The process of filing a DBA can seem daunting, but this guide will help you to feel prepared. You’ll find out how quickly the Rhode Island DBA application is approved and why being informed could also mean better chances!
Important! Please keep in mind that DBA is not a business structure, so it won’t protect you from liabilities, lawsuits, or any other unforeseen situations. DBA stands for Doing Business As. – often precedes the name under which a business operates, which is not the legal name of the business.
Therefore, before starting, make sure you understand the difference between informal business structures such as sole proprietorship and formal ones like corporations and LLCs.
To register or renew the trademark, trade name, or service mark for your company in Rhode Island you need to file the application to the Secretary of State. Here is what you need to do:
Rhode Island Business Entity Search
Your company’s trade name should be unique and have not been acquired by any other entity in Rhode Island. Moreover, this name must also meet the business name requirements of Rhode Island.
First, you have to search the Rhode Island Department of State’s Business Nmae Search portal for the DBA, Business, & Fictitious names. Check the portal thoroughly to know whether the name that you wish to have for your business has already been taken by someone or not. Make sure, this name isn’t already in use.
Note: You can also find a complete guide on business name search here.
Once you are done searching, the next step is to review the naming requirements of the state of Rhode Island. In general, your DBA should not include:
- Term that confuse your business with government institutions such as state department, FBI, treasury, etc
- The word “bank, university, attorney” require additional paperwork and physician, lawyer, or other licensed professional must be a part of the business.
Register Your Rhode Island DBA
Businesses That Register DBA With County’s Clerk
Rhode Island sole proprietors and partners are required to file an assumed business name application with the city clerk’s office(s). The assumed business name must be filed in the city where the business is conducted or business orders are transacted.
Rhode Island State’s website helps you find your city clerk’s contact information.
Businesses that Register DBA with the Secretary Of State ($50)
The following businesses need to register their trade names with the Rhode Island Secretary of State:
- Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
- For-profit Corporations
- Nonprofit Corporations
- Any Foreign Filing Entities
- Limited Partnerships (LPs)
- Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)
File a Rhode Island DBA online or by downloading the respective LLC Fictitious Name statement, corporation Fictitious Name statement, LP Fictitious Name statement and sending it to:
DBA Filing Mail Address:
Division of Business Services
148 W. River Street
Providence, RI 02904-2615
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The following information must include in the Rhode Island trade name form:
- Your business name and adress
- Owners/partners of the business and addresses
- Entity type (eg; LLC, sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation)
- Trade name’s description
Renew, Change or Withdraw Your Rhode Island DBA
Renew Your Fictitious Name With the State
Assumed Business Name in Rhode Island does not expire. So no need for the renewal of DBA in Rhode Island.
Change Your Fictitious Name
If you wish to make changes in your Rhode Island assumed business name, you need to file the new trade name in RI.
Withdraw Your Fictitious Name ($50)
You can cancel your Rhode Island assumed business name by filling Statement of Abandonment of Use of a Fictitious Name. For LLC and corporation, you can cancel RI DBA online, or you can apply via mail by completing the respective LLC form , Corporation form or LP form. Send your DBA cancellation form to the following address:
Mail Address:
Division of Business Services
148 W. River Street
Providence, RI 02904-2615
