Tennessee § 48-11-309 - Certificate of existence or authorization.

Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 48-11-309 — Certificate of existence or authorization., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 48-11-309. Certificate of existence or authorization.

Any person may apply to the secretary of state to furnish a certificate of existence for a domestic corporation or a certificate of authorization for a foreign corporation authorized to transact business in this state. A certificate of existence or authorization sets forth: The domestic corporation's corporate name or the foreign corporation's corporate name used in this state; That: The domestic corporation is duly incorporated under the laws of this state, the effective date of its incorporation, and the period of its duration if less than perpetual; or The foreign corporation is authorized to transact business in this state; That all fees, taxes and penalties owed to this state have been paid, if: Payment is reflected in the records of the secretary of state or the department of revenue; and Nonpayment allows: Administrative dissolution of a domestic corporation; or Administrative revocation of the certificate of authority of a foreign corporation; That its most recent annual report required by § 48-26-203 has been filed with the secretary of state; For a domestic corporation: That articles of termination of existence have not been filed; Whether or not articles of dissolution have been filed and remain effective; Whether or not a certificate of dissolution has been filed and remains effective; and That a decree of judicial dissolution has not been filed; For a foreign corporation: That a certificate of withdrawal has not been filed; and Whether or not a certificate of revocation of certificate of authority has been filed and remains effective; That the certificate is effective as of the date of the issuance of the certificate; and Other facts of record in the office of the secretary of state that may be requested by the applicant. Subject to any qualification stated in the certificate, a certificate of existence or authorization issued by the secretary of state is effective as of the date on the certificate and may be relied upon as conclusive evidence that the domestic or foreign corporation is in existence or is authorized to transact business in this state and is in good standing. Acts 1986, ch. 887, § 1.38; 1987, ch. 273, § 18; 1991, ch. 188, § 12; 1994, ch. 776, § 5; 2010, ch. 742, § 1; 2011, ch. 99, § 25.

Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 48-11-309

What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 48-11-309 cover?

Section 48-11-309 ("Certificate of existence or authorization.") is part of the Tennessee Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Tennessee. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Tennessee § 48-11-309?

A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 48-11-309" (Tennessee). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Tennessee law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Tennessee official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Tennessee attorney.

How does Tennessee § 48-11-309 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Tennessee can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Tennessee.