Business License by State

Business License by State › Tennessee

Tennessee business license (2026)

General licenses are issued locally. The Tennessee Department of Revenue says: “Once you register for business tax, please contact the individual county and/or municipal clerk to arrange for payment of this required fee and to obtain your business license.”

  • State page read October 21, 2026
  • Quoted from the state

Tennessee at a glance

State rule
General licenses are issued locally
Next step
Contact your city or county for the license; the state does not issue a general one.
Forming an LLC
$300 with the Tennessee Secretary of State
Best overall in Tennessee

Mainstay Filing

Our rating: 4.9 out of 5

$199 / year, same at renewal

  • LLC formation, prepared and filed
  • Registered agent, all year
  • EIN application (with an SSN or ITIN)
  • Annual report filed every year it is due where the state requires one
  • Compliance reminders and stored documents

Price from the Mainstay Filing pricing and FAQ pages, checked October 21, 2026. State fees are passed through at cost and shown before you pay.

Questions

Does Tennessee require a business license?

General licenses are issued locally. The Tennessee Department of Revenue says: “Once you register for business tax, please contact the individual county and/or municipal clerk to arrange for payment of this required fee and to obtain your business license.”

Who do I contact in Tennessee?

Tennessee Department of Revenue (page linked below), your city or county clerk, and the Tennessee Secretary of State for forming the company.

Is a Tennessee LLC the same as a license?

No. Forming the LLC is a filing with the Tennessee Secretary of State, which charges $300. A license, where one applies, is a separate step.

Sources