How to Register an LLC in Rhode Island

Learn how to form an LLC in Rhode Island by following these simple steps.

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Go to the Rhode Island Secretary of State website.

Go to the Rhode Island Secretary of State website. The address is https://sos.ri.gov/. Under the heading “Business Services” click on the link that says “Search for a Business.” This will take you to the page where you can search for businesses by name or by identifying information.

If you know the name of the company you are looking for, enter it in the “Name” field and click on “Search.” If you do not know the name of the company, but know either the company’s identification number or the type of business, select either “ID Number” or “Business Type” from the drop-down menu and enter the appropriate information in the search field. Then click on “Search.”

You will be taken to a list of businesses that match your search criteria. If you see the business you are looking for on this list, click on its name to go to its profile page. On this page, scroll down to the section labeled “Registered Agent.” The name and contact information for the registered agent will be listed here.

Search for the business entity you want to register.

The Rhode Island Division of Business Regulation’s Business Filings Office is responsible for registering all business entities conducting business in the state of Rhode Island. You can search for the business entity you want to register by name, file number, registration number, or entity type.

To search for a business entity:
Visit the Rhode Island Division of Business Regulation website.
Click on the Business Filings link.
Click on the Entity Search link.
Enter the name of the business entity you want to register in the Entity Name field.
Select the type of business entity from the drop-down menu.
Click on the Search button.

Select the type of business entity you want to register.

In Rhode Island, you can register your business as a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or corporation. Registering your business as an LLC offers certain benefits, such as personal asset protection and reduced self-employment taxes. To register your LLC in Rhode Island, follow these steps:

1. Choose a business name for your LLC. The name must be distinguishable from other businesses registered in Rhode Island and cannot include certain restricted words, such as “bank” or “insurance.”
2. Appoint a Registered Agent for your LLC. This is the person or business that will receive official correspondence on behalf of your LLC. The Registered Agent must have a physical address in Rhode Island and be available during business hours to accept service of process (notices of legal action).
3. File the Certificate of Organization with the Rhode Island Secretary of State. This is the document that officially forms your LLC.
4. Create an Operating Agreement for your LLC. This is not required in Rhode Island but is highly recommended. The Operating Agreement outlines the ownership and management structure of your LLC, as well as the rules and regulations for running the LLC on a day-to-day basis.
5. Obtain any necessary licenses and permits for your LLC’s business activities in Rhode Island. Depending on the nature of your business, you may need to obtain special licenses or permits from the state or local government in order to operate legally

Follow the instructions on how to register your business entity.

The first step is to choose a business name. The name must include “Limited Liability Company,” “L.L.C.” or “LLC.” It may not include words that would confuse the public about the nature of your business, such as “bank,” “insurance,” “corp.” or “inc.”

Next, you will need to file a Certificate of Organization with the Rhode Island Division of Business Regulation. The certificate must include:
-The LLC’s name and address
-The LLC’s purpose
-The name and address of the LLC’s registered agent
-The LLC’s effective date
-The LLC’s duration
-Whether the LLC will be managed by members or managers
-The names and addresses of the LLC’s organizers

You will also need to file a Statement of Purpose with the Department of State. This statement must include:
-The name of your limited liability company;
-The street address of your limited liability company in Rhode Island, including the city or town;

After your Certificate of Organization and Statement of Purpose have been filed and accepted, you will need to publish a notice in a local newspaper for six (6) consecutive weeks informing the public that you have formed a limited liability company in Rhode Island.