Tenn. Code Ann. § 53-7-216: License required for the operation of an establishment - Application

(a) No person shall maintain an establishment for the slaughtering of livestock or poultry or the processing of livestock, deer, or poultry without first having secured a license from the department of agriculture and having paid all inspection and license fees.

(b) Each separate business location shall be licensed, and the license shall not be transferable.

(c) Any person desiring a license shall make written application to the commissioner, stating the information required by the commissioner.

(d) Upon receipt of the application, the department shall make an examination and inspection of the establishment, and if it is found to be in a sanitary condition and to conform to the requirements of this part and of the regulations promulgated pursuant to this part, the commissioner, upon receipt of the license and inspection fees provided in § 53-7-219 , shall issue a license authorizing the applicant to carry on the establishment for the slaughtering of livestock or poultry or the processing of livestock, deer, or poultry.

(e) The license shall be valid for the remainder of the calendar year for which it is issued.