Who Can File Here

• Anyone can request a Certificate of Existence.
• A Certificate can be requested for any business entity registered with the Secretary of State in Tennessee except for General Partnerships, Reserved Names and Registered Names.

What You Can Do Here

• Request a Certificate of Existence online and pay fee online. The filing fee is $20. An online service fee may be added to the filing fee.
• Request a Certificate of Existence by mail. The request information will be collected through the online tool, and then printed on the correct form to be mailed to the Secretary of State with payment. This option assists with the preparation of the request, but does not require online payment and is not charged a service fee.
• Pursuant to T.C.A. §47-29-102 a handling charge of $30.00 or the written amount of the item, whichever is less, will be charged on returned paper checks and electronic checks.

Instructions for Submission

• Enter the Secretary of State Control Number of the business entity.
• Validate that the correct entity has been identified.
• Enter your name and address as the certificate requestor.
• Provide online credit/debit card payment.
• Download and print your Certificate of Existence in PDF format.
• For assistance with your Certificate of Existence please contact Business Services at (615) 741-6488 or TNSOS.CERT@tn.gov.