LLC or Corporation Formation (Articles of Organization / Charter): Nashville restaurant guide

Tennessee Secretary of State

What it is

Registers your company as a legal entity in Tennessee so it can sign the lease, hold permits and limit your personal liability.

When a restaurant needs it

Before signing a lease or applying for any license in the company's name.

How to apply

File online through the Secretary of State's business filing system (a TNCaB account is needed for annual reports), or by paper form.

Documents you’ll need

Entity name
Registered agent and address in Tennessee
Principal office address
Organizer/incorporator information
Number of members (LLC)

Fee

Varies by entity type (LLC fees are based on number of members) — see the Secretary of State's fee schedule

Processing time

Typically a few business days for online filings

Renewal

Annual report filed with the Secretary of State each year (LLCs: $300 minimum up to $3,000 based on number of members; corporations: $20)

Who files

The owner, an attorney, or a registered-agent/formation service can file.

Good to know

You need the Secretary of State control number for the Davidson County Clerk's business license application.

Official source

TN Secretary of State — Businesses

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.