File a DBA in Tennessee

Some states require a DBA (doing business as) form to be filed before allowing a company to do business under a different name. Find out more about DBAs, how to form one, how they can help grow your business, and more.

What's your DBA name?

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file a dba in tennessee

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Updated on: July 8, 2025
Read time: 2 min

What is a DBA?

If a business wants to operate with a name that is different from the name used to form the business, it may have to register the new name (called a trade name). This is often called filing for a DBA, or doing business as. For example, if “ABC Company LLC” wants to do business as “Best Dry Cleaners in Town,” then the owners may have to file a DBA.

When you need a DBA

Under Tennessee law, DBAs are available principally to corporations, LLCs, LPs, and LLPs. Sole proprietorships and general partnerships are expected to operate under the name of the proprietor or the names of the partners.

That said, most county offices in Tennessee will assist a smaller company that wants to operate under a different name while avoiding both consumer confusion and potential legal liability. Even if it is not required, registering a different name with a DBA allows the company to open bank accounts in the new name, write contracts with the name, and otherwise conduct business using the trade name.

Choosing a name

When choosing a name, keep in mind that Tennessee prohibits a corporate name that implies that a company transacts business for which authorization is required but for which the company has no such authorization. For example, you can’t name a business something that implies it performs medicine when, in fact, the owners aren’t licensed medical professionals.

Tennessee also prohibits names that imply false affiliations with fraternal, veterans, service, religious, charitable, or professional organizations unless those affiliations are real. Finally, names implying a governmental affiliation are also prohibited unless that affiliation is legitimate.

Setting up a DBA in Tennessee

A DBA filing begins with searching for the relevant name to make sure that the name is not already in use. You can’t use a business name in Tennessee that is already registered with the Secretary of State.

Tennessee DBA filing & registration

The requirements for filing a DBA vary depending on the type of business seeking a trade name, but in general, the paperwork will want to know the company’s true name, its principal place of business, a statement of intent to transact business under the name in question, and the assumed name to be adopted.

Tax considerations

Getting a trade name registered by filing a DBA doesn’t change how your company is taxed.

Ready to get a DBA in Tennessee? LegalZoom can help you get started with filing the paperwork for your DBA. We can also get you in touch with a business attorney or tax professional to help you make specific decisions about your business.

What's your DBA name?Register my DBA
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This article is for informational purposes. This content is not legal advice, it is the expression of the author and has not been evaluated by LegalZoom for accuracy or changes in the law.

30 days ago
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10/10 customer service

Both Kathy and Princess made the process of filing my DBA incredibly easy and were able to walk me through the process the entire time. Both were incredibly kind and helpful and I'm so grateful to the LegalZoom team for being there to support me through any troubles I have with my small business!

Kate
69 days ago
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Very helpful everyone I spoke with was…

Very helpful everyone I spoke with was very knowledgeable and pointed me in the right direction. My dba was filed swiftly and I was informed about the progress the entire time. Very happy with the results.

karl anderson
78 days ago
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KIERVE has Excellent Customer Service

KIERVE was very knowledgeable and provided the information I requested with additional things to assist me with creating a new DBA. I appreciated how patient they were and ensured everything had processed to the next step before we signed off the chat. Excellent customer service!

Tenika Ashley
122 days ago
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Customer Service exceeded my expectations.

After an initial dilemma with my DBA filing in California, a LegalZoom account executive took the reigns and made everything right by going above and beyond my expectations. Thank you LegalZoom!

Clinton Goodrich
207 days ago
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Very helpful

I called in looking for help with my DBA and was able to complete setting it up effortlessly and got help with a few more items I didn’t even know I needed.

Kevin McCarthy
211 days ago
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Joe was extraordinary

Joe was extraordinary! I called to add a DBA to my existing LLC, and he got straight to the point with exactly what I needed. He went above and beyond by taking the time to answer my questions thoroughly and even checked my account. He pointed out a couple of things for me to review, and if that wasn’t enough, he even sent me a screenshot so I knew exactly what he was referring to. Wow—what an asset to your company! Loyal customer here!

Juan Ferrer
Rated4.6out of 5 based on23,946+ reviewson

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