How to File a DBA in Rhode Island
Getting aDBA, known in Rhode Islandasanassumed name, will go a long way in establishing your business’s branding. DBAs are a simple way to start growing your business.
We’ll show you how to register aRhode Island DBAbelow.
Or, you can save time and use a reputable DBA service.
Recommended:Register your DBA and establish your brand withLegalZoom. Packages start at $99 (plus state filing fees).
Register an RI DBA for a Sole Proprietorship or General Partnership
General partnershipsandsole proprietorsare required to file their Rhode IslandDBAwith the County Clerk in the county where their business is located. Estates and real estate investment companies are also required to file with the county.
If you're registering a DBA for an LLC or corporation, skip aheadhere.
Step 1. Start With a Rhode Island Assumed Name Search
Rhode Island assumed names must be unique and must also meet Rhode Island’s business name requirements.
First, visit theRhode Island Department of State's websiteand search for your new DBA name to make sure it isn’t already in use.
Next, review the Rhode Island naming requirements. In Rhode Island, assumed names shouldNOTinclude:
- Words that could confuse your business with agovernment agency(FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.)
- Restricted words(e.g. Bank, Attorney, University) that may require additional paperwork and a licensed individual, such as a doctor or lawyer, to be part of your business.
We recommend checking if your name is available as a网络域(URL). You might not plan on starting a business website today, but you may want to prevent others from acquiring your URL.
Need Help Creating a Brand Name and Logo?
If you need help coming up with a DBA name, try ourbusiness name generator. Then, create a unique logo for your brand with ourfree logo generator.
Step 2. Filing a DBA in Rhode Island with the City Clerk
Sole proprietors and partnerships are required to file aCertificate of Assumed Business Namewith the appropriate city clerk’s office(s) in order to operate under a DBA.
NOTE:Some cities require ALL types of businesses operating under a name other than their legal name to file an assumed name with the city (this includes corporations and LLCs).
We will give you step-by-step directions to get aCity of Providence DBA.For directions in other cities, please contact your city clerk.
You can find your city’s contact information from theState of Rhode Island's website.
How to File a City of Providence DBA
Providence requires any business with an address in the city that is operating under a name other than its legal name to file for an assumed business name.
Before you start the DBA filing process, it is a good idea to search the Providence Cityassumed name recordsand thestate business database.
Once you have selected your name, you will then complete the Certificate of Assumed Business Name and submit it to the Providence City Clerk. The certificate can be submitted in-person.
Recommended:Use a reputable service.LegalZoomoffers a hassle free DBA filing package starting at $99 + State Filing Fees.
File Your Providence Assumed Name
文件证书的假定Business Name In-Person
Cost:
$10Filing Fee
$5Notary Fee (if not already notarized)
$1Certified Copy
办公室地址:
Providence City Hall
25 Dorrance Street
Room 311
Manage Your City of Providence DBA
DBA Questions
You can call the Providence City Clerk at (401) 680-5248 for general questions about business certificates, assumed names, and DBA requirements.
Renew Your DBA
Your assumed name does not expire.
Change Your DBA
You will need to withdraw your current assumed name and file a new registration to change your assumed name.
Withdraw Your DBA
Call the Providence City Clerk at (401) 680-5248.
Register an RI DBA for an LLC, Corporation, or LP
Incorporated businesses file their Certificate of Assumed Name with the Rhode Island Department of State.
The following business types are considered incorporated:
- For-profit Corporations, Nonprofit Corporations
- Professional Corporations, Professional Associations
- Limited Partnerships, Limited Liability Partnerships
- Limited Liability Companies
- Any Foreign Filing Entities
NOTE:Some cities (including Providence) require ALL types of businesses operating under a name other than their legal name to file an assumed name with the city. Check with yourlocal city clerk’s officeto see if you must file an assumed name as well.
Step 1. Do a Rhode Island Business Entity Search
Rhode Island fictitious names must be unique and must also meet Rhode Island’s business name requirements.
First, visit theRhode Island Department of State's websiteand search for your new DBA name to make sure it isn’t already in use.
Next, review the Rhode Island naming requirements. In Rhode Island, assumed names shouldNOTinclude:
- Words that could confuse your business with agovernment agency(FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.)
- Restricted words(e.g. Bank, Attorney, University) that may require additional paperwork and a licensed individual, such as a doctor or lawyer, to be part of your business.
We recommend checking if your name is available as a网络域(URL). You might not plan on starting a business website today, but you may want to prevent others from acquiring your URL.
Need Help Creating a Brand Name and Logo?
If you need help coming up with a DBA name, try ourbusiness name generator. Then, create a unique logo for your brand with ourfree logo generator.
第二步:申请Your Rhode Island Fictitious Business Name Statement
You are required to set up your DBA with the Rhode Island Department of State if your business is incorporated. TheFictitious Business Name Statementwill ask for your new DBA name and information about your business. There are different forms depending on your business structure.
Recommended:Use a reputable service.LegalZoomoffers a hassle free DBA filing package starting at $99 + State Filing Fees.
Option 1:File Online With Rhode Island’s Business Services Online Filing System
- OR -
Option 2:File the Fictitious Business Statement by Mail
Cost:
$50Filing Fee
Mailing Address:
Division of Business Services
148 W. River Street
Providence, RI 02904-2615
Manage Your Rhode Island DBA
DBA Questions
Call the Rhode Island Department of State (401) 222-3040.
Renew Your DBA with the State
Your Fictitious Business Name Statement does not expire.
Change Your DBA
To change your DBA, you need to file a new registration form.
Withdraw Your DBA
You can withdraw your DBA by filing a Statement of Abandonment of Use of a Fictitious Name. You can also do this online. The fee is$50.
After Filing Your Rhode Island DBA
If filing a DBA marks the beginning of your business journey, then there are a few more steps that you should take before getting started:
- Create your Business’s Website- Every business needs awebsite. Luckily, drag-and-drop builders likeGoDaddyandWixmake the job quick and easy. Check out ourBest Website Builderarticle to find the tool that’s best for you.
- Get your Business Finances in Order- You’ll need to separate your business finances from your personal ones. This is accomplished by opening abusiness bank account. If your business has long lead times or other cash flow irregularities, you can also look into a业务的信用卡.
- Protect Your Business- While an LLC will help to protect your personal assets in the case of a lawsuit, your business’s assets also need protection. Having the rightbusiness insurancewill ensure that you’re covered if the worst happens. Most businesses start withgeneral liability insuranceas their base coverage.
DBA Rhode Island FAQ
How many DBAs can I have?
You can have as many DBAs as you can afford to create and are able to keep track of. Each one comes with additional incremental expenses and paperwork, meaning more is not necessarily better.
Can a DBA get an EIN or Tax ID?
DBAs aren’t required to have a separate EIN because DBAs aren’t a business entity. The business entity that the DBA is under would have an EIN if an EIN is required.
To learn more about EINs and when you need one for your business, read ourWhat is an EINguide.
Can a DBA become an LLC?
No. An LLC is a businessentity, while a DBA is just anamefor a business.
Sole proprietorships are often confused with DBAs, but they are not the same: a sole proprietorship is a business entity, therefore it can choose to become an LLC.
To learn how to form an LLC, visit our金宝搏188是什么公司state guides.
Can a DBA have Inc. in the name?
A DBA can only have Inc. in the name if the business entity the DBA is attached to is a corporation.
How do I set up a DBA for a rental property?
Holding a rental property in your name and with a DBA will not afford you any protection. The best option is to form an LLC to protect your personal assets in the event of an issue with the rental property. In any case, it is always best to consult an attorney.
When would it be good to get a DBA versus a legal name change?
Getting a DBA is often a better choice than changing your business’s legal name. If you want to rebrand your company or focus on another line of business, filing for a DBA is a simpler process than filing for a legal name change.
Is my DBA protected from being used in other places?
Some state-level laws prevent DBAs that are too similar to existing ones from being used, but this varies from state to state. It is possible totrademark a DBA, which would offer stronger protection across state lines.