How to Register a Foreign LLC in Tennessee (2026): 5 Steps and the 3 Best Services
Here is the 2026 answer for registering a foreign LLC in Tennessee: Mainstay Filing ($199), TN Registered Agent.org ($199) and Tennessee Registered Agent.co ($199), ranked in that order. The lesson follows in 5 steps; the state's filing fee is $300, and each report after that is $300.
Published prices, read November 12, 2026. Plus the $300 state fee in each case.
How to register in Tennessee
Step1
Step 1: Know when registration is required
Formed somewhere else but doing business in Tennessee? Then the LLC registers there as a foreign LLC. Operating without it: No lawsuits as plaintiff before registering (Tenn. Code Ann. 48-249-913(a)). Its agreements are not voided (Tenn. Code Ann. 48-249-913(f)).
Attach certificate of existence or good standing, no older than 60 days.
TipRequest it close to your filing date.
Step3
Step 3: Choose the Tennessee registered agent
Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address. The address has to be a Tennessee street address, with the county. P.O. boxes are not accepted.
TipEach of our picks includes the registered agent.
Step 4: Send in the Application for Certificate of Authority, Foreign Limited Liability Company
The Application for Certificate of Authority, Foreign Limited Liability Company (SS-4233) goes to the Tennessee Secretary of State, Division of Business and Charitable Organizations with $300.
Next comes the annual report at $300, first day of the fourth month after fiscal year end (April 1 for a calendar year).
Tennessee costs by step
Step
Paid to
Price
Foreign registration
Paid to the state
$300
Annual report
Paid to the state
$300
Service fees (optional)
The service
$199 in year one
Three years of state fees
Paid to the state
$900
For the three-year state total we add the filing fee, the reports in years two and three and any minimum yearly tax.
Why this order
The grade turned on lesson steps handled (35%), where Mainstay Filing came out ahead of TN Registered Agent.org.
Since the LLC operates in two states, coverage decided it.
Tennessee questions
What does it cost to register a foreign LLC in Tennessee?
$300 to the state. Our picks add $199.
Which form do I file to register?
The Tennessee Secretary of State, Division of Business and Charitable Organizations takes the Application for Certificate of Authority, Foreign Limited Liability Company (SS-4233).
Do I need a certificate from my home state?
Yes: certificate of existence or good standing, issued within 60 days of filing.
What if the LLC does business there without registering?
No lawsuits as plaintiff before registering (Tenn. Code Ann. 48-249-913(a)). Its agreements are not voided (Tenn. Code Ann. 48-249-913(f)).
What is due after registering?
After registering, the LLC owes the annual report ($300 each time).
Which service should handle the registration?
Mainstay Filing, TN Registered Agent.org and Tennessee Registered Agent.co, ranked in that order.