How to Register a Business Name in Rhode Island
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Rhode Island business name registration can be completed in three ways. You can create a separate business entity by forming an LLC or Corporation, or you can register a DBA (formally known as an Assumed Business Name) if you’re operating as a sole proprietor or general partnership. You can also opt to file a federal trademark to protect your business name throughout the United States.
Registration of your Rhode Island business name needs to be done before you complete other registrations like:
- Apply for a Rhode Island Sales Tax Permit for sales and use tax collection and remittance
- Complete employer registrations for Withholding tax and Employment Security, Temporary Disability Insurance, and Job Development Fund taxes
- Obtain mandatory licenses and permits from the RI Department of Labor and Training
- Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS
- Establishing a dedicated business bank account
How much does it cost to Register a Business Name in Rhode Island?
The cost to register a Rhode Island business name varies depending on the type of registration:
- Rhode Island LLC cost: $150
- Rhode Island Corporation cost: $238
- Rhode Island DBA cost: $10
Steps to Registering a Business Name in Rhode Island:
1. Check Business Name Availability
When you’re getting ready to register your Rhode Island business name, you have to verify if the name you want is available and isn’t too similar to other names that are already registered. This helps to lower the possibility that your business name registration is rejected due to a name conflict. To get this right, you should do three different searches:
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Trademark Search
Verifying your name is available starts with checking if it’s trademarked federally. If a name is registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), it’s pretty much off-limits to use as your business name. Federal trademarks have overriding authority over state and local registrations, so if you find the name in the trademark database, you probably should create a new one.
A search of the USPTO database can be completed by visiting the Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS) page. The results that it returns can be confusing and overwhelming. If you want a more streamlined set of results, you can use the Free Trademark Search available from Trademark Engine.
Rhode Island Business Name Search
Following your trademark search, it’s time to move on to verify you can use the name in Rhode Island. You can do a business name search using the Rhode Island Corporate Database, which searches the state’s database.
You’ll want to cover all your bases, so search using partial matches of your name or wildcard searches. This will ensure that both your exact name is available and remove the likelihood that any names are similar. One of the most common reasons a business name registration gets denied is because it’s too similar to a business already registered.
Pro Tip: When searching the Rhode Island database, pay attention to if your name was registered in the past. Even if the name is available now in Rhode Island, you’ll probably want to choose a new name if it was previously registered. Names that were previously issued often have problems getting an EIN.
Most businesses choose to get an EIN when they start, so if you see a business was previously registered under that name, there’s a good chance that an EIN was issued under that name in the past. If it was, you’ll be unable to get an EIN from the IRS online system and will receive reference error number 101. If you get this error, the only way to get an EIN under your business name is to call the IRS and fax them your business registration paperwork.
Website Domain Search
The last recommended search is to ensure that the domain name that matches your business name is available. Whether you build a website or not, you should register your business’ domain name to prevent others from taking your domain name, especially your competition. Registering your domain will also allow you to use a more professional email address with your business name.
Domain Name and Business Email
You can use Namecheap to verify if your domain name is available. They also offer a business email service that’s free to try for the first 60 days when you purchase a domain.
2. Choose a Business Structure
While you might be eager to just file your Rhode Island business name and continue in the process of starting your business, you need to finalize your business structure first. This is important for a few key reasons, one being that the specific requirements and registration process are different depending on your chosen structure. Your business structure also has implications for your legal liability as an owner, how the business will be taxed, and even impact how easy it is to get business loans or raise outside capital. If the explanations and comparisons provided below aren’t enough for you to decide, you should visit our Choosing a Business Structure Guide, which contains much more information on this topic.
Recommended Business Structure:
Typical new businesses can get the most by choosing an LLC because they combine most of the benefits from the three other structures into one. An LLC provides liability protection that sole proprietorships and general partnerships don’t offer and isn’t subject to double taxation like a corporation is.
You can get affordable help forming your LLC by using a professional formation service. Check our list of the top LLC formation services to find one that’s right for you.
LLC
An LLC, or Limited Liability Company, is a business form under Rhode Island law (R.I. Gen. Laws § 7-16) offering liability protection for owners, simplified management, and various tax possibilities, blending characteristics of both corporations and partnerships.
Learn More: What is an LLC
LLC Pros
- Personal liability protection
- Legally separate entity
- Default pass-through taxation (business income taxed once)
- Unlimited number of owners (members)
- Flexible management – can be run by members or non-owner managers
- Option for S-Corp tax status
LLC Cons
- Upfront filing costs
- Ongoing cost and filings to stay compliant
- Unable to go public
Do you need to register to be an LLC in Rhode Island?
Yes, for your business to legally be an LLC in Rhode Island, registration with the Rhode Island Secretary of State is required.
Corporation
A corporation is a business entity under Rhode Island law (R.I. Gen. Laws § 7-1.2) that’s separate legally from it’s owners. Stockholders own it, with limited liability. It’s excellent for gaining external funding and owner asset protection.
Learn More: What is a Corporation
Corporation Pros
- Personal liability protection
- Legally separate entity
- Unlimited number of owners (shareholders)
- Easier to raise capital by selling stock
- Able to go public
- Option for S-Corp tax status
Corporation Cons
- Default double taxation
- Upfront filing costs
- Ongoing costs and filings to stay compliant
- Increased record keeping requirements
- Strict management structures set by law
Do you need to register to be a Corporation in Rhode Island?
Yes, to be officially designated as a Corporation in Rhode Island, you are required to register with the Rhode Island Secretary of State.
Sole Proprietor
A sole proprietorship is a straightforward solo business. Begin with ease and limited paperwork. The business and owner are legally the same, creating unlimited personal liability.
Learn More: What is a Sole Proprietorship
Sole Proprietor Pros
- Easy and inexpensive to start
- Simple taxes (business income taxed once)
- Easy to maintain
- Complete control for owner
Sole Proprietor Cons
- Unlimited Liability Risk
- Hard to raise money and get loans
- Not separate from owner
- Difficult to sell business
- No other tax status options
Do you need to register your sole proprietor business name in Rhode Island?
If your business name doesn’t include your full name (first and last name), you’ll need to register your business name by filing a “doing business as” name (DBA). For example, if your name is “John Williams” and you work as a plumber, the name “John Williams Plumbing” wouldn’t need to register, but the name “Williams Plumbing” would be required to register.
Partnership
A partnership is a business with 2 or more owners who share all responsibilities of the business. Each partner has unlimited liability. Profits or losses are passed to the partners, who individually report on taxes.
Learn More: What is a Partnership
Partnership Pros
- Easy and inexpensive to start
- Pass-through taxation (business income taxed once)
- Unlimited number of owners (partners)
- Shared business responsibilities
Partnership Cons
- Unlimited Liability Risk
- Responsible for partners’ actions
- Hard to raise outside capital
- Not separate from partners
- Difficult to sell business
- No other tax status options
Do you need to register your partnership business name in Rhode Island?
If the business name for a general partnership in Rhode Island does not include the last names of all of the business partners, they must file for a “doing business as” (DBA) name, which is officially referred to as an Assumed Business Name. For example, if a business that does marketing consulting operates as a partnership and has three partners named Paul Clark, Brian King, and Brandon Turner, they can use the business name “Clark, King and Turner Marketing” without registering. However, if they want to use a more unique and brandable business name like “InsightEdge Marketing Consultants”, they would need to file an Assumed Business Name (DBA).
3. File your Rhode Island Business Name Registration
You’ve taken the steps to ensure your business name is unique and have decided on your business structure. Now, it’s time to seal the deal by filing your registration in Rhode Island. Follow the process that matches the business structure you chose. Just a reminder: sole proprietorships and partnerships register via a DBA.
Register a Rhode Island LLC Name
If you’re looking to register a Rhode Island LLC, you’ll need to file Articles of Organization with the Rhode Island Secretary of State, which has a filing fee of $150. Your Articles of Organization submission is where you’ll provide key details about your business, including:
- LLC Name
- Information about the LLC members (owners) and managers (if applicable)
- Business Address (Must be a physical address – PO Boxes not allowed)
- Name and Address of your Resident Agent
Rhode Island LLC Name Requirements
Rhode Island LLCs must use a name that follows the naming rules outlined in Rhode Island law (R.I. Gen. Laws § 7-16-9):
- Must be distinguishable (unique) from all others businesses registered with the Rhode Island Secretary of State
- Must clearly denote the business is legally structured as an LLC by including the words “limited liability company” or an abbreviation such as “LLC”
- Cannot use words or designators associated with Corporations such as “Corporation” “Incorporated” “Corp” or “Inc”
- Cannot contain words that imply association with a government entity
- Cannot contain words that are prohibited or require prior approval such as Bank, Trust
For more in-depth information check out our How to Start an LLC in Rhode Island guide, where we cover all the steps needed to form an LLC in full detail.
Want Help Starting a Rhode Island LLC?
Use a professional filing service like Northwest Registered Agent ($39 +state fees), which can save you $210 vs LegalZoom when forming a Rhode Island LLC.
Register a Rhode Island Corporation Name
To register a Corporation in Rhode Island you’ll need to submit Articles of Incorporation with the Rhode Island Secretary of State, which has a fee of $238. Within your Articles of Incorporation you’ll need to provide comprehensive business details, such as:
- Corporation Name
- Names and addresses of the board of the directors
- Number and type of authorized shares
- Business Address (Must be a physical address – PO Boxes not allowed)
- Name and Address of your Resident Agent
Rhode Island Corporation Name Requirements
Corporations in Rhode Island are required to use a name that follows the rules detailed under Rhode Island law (R.I. Gen. Laws § 7-1.2-401):
- Must be distinguishable (unique) from all others businesses registered with the Rhode Island Secretary of State
- Clearly indicate the business is legally structured as a corporation by including the words “Corporation” or “Incorporated” or use an abbreviation such as “Corp” or “Inc”
- Cannot use words or designators associated with LLCs such as “limited liability company” or “LLC”
- Cannot contain words that imply association with a government entity
- Cannot contain words that are prohibited or require prior approval such as Bank, Trust
Want to Incorporate in Rhode Island?
If you’re interested in incorporating, you can learn more with the ZenBusiness guide on How to Start a Corporation in Rhode Island, which covers each step you’ll need to complete to start a Rhode Island corporation.
Register a Rhode Island DBA (Assumed Business Name)
A Rhode Island DBA (Assumed Business Name) allows a business to operate using a business name that is different than their legal name. To register a Rhode Island DBA you’ll need to complete a Certificate of Assumed Business Name application and submit it to the city or town clerk’s office, along with the filing fee of $10. You’ll need to provide the following information:
- Name and address of Applicant(s)
- Business Name (Assumed Business Name)
- Address where business is transacted
Rhode Island DBA (Assumed Business Name) Requirements
The rules for a Rhode Island Assumed Business Name (DBAs) are not quite as strict as they are for LLCs or Corporations, however there are still restrictions. Mainly, your DBA can’t include designators used for legal entities like “LLC” or “Inc” in the Assumed Business Name. DBAs also can’t contain prohibited words or words that imply association with government entities.
Remember, if you’re running a business using any name other than your legal name in Rhode Island, registering a DBA is necessary. Any person or business that fails to comply with RI code 6-1-1 can be fined up to $500 or imprisoned for up to one year under R.I. Gen. Laws § 6-1-4.
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4. File a Trademark (Optional)
Consider trademarking your Rhode Island business name if you want more comprehensive business identity protection. Trademarks offer a federal-level control that goes beyond state boundaries.
You can apply for a trademark online on your own. However, the USPTO usually takes 7-9 months to review each application, so preparing your initial application carefully is crucial.
Errors and missing details in the initial application are some of the main reasons a trademark application takes over a year to be registered on average. Consider hiring a skilled attorney or filing service to ensure a seamless trademark registration process.
Trademark Filing Assistance
Ensure your trademark is filed properly with the help of the experts at Trademark Engine, who’ve helped file over 120,000 trademarks since 2016. Packages start at $99 (+USPTO fees).
Additional Business Resources in Rhode Island
For more help, check out our How to Start a Business in Rhode Island guide, or use these resources:
- Rhode Island Secretary of State – Official government website for business registration and information.
- Rhode Island Department of Revenue – Provides tax-related information and resources for businesses.
- Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce – Supports and advocates for businesses in Rhode Island.
- Rhode Island SBDC – Offers guidance, training, and resources for small business development.
- SCORE Rhode Island – Provides free mentoring and resources from experienced business professionals.
- Rhode Island Commerce Corporation – Offers financing programs and incentives for businesses in Rhode Island.