ClearFormation logoClearFormation

    TN · Registered agent

    Tennessee Registered Agent

    Tennessee requires a registered agent at a physical TN street address who can accept lawsuits and state mail during business hours. We serve as that agent and upload scans to your dashboard, usually the same day.

    TN registered agent

    $149/yr

    Billed annually · no state filing fee required

    • Physical Tennessee street address
    • Same-day scan of legal & state mail
    • Email alerts + online document portal
    Get a TN registered agent

    What your registered agent does in Tennessee

    Your registered agent is the official in-state contact for lawsuits and Tennessee Secretary of State mail. Here is what they handle:

    1. 1

      Accepts lawsuits in Tennessee

      • Lawsuits are delivered in person to the agent's TN address on file with the Tennessee Secretary of State.
      • They do not go to your home.
    2. 2

      Receives Tennessee Secretary of State mail

      • Annual report reminders and tax notices go to the agent's office.
      • We forward everything to you digitally the same day.
    3. 3

      Stays available year-round

      • Tennessee requires someone at the address during business hours all year.
      • A commercial service covers travel, moves, and remote work.

    Starting a Company?

    Form your Tennessee LLC or corporation first, and we'll set up your registered agent at the same time.

    Start Your Company

    Who needs a registered agent in Tennessee?

    A registered agent is the in-state contact that accepts lawsuits and Tennessee Secretary of State mail for your company. You need one if you have:

    • An LLC or corporation formed in Tennessee
    • An out-of-state entity foreign-qualified to do business in Tennessee
    • Licensed practices (PLLC or PC) — doctors, lawyers, CPAs, and similar professions

    List the agent when you file. If your current agent is missing or invalid, file a change-of-agent with the Tennessee Secretary of State.

    Can I be my own agent in Tennessee?

    Yes — if you have a physical Tennessee street address and are there during business hours. Most founders still use a commercial service:

    • Agent line. The registered agent street address on the SOS record is the service's address, not your home listed as agent. Other form fields may still ask for addresses that become public.
    • No missed mail. If you are not there when a process server arrives, you can lose by default.
    • You can move or travel. A commercial TN office stays the same when you relocate.

    PO boxes and most virtual offices do not qualify. Someone must accept legal papers in person during business hours.

    How to get a registered agent in Tennessee

    Appoint ClearFormation on a new formation filing, or switch an existing TN entity. We provide a physical street address, accept legal and state mail, and upload documents to your dashboard the same day.

    1. 1

      Appoint ClearFormation as your TN agent

      • New companies: include us on your Articles of Organization or Incorporation.
      • Existing entities: we prepare the change-of-agent filing with the Tennessee Secretary of State, including written consent.
    2. 2

      Legal and state mail arrives at our office

      Process servers and Tennessee Secretary of State correspondence are accepted in person during business hours at our staffed Tennessee address.

    3. 3

      We scan and alert you the same day

      You get an email when service of process or official state mail arrives — with a PDF in your ClearFormation account.

    4. 4

      Coverage stays active year-round

      • Your agent must stay on file for the life of the entity.
      • ClearFormation keeps the TN appointment active when you move or travel.

    Forming new? Agent service is included when you form an LLC in Tennessee or incorporate in Tennessee.

    How to change your agent in Tennessee

    Already have a Tennessee entity? File a change-of-agent form with the Tennessee Secretary of State. The new appointee must consent in writing. The state charges a small filing fee.

    1. 1

      Pick your new in-state agent

      • Confirm they have a physical TN street address and accept the role.
      • ClearFormation provides this in Tennessee.
    2. 2

      Gather entity details for the filing

      You need your entity name, Tennessee Secretary of State file number, current agent, and the new agent's name and TN address.

    3. 3

      File the change-of-agent form

      • Submit the form to the Tennessee Secretary of State with the state fee.
      • We prepare and file it, including written consent from the new agent.
    4. 4

      Notify your prior agent

      Cancel any outside service so you are not double-billed.

    Change your TN registered agent

    We prepare the change-of-agent filing with the Tennessee Secretary of State

    Change your TN agent

    Tennessee agent FAQs

    Also for Tennessee founders: Form an LLC in Tennessee · Form a corporation in Tennessee

    Ready to get a TN registered agent?

    Stay compliant in Tennessee without listing your home on public records.

    Get a TN registered agentStarting a company?

    Questions?