A method for registering an HVAC device in a distributed building management system (BMS). The method includes requesting a token. The token is configured to authorize a registration of the HVAC device. The method further includes receiving the token at a registration service, and receiving a unique ID associated with the HVAC device at the registration service. The method also includes registering the device into a document database of the registration service and generating a device shadow associated with the HVAC device. The method also includes storing the device shadow in the distributed BMS.