What it means · Tennessee
3 Best Registered Agents in Tennessee (2026) and Why
In brief
- Required by the state?
- Required
- Legal title
- Registered agent
- What services charge
- $99 to $149 every year
- Services we suggest
- TN Registered Agent.org, Mainstay Filing then Tennessee Registered Agent.co
The Tennessee shortlist
Ranked using five checks described on our method page.1. TN Registered Agent.org: best for keeping three-year cost down
$99 in year one and $99 when renewed
TN Registered Agent.org comes out on top: three years total $297 for a company that never leaves Tennessee.
Cost settles it: three years here total less than with Mainstay Filing.
Includes
- The registered office address
- Legal papers scanned to your account
Points in its favor
- $99 annually, flat
- A lower annual price than Mainstay Filing
Where it falls short
- Covers Tennessee only
- Annual report is up to you
2. Mainstay Filing: best for owners planning to grow
$149 in year one and $149 when renewed
Number 2 on the list is Mainstay Filing, where it costs $149 a year, renewing at $149, and one account serves any state.
TN Registered Agent.org is $150 less over three years, which is enough to place it higher.
Includes
- A physical address in the state
- Three government mailings a year scanned at no charge
- Works for LLCs, corporations, LPs, LLPs and nonprofits
Points in its favor
- $149 annually
- Covers every state you might add
Where it falls short
- $50 more a year than TN Registered Agent.org
- An agent only; it does not file reports on its own
3. Tennessee Registered Agent.co: best for local support
$99 in year one and $99 when renewed
Tennessee Registered Agent.co ranks third. In short, three years total $297 for a company that never leaves Tennessee.
With the same prices as TN Registered Agent.org, this is a near tie.
Includes
- The registered office address
- Legal papers scanned to your account
Points in its favor
- $99 annually, flat
- A lower annual price than Mainstay Filing
Where it falls short
- Covers Tennessee only
- Annual report is up to you
How they stack up
| # | Company | Year one | Renewal price | Total, 3 years | What you get | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TN Registered Agent.org | $99 | $99/yr | $297 | the registered office address; legal papers scanned to your account | Open TN Registered Agent.orgPartner link. We may earn money if you buy. |
| 2 | Mainstay Filing | $149 | $149/yr | $447 | A physical address in the state; three government mailings a year scanned at no charge; Works for LLCs, corporations, LPs, LLPs and nonprofits | Open Mainstay FilingPartner link. We may earn money if you buy. |
| 3 | Tennessee Registered Agent.co | $99 | $99/yr | $297 | the registered office address; legal papers scanned to your account | Open Tennessee Registered Agent.coPartner link. We may earn money if you buy. |
Key questions
Is naming a registered agent optional?
Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address.
The governing law: Tenn. Code Ann. § 48-249-109. see sos-prod.tnsosgovfiles.com, October 2026
Can just anyone act as agent?
A Tennessee resident, or a business entity formed in Tennessee or authorized there with an office at the registered office street address.
Qualify, and you do not need to pay for an agent.
How much does an agent charge?
The recommended services charge $99 to $149 annually, or $297 to $447 across three years.
Whichever agent you choose, the state charges the same.
Why does the state require one?
It receives legal documents for the LLC at an address in Tennessee.
That is the reason the address has to be staffed during business hours. Understanding service of process
What else comes due each year?
Plan on $300 every year for the annual report. The state sets the deadline as on or before the first day of the fourth month following the close of the LLC's fiscal year; put it in your calendar.
see sos.tn.gov, October 2026
What decided the ranking?
What three years cost counts for 34%, and TN Registered Agent.org comes out ahead on it.
Our weighting leans on what three years cost first and how much work the price handles second, then three smaller factors.
Picking TN Registered Agent.org leaves $150 in your pocket after three years compared with Mainstay Filing.
Tennessee requirements checklist
| Item | What the state says | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Fee to file the LLC | $300 | see sos.tn.gov, October 2026 |
| Registered agent | Required | see sos-prod.tnsosgovfiles.com, October 2026 |
| Annual report | $300 every year | see sos.tn.gov, October 2026 |
| Years one to three, state fees | $900 | The rows above, added |
More explanations
May I be my own agent?
Yes, provided you meet the state's rule. Many owners still hire a service to keep their address private.
Which addresses does the state accept?
The address has to be a Tennessee street address, with the county. P.O. boxes are not accepted.
What are the three-year totals?
TN Registered Agent.org at $297, Mainstay Filing at $447, Tennessee Registered Agent.co at $297
Where do the numbers come from?
State fees come from Tennessee's official sources, cited by each figure. Service prices come from each company's own pricing page.
Is a service required?
No law demands one. A service is a convenience.
Which registered agent do you recommend in Tennessee?
We would start with TN Registered Agent.org, then Mainstay Filing and Tennessee Registered Agent.co.
Where the facts come from
- August 2026 confirmation of Tennessee Secretary of State, Division at tnbear.tn.gov
- August 2026 confirmation of Tennessee Secretary of State, Division at sos.tn.gov
- October 2026 confirmation of Tennessee yearly filing: Annual report at sos.tn.gov
- August 2026 confirmation of Tennessee report due date at law.justia.com
- October 2026 confirmation of Tennessee formation fee: Filing fee at sos.tn.gov
- October 2026 confirmation of Tennessee registered agent statute at sos-prod.tnsosgovfiles.com
- TN Registered Agent.org pricing page, read November 13, 2026
- Mainstay Filing Tennessee service page, read November 13, 2026
- Tennessee Registered Agent.co pricing page, read November 13, 2026