How to Change the Registered Agent for Your Tennessee Business

If you are making a change to your registered agent in Tennessee , you’ll need to inform the Tennessee Secretary of state. It costs $20 to do it yourself. Read this guide to learn how.

Looking for a new registered agent? Our favorite, Northwest Registered Agent, will pay your transfer fees and take care of all the reporting requirements at no additional charge.

Step By Step Guide to Change Your Tennessee Registered Agent

Follow this step by step Guide to change your registered agent and stay in compliance with the state of Tennessee.

Step 1: Go to the Tennessee Secretary of State website

To begin the process of changing your registered agent in Tennessee, visit the Tennessee Secretary of State website. Follow this link to go directly to the registered agent change page.

Step 2: Enter Your Company’s Secretary of State Control Number

You can find your company’s control number through the business information search page.

Step 3: Choose your business entity type

Next, you’ll need to choose your business entity type from the list of options provided. This could include a corporation, limited liability company (LLC), or other type of business entity.

Step 4: Select “Change Registered Agent”

After choosing your business entity type, select “Change Registered Agent” from the list of filing options. This will take you to a page with information about the process of changing your registered agent.

Step 5: Log in or create an account

To file your change of registered agent online, you’ll need to log in or create an account on the Tennessee Secretary of State’s website. If you already have an account, enter your username and password. If not, click on “New User” and follow the prompts to create your account.

What Do Registered Agents Actually Do?

The minimum requirements of a registered agent are to receive your official state mail and service of process, but a good registered agent can become an essential part of your business’ compliance needs.

An excellent registered agent will:

  • Help keep your address off public documents.
  • Send you same day digital scans of all legal documents and state notifications.
  • Offer services in all 50 states.
  • Provide compliance management like annual report reminders and filing services.

Businesses Structures That Are Required to Have a Registered Agent in Tennessee

All businesses, domestic and foreign, that register with the Tennessee Secretary of State must maintain a registered agent. This includes all:

  • LLCs
  • Corporations
  • Limited partnerships
  • Limited Liability Partnerships

It does not include:

  • Sole proprietors
  • General partnerships

Frequently Asked Questions

A registered agent is a person or entity that is designated to receive legal documents, such as lawsuits and subpoenas, on behalf of a business entity in Tennessee.

To change your registered agent in Tennessee, you must file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office with the Tennessee Secretary of State’s office. The form can be filed online or by mail.

Yes, you can be your own registered agent in Tennessee if you are a resident of Tennessee and have a physical address in the state where you can receive legal documents during business hours. However, many businesses choose to hire a professional registered agent service to avoid the risk of missing important legal documents.

If you fail to maintain a registered agent in Tennessee, your business entity may fall out of good standing with the state and be subject to penalties or fines. Additionally, if you are sued and cannot be served with legal documents, a judge may enter a default judgment against your business entity, which could result in significant financial and legal consequences.