DoorWorthy

Who needs a city or town business registration or license in Rhode Island?

Issued by Your city or town clerk or licensing board, at step 2 of 6 in the opening sequence: register for tax.

Every kind of business in Rhode Island

The Rhode Island table lists this for every kind of business.

Rhode Island has no statewide general business license. The city or town licensing board (usually the council or a board it appoints, through the clerk) is where the victualling, liquor, entertainment and holiday sales licenses are issued, so ask the clerk what your trade needs before signing a lease.

Checked Oct 21, 2026 against the agency’s page.

Step 2 of 6: Register for tax

  1. Set up the business
  2. Register for tax
  3. Approve the space
  4. Get the permits for your kind of business
  5. Alcohol permits
  6. Before the first hire

Issued by Your city or town clerk or licensing board.

Sources and dates

RI.gov business assistant; municipal licensing ordinances. Checked against the agency’s page on the date shown; cities add their own fees.

Questions about opening here.