DoorWorthy

Who needs an assumed name registration (DBA) in Tennessee?

Issued by Tennessee Secretary of State, Division of Business Services, at step 1 of 6 in the opening sequence: set up the business.

Every kind of business in Tennessee

The Tennessee table lists this for every kind of business.

Needed when an LLC or corporation trades under any name other than its registered one. A sole proprietor files nothing with the state for a trade name, though the county clerk’s business license asks for it. No publication is required.

Checked Oct 21, 2026 against the agency’s page.

Step 1 of 6: Set up the business

  1. Set up the business
  2. Register for tax
  3. Approve the space
  4. Get the permits for your kind of business
  5. Alcohol permits
  6. Before the first hire

Issued by Tennessee Secretary of State, Division of Business Services.

Sources and dates

Secretary of State assumed name application (form SS-4402) and fee schedule. Checked against the agency’s page on the date shown; cities add their own fees.

Questions about opening here.