Rhode Island (RI) Secretary of State (SOS) LLC & Business Search

A business search facility is available on the Rhode Island Department of State website where they enable users to search their Corporate Database for business entities.

They offer a variety of search methods to find businesses that have been registered in Rhode Island which includes:

• Entity name
• Individual name
• Identification number
• Filing number
• Agent
• Business address
• Purpose
• NAICS code

Search by entity name

The Rhode Island Corporate Database can be searched by entity name and can be filtered by begins with, exact match, full text or soundex.

The results appear in a list which displays the entity name, ID number, NAICS, inactive status and address.

The businesses displayed in the list can be viewed in more detail by clicking on the entity name highlighted in blue. The entity record displays a range of publicly available information including:

• Entity name
• Entity type
• Identification number
• Date of organization in Rhode Island
• Effective date
• Location of the principal office
• Mailing address
• Registered agent details
• Manager details
• Purpose
• NAICS code
• Filing history

You can also request copies of certificates for the business but a fee applies for this.

Search by individual name

The database can be searched by individual name which includes officer, director or manager. The search allows you to enter the first, middle and last names in separate search fields.

The search results include any businesses that have anyone with the search name in any position in the business. The displayed list includes name, position, individual’s address, entity name and ID number.

If you want to see further information about any of the businesses listed you can click on the entity name colored in blue. The record displays additional information including date organized, business addresses, agent details and filing history, plus more as detailed above in search by entity name.

Search by identification number

If you know the identification number for a business then you can search the Rhode Island Corporate Database by this for speed.

The search results should produce a single record as this is a unique number to the business and it should open the business record directly. The business record details publicly available information such as date of organization, addresses, manager details, agent details and more as listed above in search by entity name.

Search by filing number

You can also search the database by a filing number which is unique to the document filed for a business.

The results should produce a list with a single document in it with details of the name of the filing, year filed, date filed and filing number. You can view a copy of the document filed by clicking on the pdf link in the view pdf column which is the right-hand column.

Search by agent

The Rhode Island Corporate Database can be searched by registered agent which is a single field allowing you to search for a named individual or a business name.

The results are displayed in a list detailing the agent name, entity name, address, ID number and inactive status.

You can view more information about any of the businesses listed by clicking on the entity name highlighted in blue. The record includes additional information such as manager details, formation details and filing history, plus more as listed above in search by entity name.

Search by business address

You can also search the database by business address such as location or street.

The results include all businesses that have the address keyword as part of their address. The information displayed includes entity name, ID number, NAICS, inactive status and address.

Further information about the businesses can viewed by clicking on the entity name in blue text. The business record includes additional information such as formation details, manager details, agent details, filing history, and more as listed above in search by entity name.

Contact details

Website: https://www.sos.ri.gov/

Phone: (401) 222-3040

Address: 148 West River Street, Providence, RI 02904-2615

Hours: Monday-Friday 8.30am-4.30pm

Email: corporations@sos.ri.gov

How to register a business in Rhode Island?

If you are starting a business in Rhode Island then you will need to register your business before you start to operate. The steps below can help you through the process:

1. Your business will first need a name and you will need to check whether the name is available by using the Rhode Island Department of State Corporate Database.
2. A registered agent is required in Rhode Island and they must be a Rhode Island resident or entity to do this.
3. You will need to decide what business structure you will operate under such as a limited liability company or sole proprietorship.
4. Once you have the above details ready you can then register your business. It will depend on your business structure which documents you complete.
   • Limited liability companies need to complete Articles of Organization with a filing fee of $150
   • Corporations need to complete Articles of Incorporation with a filing fee of $230
   • Limited partnerships need to complete a Certificate of Limited Partnership with a filing fee of $100
   • Limited liability limited partnerships need to complete a Certificate of Limited Liability Limited Partnership with a filing fee of $100
   • Limited liability partnerships need to complete a Statement of Qualification with a filing fee of $150
5. You will also need to get a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) and register with the Rhode Island Division of Taxation.

How much does a Rhode Island business entity search cost?

There are no charges for doing a business entity search on the Rhode Island Department of State Corporate Database.

How can I get a business license in Rhode Island?

There are no general statewide business licenses in Rhode Island, however, you will need to register your business with the Rhode Island Department of State and the Rhode Island Division of Taxation. Other licenses and permits may be required depending on your industry and location. Most businesses will be required to get a seller’s permit or sales tax certificate. You can use the DOS’ Business Assistant to help you to determine which licenses and permits your business might need.

Local licenses and permits may also be needed through your city or county and you will need to contact your local office or visit their website to find out more. The fees for these licenses and permits vary according to location and type.