Tennessee Business Name Search (LLC Lookup) – Guide
Ensuring Your Tennessee LLC Name Is Available
A unique business name is key for branding, but it can be difficult to navigate the various rules for business names in Tennessee.
This page will guide you on how to check the availability of your LLC name and ensure it can be used.
Tennessee LLC Name Verification
When you submit your paperwork to establish an LLC in Tennessee, your filing could be rejected if the name you choose is already in use or does not adhere to state naming regulations.
How to Search the Tennessee Business Entity Name Database
You can utilize the business entity search to compare your business name with the currently registered entities in Tennessee.
✎ Note:
This tool is often referred to as either the Tennessee Business Name Search or the Tennessee Business Entity Search. Both terms describe the same website and provide the same search results.
Visit the Tennessee Business Entity Search page
Tennessee Secretary of State: Business Information Search
Enter your desired LLC name in the box. Select "Contains" as the search type, and then click Search.
- This database searches all business entities registered in South Dakota and shows you all similar names.
- Avoid entering a designator (like "LLC") during the search.
Why use "Contains"? If you select "Starts With", you might miss a similar name that includes a filler word. For example, if you searched "Prairie Outfitters" using the "Starts With" setting, you'd miss an existing business called The Prairie Outfitters Inc. You wouldn't be able to name your company "Prairie Outfitters LLC" if The Prairie Outfitters Inc. already exists.
Name Availability Search
We recommend using this in addition to the Business Information Search to double-check that your Tennessee LLC name is unique.
Tennessee Name Availability Search
Simply enter your desired LLC name in the box and click Search.
If you see "no matches found", the name is available.
If the name isn’t available, the system will show you other business names that are too similar to yours.
Need to save time?
Consider hiring a professional to set up your LLC: Northwest Registered Agent offers LLC formation services starting at $39 plus the state fee.
(Find out why Northwest is the top choice for LLC formation)
Search Tips:
- Exclude terms like "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company", and punctuation marks (commas, periods, apostrophes) from your search.
- You can use either uppercase or lowercase letters in your search.
★ Tip:
To ensure thoroughness, start with a search for the main part of your desired name. For instance, if you want "Sunset Ventures LLC", first search for "Sunset Ventures" and then "Sunset" to cover all possible variations.
How to Understand Tennessee LLC Search Results
If your search results show names that do not match yours exactly, your LLC name is likely available.
For example, if "Sunset Ventures LLC" yields results like "Sunset Management" and "Sunset LLC", your name should be available.
What If My Desired Name Is Not Available?
If the name you want is already in use, you will need to choose an alternative name or modify your desired name.
Tennessee Secretary of State Contact Information
You can contact the Tennessee Secretary of State to check if your LLC name is available.
While this service might not be available in every state, Tennessee representatives can guide you through the process of using the Tennessee Business Name Search to see if your name is free. They can not guarantee that your name will be approved, but they can provide useful information.
Call the Business Services at 615-741-2286, Monday through Friday, between 8 am to 4:30 pm Central Time.
Tennessee LLC Name Requirements
As per Section 48-207-101 of the Tennessee LLC Act, there are several rules and requirements you should be aware of when naming a Tennessee business entity.
Comma Usage
You are not required to use a comma in your LLC name. Both formats are acceptable:
- Volunteer Ventures LLC
- Volunteer Ventures, LLC
Permissible Designators
Your LLC name must end with one of the following designators:
- LLC
- L.L.C.
- Ltd. Liability Co.
- Limited Liability Co.
- Limited Liability Company
- Ltd. Liability Company
✎ Note:
The term "LLC" is the most commonly used.
Restricted Designators
Your LLC name cannot include terms that imply it is another type of business entity, such as:
- Inc.
- Corp.
- Corporation
- Incorporated
Restricted Words in Tennessee LLC Names
Your Tennessee LLC name cannot include words or abbreviations that are legally restricted.
For instance, you cannot name your LLC in a way that suggests it is a bank, a government agency, or any other entity that might mislead the public.
Additionally, you cannot use terms reserved for licensed professionals. These terms can differ by state but often include accountants, architects, attorneys, dentists, and engineers.
Ensuring Your Tennessee Business Name Is Distinguishable
To ensure your LLC name is acceptable, you must compare it with existing names using the Tennessee Secretary of State Business Information Search.
If your name is not unique, you will need to come up with a different or modified name.
Rules for Distinguishability
Designators
Merely changing the designator (the suffix of the name) does not make a name unique. For example, if "Cumberland Crafts LLC" is your desired name, it will not be acceptable if you find any of the following names in the Tennessee Business Name Search:
- Cumberland Crafts, Inc.
- Cumberland Crafts, Corp.
- Cumberland Crafts, L.L.C.
Filler Words
Adding filler words such as "the", "a", "an", "and"m or "&" does not make a name distinguishable. For instance, "Smoky Mountain Treasures LLC" will not be available if any of the following names are found:
- The Smoky Mountain Treasures LLC
- Of Smoky Mountain Treasures Inc.
- @ Smoky Mountain Treasures Corp
- Smoky & Mountain Treasures Ltd.
Capitalization
Differences in capitalization don't create distinguishability.
If your desired LLC name is "Rocky Top Ventures LLC", it's not available to use if any of the following are found:
- ROCKY TOP VENTURES Inc.
- rocky top ventures LP
- RoCkY tOp VeNtUrEs LLC
In other words, you’re allowed to use any capitalization you want. It just doesn’t make your name distinguishable from an existing company with the same name.
Punctuation and Spaces
Adding punctuation or spaces won't create distinguishability.
If your desired LLC name is "Music City Tours LLC", it's not available to use if any of the following are found:
- MusicCityTours Inc.
- "Music City" Tours Limited Liability Co.
- Music-City-Tours Inc.
- Music City LLC
Need to save time?
Consider hiring a professional to set up your LLC: Northwest Registered Agent offers LLC formation services starting at $39 plus the state fee.
(Find out why Northwest is the top choice for LLC formation)
What If My Business Name Is Rejected?
If you submit your Tennessee Articles of Organization and your chosen business name is not available, do not worry.
The state will inform you of the rejection and provide reasons. You will then need to resubmit with a new or adjusted name.
Do I need a name reservation in Tennessee?
No, a name reservation isn't required to form an LLC in Tennessee. You can directly file your LLC's Articles of Organization with your desired LLC name. A name reservation is an unnecessary step and a waste of money.
Does Tennessee require an LLC in the name?
Yes. Your Tennessee LLC name must include one of the following designators at the end:
- LLC
- Limited Liability Company
- Ltd. Liability Co.
Does my Tennessee LLC need a DBA?
No, you're not required to file a DBA ("Doing Business As") for your business entity in Tennessee. The state uses the term Assumed Name for this purpose. An Assumed Name allows your LLC to operate under a name different from its legal name (the name on your Articles of Organization).
If you want your LLC to do business under a different name, you must apply to register an Assumed Name online (or by mail) and pay an additional $20 fee to the Secretary of State. There is no limit to the number of Assumed Names an LLC can have, but the name must be distinguishable from existing business names in Tennessee.
When would my LLC use a DBA?
If you form an LLC named Channel Catfish Boat Tours LLC but wish to use a simpler name like Catfish Tours, you would need to file an Assumed Name Registration. Similarly, if you want to use the name Channel Catfish Boat Tours without the “LLC” suffix, you must file an Assumed Name for that as well.
How do I get a business domain name?
After choosing a business name, it's wise to check if the domain name is available before forming your LLC. You can use services like GoDaddy to search for available domain names.
What does "distinguishability" mean?
"Distinguishability" means that each business entity name must be unique in the records of the Secretary of State. No two businesses can have the same name. For instance, if you want to form an LLC called Mockingbird Landscapers LLC, but there is already a business named Mockingbird Landscapers, Inc., you cannot use that name. Your desired name must be different from existing names in Tennessee.
How do I come up with a business name?
Choosing a business name is crucial for your brand. Here's a method to help:
- Write down your company's features and desired associations.
- Generate a list of potential names without editing them at first.
- Review and refine the list, noting variations.
- Set the list aside, engage in another activity, then revisit it to add more ideas.
- Read the list out loud and seek feedback from others.
- Repeat the process, refining and seeking feedback as needed.
- If needed, use a trick like counting to 10 to make a final decision. Trust your instincts and choose what feels right.
Can I use the name of another Tennessee entity?
No, you cannot use the same name as another Tennessee business, regardless of entity type. Even if the entity is in "delinquent" status, the name is not available. However, if a business is dissolved, the name may become available for use.
How do I change my LLC name?
You can change your LLC's name later by filing an Amendment form with the Secretary of State. Detailed instructions on how to change an LLC name in Tennessee are available from the Secretary of State.
How to start an LLC in Tennessee?
To start an LLC in Tennessee, follow these steps:
- Choose an LLC name and ensure it's available.
- Select a Tennessee Registered Agent.
- File the Tennessee LLC Articles of Organization.
- Complete and sign an LLC Operating Agreement.
- Obtain a Tax ID Number (EIN) from the IRS.
- Open an LLC bank account.
- Check if you need a business or sales tax license in Tennessee.