN Business Search on Mobile Devices
Good news: The TN business search tool is mobile friendly.
You can perform searches, review results, and even download PDFs from your phone or tablet. This is great for entrepreneurs on the go or professionals doing quick due diligence while meeting clients.
Can You Search Expired or Dissolved Businesses in Tennessee?
Yes, you can.
By default, the search shows all businesses active and inactive. This is useful if you’re:
Checking if a name used to exist (for legal reasons)
Trying to revive an old company
Researching brand history
You can also filter by status or sort by date to help narrow results.
How Often Is the TN Business Database Updated?
The Tennessee Secretary of State updates the business database daily, sometimes multiple times per day. This ensures:
Newly formed businesses appear quickly
Changes to existing businesses show up promptly
You can rely on it for up to date legal checks
For the most accurate data, always use the official site not third-party aggregators.
Secretary of State TN Business Search for Investors and Due Diligence
If you’re an investor or lender, this tool helps you verify:
The legitimacy of a company
Whether they’re in compliance
Who’s legally responsible for the business
Historical changes to the company’s structure
This kind of background check is vital before entering contracts or sending money.
What to Do After Finding an Available Name
If your desired business name is available, you have two options:
Option 1: Reserve It
File an Application for Name Reservation
Pay a $20 fee
Your name is reserved for 4 months
Option 2: Register Your Business
Choose a business type (LLC, Corp, etc.)
File Articles of Organization or Incorporation
Pay the filing fee (LLCs: $300 minimum)
You’ll also need to get an EIN from the IRS and register for any required state taxes.
Tennessee Naming Rules You Need to Know
Tennessee has some basic naming guidelines:
| Business Type | Required Words |
|---|---|
| LLC | Must include “LLC” or “Limited Liability Company” |
| Corporation | Must include “Inc.” or “Corporation” |
| Assumed Name | File separately for using a different public name |
Your name must also be “distinguishable upon the record”, meaning it can’t be too similar to any other existing name.
Filing Fees You Might Encounter
| Action | Cost |
|---|---|
| Name Reservation | $20 |
| LLC Filing | $300 minimum (based on members) |
| Corporation Filing | Varies (depends on shares) |
| Certificate of Existence | $20 |
| Assumed Name Filing | $20 (valid for 5 years) |
These fees are subject to change, so always check the latest info on the Secretary of State’s website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the Control Number?
A: It’s a unique ID given to each registered business. You can search using it for exact matches.
Q: Can I search by owner name?
A: Yes. Use the Registered Agent search to find businesses tied to a person or organization.
Q: What happens if no results are found?
A: That usually means the name is available. But verify it meets naming rules before registering.
Q: Does Tennessee allow DBAs?
A: Tennessee uses the term Assumed Name instead of DBA. It’s valid for 5 years and must be registered with the state.
Final Thoughts
The Secretary of State TN business search is one of the most important tools for any Tennessee entrepreneur, business owner, or investor. It helps you:
Avoid name conflicts
Stay legally compliant
Research the competition
Validate partnerships
Build your business on a strong legal foundation
Whether you’re forming a new LLC or checking on an existing company, this tool gives you the transparency you need to succeed in Tennessee’s growing business landscape.