Process Serving · Corporations and entities
Serving Businesses and Registered Agents in Tennessee
DFS serves corporations, LLCs and other entities through the people Tennessee rules generally recognize: registered agents, officers and managing agents, identified before the agent arrives.
How DFS handles entity service
Service on corporations and LLCs through registered agents, officers or managing agents, with the recipient confirmed in advance.
- Recipient researchInvestigators check the entity's registered agent and listed officers in public records before dispatch.
- Registered agent serviceDelivery to the designated registered agent at the address on file.
- Officer or managing agent serviceService on an officer or managing agent when the registered agent route is not used or not available.
- Name and title on the returnThe return records who accepted the papers and the role they stated.
- Recorded handoffBody-camera footage shows the conversation confirming the recipient's authority.
The front desk is not the defendant
Handing a complaint to whoever answers the lobby phone can leave service open to challenge. Entity service depends on reaching a person with authority to accept it.
Tennessee Rule 4.04(4) generally allows service on a corporation through an officer, a managing agent or its registered agent. The work is in confirming who that person is and where to find them.
Entity service workflow
- Name the entity exactlyProvide the full legal name as it appears in the pleadings.
- Recipient confirmedDFS identifies the registered agent or officer and notes any address discrepancy for you.
- Serve and documentThe agent delivers to the confirmed person and captures their name and title.
- Return completedThe return and affidavit reflect the entity, the individual served and their capacity.
Points counsel should confirm
Which person may accept service for an entity is a legal question, and the answer can turn on the entity type and the court.
- DFS reports what it finds in public records; counsel decides which recipient satisfies the rule.
- A registered agent address that is outdated or vacant will be documented and reported back.
- Staff who refuse to identify themselves are described on the return and in the footage.
Questions about business & registered agent
What if the registered agent has moved?
DFS documents the failed address, checks public records for current information and reports options to you before trying another recipient.
Can you serve a business at a retail location?
An agent can attempt service on an officer or managing agent there. The return will state who accepted and their stated role so counsel can assess it.
Do you serve partnerships and LLCs too?
Yes. Tell us the entity type and DFS will identify the likely recipient for counsel to confirm.
Guides on this topic
Longer answers from the DFS Guides & FAQ.
Related services
Next steps and alternatives that often go with this work.
Reviewed October 2026 by Delator Field Services. General information, not legal advice.
Papers ready to go out?
Send the documents and the recipient’s last known address through the request form. DFS confirms the county, tier and price in writing before the first attempt.
Questions first? Call or text (629) 310-8667 or email contact@delatorgroup.com.