Investigating a business operation in Tennessee is easier than most people realize—as long as you know where to look. Whether you’re starting a new business, performing a competitive check, verifying a prospective business partner, or simply checking the status of an LLC, you can start reliably and officially here: the Tennessee Business Entity Search.
It’s hosted by the Tennessee Secretary of State. The searchable online database is free, and it pulls in-depth company filings, registration status, and ownership. This article will provide helpful tips on how to use the database efficiently, an overview of the data it provides, and guidance on how to effectively analyze the results.
What Is the Tennessee Business Entity Search?
The Tennessee Business Entity Search is a publicly available resource provided by the Tennessee Secretary of State’s Division of Business Services. The search is a way for users to locate businesses that are registered in Tennessee including LLCs, corporations, nonprofits, partnerships, and more.
It provides essential details such as:
- Control Number
- Business Name
- Entity Type and Status
- Date of Formation and State of Formation
- Registered Agent and Office Address
- Filing History and Obligated Member Entity Info
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, attorney, accountant, or journalist, this database is your window into the legal status of Tennessee-registered entities.
Why Use the Tennessee Business Entity Search? Real-World Use Cases
Let’s talk practicality. Here are common reasons why professionals use the Tennessee Business Entity Search:
- ✅ Due diligence before entering into a business agreement.
- ✅ Checking the status of your own LLC (e.g., Active, Inactive, Dissolved).
- ✅ Verifying registration dates for contract eligibility or compliance.
- ✅ Looking up the registered agent for legal notices.
- ✅ Confirming if a business name is already in use before filing a new one.
It’s also commonly used for investigative journalism, business assessments and real estate partnerships, especially when used in conjunction with additional public databases like Tennessee Property Search (or the property appraisers in each state) or financial registries like the EDGAR SEC filings database.
How to Use the Tennessee Business Entity Search (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Go to the Official Portal
Visit the official Tennessee Business Entity Search page.
Step 2: Choose Your Search Method
You can search using:
- Business Name (full or partial)
- Control Number (a unique identifier assigned by the state)
Tip: If you’re unsure of the full legal name, use partial keywords to display all similar results.
Step 3: Review the Search Results
Once you submit a search, the database will return a table of results with the following information:
- Control No.
- Name
- Other Names Used (DBAs, aliases)
- Entity Type (e.g., LLC, Corporation, Nonprofit)
- Status (e.g., Active, Inactive, Dissolved)
- Formed In (State of formation)
- Registration Date
Clicking on the “Details” link in the first column opens the full profile for that entity.
Step 4: Understand the Full Business Record
The detailed business record includes:
- Formed In (State)
- Term of Duration
- Managed By (Member-managed or Manager-managed)
- Series LLC Status
- Number of Members
- Control Number & Initial Filing Date
- Fiscal Year-End Month
- Annual Report Due Date
- Obligated Member Entity
- Registered Agent (Name, Principal Office Address, Mailing Address)
- Filing History and changes over time
Best Practices When Using the Tennessee Business Entity Search
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
✅ Use partial keywords if you’re unsure of the exact name. Searching “Blue Ridge” may show “Blue Ridge Consulting, LLC” and “Blue Ridge Ventures, Inc.”
✅ Don’t ignore the “Other Names Used” column. Businesses often file DBAs (Doing Business As), especially in retail and e-commerce.
✅ Always check the “Status” field. Even a registered business can be “Inactive” or “Administratively Dissolved.”
✅ Registered Agent Info Matters. This is who you serve legal notices to—it’s often a law firm or business service company.
How It Compares: Tennessee vs. EDGAR vs. Property Search
While the EDGAR Database is focused on federal-level securities filings the Tennessee Business Entity Search concentrates on state-level business registration data. To get the entire picture combine both.
For example:
- Use Tennessee Business Entity Search to confirm legal status.
- Use EDGAR to review financials for public companies.
- Use the Tennessee Property Search to cross-check ownership records or office locations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Tennessee Business Entity Search
How to look up an LLC in Tennessee?
Go to the Tennessee Business Entity Search, enter the LLC name or control number, and click search. You’ll see entity status, formation date, and registered agent details.
How do I search for my LLC?
Use your business name or control number on the same portal. You can verify if your annual reports are due, check your fiscal year-end, and see whether your status is active.
How do I get my LLC in Tennessee?
To form an LLC, file the Articles of Organization with the Tennessee Secretary of State. You’ll need to appoint a registered agent and pay a filing fee. Learn more at sos.tn.gov.
How do I find out if a business name is available in Tennessee?
Use the Business Name search to check availability. If no results come up, it’s likely available. But always confirm by contacting the Division of Business Services.
How do I find if a business name is already taken?
Simply input your desired name into the Business Name search. If it’s registered, it’ll appear in the results.
How much is an LLC in Tennessee?
The cost varies based on the number of members. Generally, it starts at $300 for up to 6 members, and increases by $50 per member, capped at $3,000.
Final Thoughts
The Tennessee Business Entity Search is not merely a registry, it is a critical resource that assists with credibility verification, filing tracking, and informed business making decisions. In an era where side hustles, LLCs, and partnerships remote are prevalent, clarity and transparency matter more than ever. This is a few official, free available, programs that provide transparency.
If you cross check this data with other public record(s), such as real estate ownership or SEC filings, you may discover red flags or simply validate an important decision.
