How to Get a DBA Name For an LLC in Tennessee – An Easy Guide


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
Business Formation Expert
Steve Goldstein runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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Get a DBA Name in Tennessee

Are you looking to establish a business in Tennessee and need to get a DBA (Doing Business As) name for your venture? You’re in the right place! A DBA, also known as a Trade Name, Fictitious Name, or Assumed Name, allows you to conduct business under a name that’s different from your legal business name. This can be advantageous for branding, marketing, and overall business operations.

In Tennessee, if you’re willing to use a different name other than the legal name for your business, you must file the DBA (Doing Business As). The public (specifically your potential customers) knows your business by its registered legal name. Instead of using your formal business name, you may use the trade name or DBA in marketing and sales to reach a wider audience.

Tennessee, popularly known as The Volunteer State, has some regulations when it comes to filing your DBA name. However, the regulations can vary depending on the type of business structure you have. In this article, I will share the basic steps to get a DBA Name in Tennessee.

What is DBA Name in Tennessee?

Whenever you form an LLC or any business structure, you must get a name for it. Every company has a legitimate name. For instance, a partnership or sole proprietorship might function under the legal name of the company’s owner or owners. The name specified in the Charter for Profit Corporation or Articles of Organization may be used by any business entity, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), and others.

However, there are situations when you may decide against using your company’s registered legal name in Tennessee. This is due to a variety of factors. For instance, the legal name of your company can be unrelated to it or no longer accurately describe it. Or perhaps you want a new name without altering your documentation for incorporation or registration.

If you intend to run your business in Tennessee under a name other than your personal name or an existing corporate name, you must submit a DBA name with Tennessee state regardless of the type of business entity you have incorporated as (single proprietor, partnership, corporation, or LLC).

No restrictions exist on how many DBA names you can use to do business. However, each DBA name must be filed with the state where you conduct business. This is necessary because the general public has a legal right to know whether a specific individual or company is operating under a name other than their legal name.

In Tennessee, changing your business name is a risky factor. It can bring positive and negative effects on your business. Hence, before you file and change your legal business name, analyze all the risks and advantages.

–LLCBuddy Editorial Team

How to Get a DBA in Tennessee

To get a DBA in Tennessee, you must first check if any other business is already using the name before filing a DBA in Tennessee. You can then submit the Tennessee business name reservation form after it has been confirmed that no other company is already using the chosen name. You can search the Tennessee Government Records Inquiry System and confirm that the name you chose is not already in use. However, getting a DBA is not mandatory in many states. If you open an LLC in Tennessee, you must check with Tennessee Secretary of State whether you need to file DBA or not.

Guideline for choosing a DBA name

You must choose a name to register, which is the crucial step. There are a few straightforward LLC name guidelines to follow (if you’re forming an LLC) while choosing a name in Tennessee.

  • In Tennessee, fictional names cannot be the same or similar to one another. A DBA cannot deceive the public by appearing to be confusingly similar to any other business name.
  • Unless the company has been incorporated as an LLC or corporation, a DBA name cannot contain a corporate indication, such as Corp or LLC, or any other words that imply an entity type. This will stop a lone proprietor from passing for a legitimate corporation.
  • Any banking-related words without a letter from the Tennessee Banking Commissioner’s Office, or any insurance-related words without a letter from the Tennessee Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Insurance Division.
  • Any words that could confuse your corporation with a government agency (FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.).
  • A professional designation in the name (i.e., engineering, attorney) without a copy of the license of one officer/member or a letter from the governing agency allowing the use of the name without licensing.
  • Any words that indicate or imply that the corporation is engaged in a business that is not authorized by law to pursue.

How Can You Tell if a DBA Name in Tennessee is available?

Once you have selected a name that complies with the requirements mentioned above, there are a number of methods you can use to find out if the name is open for registration. One simple strategy is to look up other companies in Tennessee with the same name on Google.

It is a simple technique to clear out any already taken names, even though it may not guarantee that the name you want to register is accessible. As it is likely that you will require a website domain that matches your business name, you may also check to see whether the web domain for that name is accessible. For example, you can check Tennessee LLC name search guide to see how you can find the availability of your desired LLC name in Tennessee.

Before you may register your Trade Name in Tennessee, you must have used it for business purposes. Therefore, you must use a Trade Name as soon as possible if you want to register and protect it in Tennessee.

Register the Tennessee DBA Name

Once you have established that the name is available for registration, you must finish the file using the forms your county has provided. You must register your DBA name in the county where you intend to conduct business. In most Tennessee counties, the following fundamental information is needed-

  • Name of the company, its phone number, city, state, and street address
  • The organization type under which the business is incorporated
  • List the partners’ names and addresses (if applicable)
  • Describe the items, services, or business that will be delivered under the Fictitious Name in the registration form
  • Use of the Fictitious Name in the marketplace
  • Both the classification type and number
  • Make a mark (pick Trade Name)
  • Date and state of the first use of the trade name
  • When the Trade Name first appeared in Tennessee
  • Application’s name, title, signature, and date Email address

Submitting the Tennessee DBA Name Application

To file the Tennessee DBA Name, you must apply to the Tennessee Secretary of State. In Tennessee, you can file the DBA name in two methods, by mail and in person.. The cost of filing the Fictitious Name (DBA name) in Tennessee is Varies by county.

  • Online filing: There is no online filing available
  • Offline filing: For filing offline in Tennessee, you must send the accomplished DBA filing form to the Tennessee Secretary of State, Division of Business Services, 312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, 6th Floor, William R. Snodgrass Tower, Nashville, TN 37243 or drop it off in person at the same address.

Using the Tennessee Trade Name

Three “specimens” demonstrating the Trade Name used must be submitted to Tennessee Secretary of State. The following are some instances of acceptable specimens:

  • Business cards
  • Booklets,
  • Flyers,
  • Labels, and
  • Stickers

How to Renew a Trade Name in Tennessee

You can renew your DBA name after a stipulated time. In most states, the renewal of the DBA name follows the same process as filing a fresh DBA name. You need to get the DBA renewal form, fill it up with the correct information, and submit it to the state online or offline. The renew time for DBA name filing is five years in Tennessee.

How to Change a Trade Name

You can change your Trade Name (DBA or Fictitious Name) by applying to the Tennessee SOS. The process is similar. You can search for the name you want to have after changing the old Trade Name. If the name is available, make sure it follows other guidelines. You can reserve your DBA name for five years; after then, you can change or renew your DBA if needed through the Tennessee SOS.

FAQs

What is a DBA Name in Tennessee?
A DBA Name in Tennessee is a Doing Business As Name, which is used to identify a business entity that is operating under a different name than the legal, registered name.
How do I file a DBA Name in Tennessee?
You can file a DBA Name in Tennessee by filing an Application for Assumed Name with the County Clerk in the county where the business will be located.
Is there a fee to file a DBA Name in Tennessee?
Yes, there is a fee to file a DBA Name in Tennessee. The filing fee varies by county.
What information do I need to file a DBA Name in Tennessee?
You will need the name of the business, the county in which you are filing, the type of business you are filing, and your contact information.
How long does it take to file a DBA Name in Tennessee?
It typically takes a few days to file a DBA Name in Tennessee.
Do I need to file a DBA Name in Tennessee if I am an LLC?
Yes, you may need to file a DBA Name in Tennessee if you are an LLC. Even if you have a registered LLC name, you may need to file a DBA Name in order to use a different name for the business.
Do I need to file a DBA Name in Tennessee if I am a Corporation?
Yes, you may need to file a DBA Name in Tennessee if you are a Corporation. Even if you have a registered Corporation name, you may need to file a DBA Name in order to use a different name for the business.
Does a DBA Name in Tennessee need to be renewed?
Yes, a DBA Name in Tennessee needs to be renewed every five years.
What happens if I don’t renew my DBA Name in Tennessee?
If you do not renew your DBA Name in Tennessee, it will expire and you will need to refile.
Is a DBA Name in Tennessee the same as a sole proprietorship?
No, a DBA Name in Tennessee is not the same as a sole proprietorship. A DBA Name is a different name under which a business can operate while a sole proprietorship is a type of business entity.
Do I need to register my DBA Name in Tennessee with the state?
No, you do not need to register your DBA Name in Tennessee with the state. You only need to file your DBA Name with the County Clerk in the county where you will be operating your business.
Do I need to register my DBA Name in Tennessee with the IRS?
No, you do not need to register your DBA Name in Tennessee with the IRS. You will need to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for federal tax purposes.
Do I need to register my DBA Name in Tennessee with the Secretary of State?
No, you do not need to register your DBA Name in Tennessee with the Secretary of State. You will need to file the DBA Name with the County Clerk in the county where you will be operating your business.
How many DBA Names can I have in Tennessee?
There is no limit to the number of DBA Names you can have in Tennessee. However, you can only file one DBA Name in each county.
Do I need to publish my DBA Name in Tennessee?
Yes, you need to publish your DBA Name in Tennessee in a local newspaper of general circulation. This publication must be completed within 30 days of filing your DBA Name.
What is the cost to publish a DBA Name in Tennessee?
The cost to publish a DBA Name in Tennessee will vary depending on the newspaper you choose.
How long does it take to publish a DBA Name in Tennessee?
It typically takes a few days to publish a DBA Name in Tennessee.
Where do I publish a DBA Name in Tennessee?
You can publish your DBA Name in any local newspaper of general circulation in the county where you filed your DBA Name.
Do I need to register my DBA Name in Tennessee with the city?
It depends. You may need to register your DBA Name in Tennessee with the city if you are located in that city. Check with the city clerk to find out if registration is necessary.
Do I need to register my DBA Name in Tennessee with the county?
Yes, you will need to register your DBA Name in Tennessee with the County Clerk in the county where you will be operating your business.
Do I need a business license to use a DBA Name in Tennessee?
Yes, you may need a business license to use a DBA Name in Tennessee. Check with your local government to find out what licenses are required for your business.
Do I need to pay taxes on a DBA Name in Tennessee?
Yes, you may need to pay taxes on a DBA Name in Tennessee. Check with your local government to find out what taxes are required for your business.
Is a DBA Name in Tennessee the same as a trademark?
No, a DBA Name in Tennessee is not the same as a trademark. A DBA Name is a different name under which a business can operate while a trademark is a type of intellectual property protection.
Does a DBA Name in Tennessee protect my business name?
No, a DBA Name in Tennessee does not offer any legal protection for your business name. To protect your business name, you will need to file a trademark with the USPTO.
What if I change the name of my business in Tennessee?
If you change the name of your business in Tennessee, you will need to file a new DBA Name with the County Clerk in the county where you will be operating your business.
What is a DBA Name?
A DBA Name, or Doing Business As Name, is a name that a business can use to operate under rather than the legal name of the business.
What information is required to file a DBA Name in Tennessee?
To file a DBA Name in Tennessee, you must provide the name of the business, the name of the owner, the street address and mailing address of the business, and the purpose of the business.
How much does it cost to file a DBA Name in Tennessee?
The cost to file a DBA Name in Tennessee is $50.
What happens after I file a DBA Name in Tennessee?
After filing a DBA Name in Tennessee, the Secretary of State will review your application and either approve or deny the DBA Name.
How long does a DBA Name stay active in Tennessee?
A DBA Name in Tennessee is active for 5 years from the filing date.
What if I want to change my DBA Name in Tennessee?
If you want to change your DBA Name in Tennessee, you must submit a new “Fictitious Name” application to the Tennessee Secretary of State.
Is there a way to check if a DBA Name already exists in Tennessee?
Yes, you can check the Tennessee Secretary of State’s online database to see if a DBA Name already exists in Tennessee.

Also Read

Why Tennessee DBA Filing is So Important

One of the primary reasons why Tennessee DBA filing is so important is to establish and protect your brand identity. Your business name is often the first thing that customers notice about your company. A memorable and effective business name can set you apart from competitors and leave a lasting impression on potential customers. By properly registering your DBA name, you ensure that no other business in Tennessee can use the same name, reducing the risk of brand confusion and potential legal disputes.

Furthermore, registering a DBA name adds a layer of professionalism and legitimacy to your business. When you operate under a name other than your legal entity name, customers and vendors may perceive your business as more established and credible. This boost in credibility can be invaluable, especially for new or small businesses looking to build trust and reputation in the market.

A properly registered DBA name also allows you to create separate branding identities for different products or services within your business. This can help you target different customer segments, maintain consistent branding, and effectively market and promote your offerings.

Additionally, filing for a DBA name in Tennessee is essential for compliance and legal protection. In order to open a business bank account, accept payments, or enter into contracts using your DBA name, you will likely need to provide proof of registration. In the event of any legal disputes or issues, having a registered DBA can help establish your rights to the name and protect your business from potential litigation.

Overall, Tennessee DBA filing is a critical step for any business looking to operate under a name other than its legal entity name. By registering your DBA name, you can establish and protect your brand identity, enhance professionalism and credibility, create separate branding identities, and ensure compliance with state regulations. While the process may seem straightforward, the benefits of properly filing for a DBA name far outweigh any potential challenges or costs. So, before you launch your business in Tennessee, make sure to prioritize registering your DBA name to set yourself up for success in the competitive business landscape.

In Conclusion

A DBA name in Tennessee is the best way to update your business name. Unlike the registered legal business name, you can have as many as DBA names. You can use your new assumed name as soon as the state has processed your filing, and getting one is a rather simple process. Whether you have an LLC or any other business structure, filing a DBA name is helpful for your business upgradation anytime.

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