Since January 1, 2026 every trade name, whether used by a sole proprietor, a partnership or an LLC, is registered with the Department of State instead of the city or town clerk, in one statewide database. Register before opening under the name and renew it each year.
Checked Oct 21, 2026 against the agency’s page.
Step 1 of 6: Set up the business
1Set up the business
2Register for tax
3Approve the space
4Get the permits for your kind of business
5Alcohol permits
6Before the first hire
Issued by Rhode Island Department of State, Division of Business Services.
Sources and dates
Department of State trade name registration page and online filing guide; R.I. Gen. Laws 6-1-1 as amended for 2026. Checked against the agency’s page on the date shown; cities add their own fees.
Questions about opening here.
Yes. Since January 1, 2026 every trade name, whether used by a sole proprietor, a partnership or an LLC, is registered with the Department of State instead of the city or town clerk, in one statewide database.
Yes. Since January 1, 2026 every trade name, whether used by a sole proprietor, a partnership or an LLC, is registered with the Department of State instead of the city or town clerk, in one statewide database.
Yes. Since January 1, 2026 every trade name, whether used by a sole proprietor, a partnership or an LLC, is registered with the Department of State instead of the city or town clerk, in one statewide database.
Yes. Since January 1, 2026 every trade name, whether used by a sole proprietor, a partnership or an LLC, is registered with the Department of State instead of the city or town clerk, in one statewide database.
Yes. Since January 1, 2026 every trade name, whether used by a sole proprietor, a partnership or an LLC, is registered with the Department of State instead of the city or town clerk, in one statewide database.
Yes. Since January 1, 2026 every trade name, whether used by a sole proprietor, a partnership or an LLC, is registered with the Department of State instead of the city or town clerk, in one statewide database.
Yes. Since January 1, 2026 every trade name, whether used by a sole proprietor, a partnership or an LLC, is registered with the Department of State instead of the city or town clerk, in one statewide database.
Yes. Since January 1, 2026 every trade name, whether used by a sole proprietor, a partnership or an LLC, is registered with the Department of State instead of the city or town clerk, in one statewide database.
Yes. Since January 1, 2026 every trade name, whether used by a sole proprietor, a partnership or an LLC, is registered with the Department of State instead of the city or town clerk, in one statewide database.
Yes. Since January 1, 2026 every trade name, whether used by a sole proprietor, a partnership or an LLC, is registered with the Department of State instead of the city or town clerk, in one statewide database.
Yes. Since January 1, 2026 every trade name, whether used by a sole proprietor, a partnership or an LLC, is registered with the Department of State instead of the city or town clerk, in one statewide database.
Yes. Since January 1, 2026 every trade name, whether used by a sole proprietor, a partnership or an LLC, is registered with the Department of State instead of the city or town clerk, in one statewide database.
Yes. Since January 1, 2026 every trade name, whether used by a sole proprietor, a partnership or an LLC, is registered with the Department of State instead of the city or town clerk, in one statewide database.
Yes. Since January 1, 2026 every trade name, whether used by a sole proprietor, a partnership or an LLC, is registered with the Department of State instead of the city or town clerk, in one statewide database.
Yes. Since January 1, 2026 every trade name, whether used by a sole proprietor, a partnership or an LLC, is registered with the Department of State instead of the city or town clerk, in one statewide database.
Yes. Since January 1, 2026 every trade name, whether used by a sole proprietor, a partnership or an LLC, is registered with the Department of State instead of the city or town clerk, in one statewide database.
Yes. Since January 1, 2026 every trade name, whether used by a sole proprietor, a partnership or an LLC, is registered with the Department of State instead of the city or town clerk, in one statewide database.
Yes. Since January 1, 2026 every trade name, whether used by a sole proprietor, a partnership or an LLC, is registered with the Department of State instead of the city or town clerk, in one statewide database.
Yes. Since January 1, 2026 every trade name, whether used by a sole proprietor, a partnership or an LLC, is registered with the Department of State instead of the city or town clerk, in one statewide database.
Yes. Since January 1, 2026 every trade name, whether used by a sole proprietor, a partnership or an LLC, is registered with the Department of State instead of the city or town clerk, in one statewide database.
Rhode Island Department of State, Division of Business Services.
Step 1 of 6, set up the business. It is the first step.
Who needs a trade name registration (DBA) in Rhode Island?
