Rhode Island LLC Registered Agent Requirements
Everything you need to know about forming an LLC and maintaining a registered agent in Rhode Island
State Filing Fee
$150
Annual Fee
$50
Processing Time
3-5 business days
Total First Year
$200
Rhode Island LLC Registered Agent Requirements
Key Requirements
- Physical Address Required: Your registered agent must have a physical street address in Rhode Island. P.O. Box addresses are not accepted.
- Business Hours Availability: Must be available during normal business hours (typically 9 AM - 5 PM) to receive legal documents.
- State Resident Required: Your registered agent must be a Rhode Island resident or a company authorized to do business in the state.
- Commercial Services Accepted: You can hire a professional registered agent service to handle this requirement.
Changing Your Registered Agent
- Filing Fee: $20
- Processing Time: 7-10 business days
- Form Required: Statement of Change
- Online Filing: Available
How Much Does a Registered Agent Cost in Rhode Island?
DIY Option
$0
Serve as your own registered agent
- ✗ Must be available during all business hours
- ✗ Personal address becomes public record
- ✗ Risk missing important documents
Professional Service
$99-299/year
Hire a commercial registered agent
- ✓ Always available during business hours
- ✓ Keeps your address private
- ✓ Digital document delivery
- ✓ Compliance reminders included
Recommended Services for Rhode Island LLCs
These services handle both LLC formation and registered agent requirements in Rhode Island:
ZenBusiness
Entrepreneurs who want comprehensive support and compliance tools at an affordable price
ZenBusiness stands out as our top pick for LLC formation services thanks to its unbeatable combination of value, features, and support. With formation starting at $0 plus state fees, you can rest easy with their worry-free compliance service, award-winning customer support, and 100% accuracy guarantee. The Pro and Premium packages add even more value with 1-day processing, an employer ID number, operating agreement, and services to get your business online like domain name registration, AI business website builder, and more.
Pros:
- ✓ Starter package is $0 plus state fees
- ✓ Registered agent and compliance services
- ✓ Free worry-free compliance for 1 year
- ✓ Fast 1-day processing time available
- ✓ 100% accuracy guarantee
- ✓ Award-winning customer support
Cons:
- ✗ Some features require upgraded plans
- ✗ More expensive Registered Agent service
Bizee
Budget-conscious startups needing fast formation
Bizee (formerly Incfile) offers lightning-fast LLC formation with their $0 package. They're perfect for entrepreneurs who need to form their LLC quickly and affordably. With same-day processing in many states and a year of free registered agent service, Bizee provides exceptional value for basic LLC formation needs.
Pros:
- ✓ $0 basic formation package
- ✓ Same-day processing available
- ✓ Free registered agent for first year
- ✓ Compliance alerts included
- ✓ Dashboard for document management
- ✓ Free business tools and templates
Cons:
- ✗ Operating agreement not included in basic package
- ✗ Limited customer support hours
Tailor Brands
Creative businesses wanting formation plus branding
Tailor Brands combines LLC formation with comprehensive branding tools. Their unique approach includes AI-powered logo design, website creation, and marketing materials. Perfect for creative entrepreneurs who want to establish their brand identity alongside their legal structure.
Pros:
- ✓ Includes logo design and branding
- ✓ Website builder included
- ✓ Business card designs
- ✓ Mobile app available
- ✓ Operating agreement included
- ✓ EIN service included
Cons:
- ✗ No rush processing available
- ✗ Monthly subscription required
- ✗ Customer service via chat/email only
Rhode Island LLC Filing Process Timeline
Choose Your Business Name
1-2 days
Search the Rhode Island business database to ensure your desired LLC name is available. Must include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company" in the name.
Appoint Registered Agent
Same day
Select and appoint your registered agent. This can be yourself, another individual, or a commercial service. Must have a Rhode Island street address.
File Articles of Organization
3-5 business days
Submit Articles of Organization to the Rhode Island Secretary of State. Filing fee: $150. Online filing available for faster processing.
Visit Rhode Island filing website →Obtain EIN from IRS
Same day (online)
Apply for a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. This is free when you apply directly with the IRS and required for business banking and taxes.
Open Business Bank Account
1-2 days
With your Articles of Organization and EIN, open a dedicated business bank account to maintain the legal separation between personal and business finances.
Total Timeline: 1-2 weeks from start to having your LLC fully operational
Complete Rhode Island LLC Formation Checklist
LLC Formation Checklist
Rhode Island Requirements
Total Cost
$200
1 Pre-Formation Requirements
2 Filing Requirements
3 Post-Formation Steps
4 Ongoing Compliance
Feeling Overwhelmed?
Professional formation services handle all these requirements for you, ensuring compliance and saving you time.
Rhode Island Specific Notes
- • Filing fee: $150
- • Processing time: 3-5 business days
- • Annual fee: $50
- • Registered agent can be a commercial service
- • ⚠️ Registered agent must maintain Rhode Island address
Track your progress as you complete each step
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Rhode Island?
The state filing fee for forming an LLC in Rhode Island is $150. There's also an annual fee of $50. Additional costs include registered agent service ($99-299/year) and optional services like EIN filing or operating agreement preparation.
How long does it take to form an LLC in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island typically processes LLC formations in 3-5 business days. Expedited processing is available and can reduce the time to same day (walk-in before 4pm). Formation services typically prepare your documents within 1-3 business days before submitting to the state.
Can I be my own registered agent in Rhode Island?
Yes, you can serve as your own registered agent in Rhode Island as long as you have a physical street address in the state and are available during business hours. However, this means your personal address becomes public record and you must always be available to receive legal documents. Most business owners choose a commercial registered agent service for privacy and convenience.
Do I need an operating agreement in Rhode Island?
While Rhode Island may not legally require an operating agreement, it's strongly recommended for all LLCs. This document outlines ownership percentages, member responsibilities, and operating procedures. It's essential for multi-member LLCs and helps maintain your limited liability protection even for single-member LLCs.
What happens if I don't have a registered agent?
Operating without a registered agent in Rhode Island can result in serious consequences including: losing your LLC's good standing status, inability to file lawsuits, fines and penalties, and potentially losing your limited liability protection. The state may also administratively dissolve your LLC for non-compliance.
Rhode Island
LLC Formation Costs & Requirements
Filing Fee
$150
↑22% above avg
Annual Fee
$50
↓32% below avg
Franchise Tax
None
1st Year Total
$200
↓11% below avg
Processing Time
3-5 business days
5-Year Cost Projection
Total over 5 years
$400
Average per year
$80
Rhode Island
Registered Agent Information
RA Change Fee
$20
Online Filing
Processing Time
7-10 business days
Requirements
Commercial RA
Out-of-State OK
PO Box OK
Form Information
Form Number: Statement of Change
Expedited Service
same day (walk-in before 4pm)
Contact Information
Phone: (401) 222-3040
Email: [email protected]
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