Short answer: Must end with an appropriate designator (e.g., LLC) and be distinguishable on state records.
We've pulled these figures from the Secretary of State, Division of Business Services's own pages. If something's changed since our last check, the state's portal wins, so it's worth a quick look before you pay.
Rhode Island naming rules
Must end with an appropriate designator (e.g., LLC) and be distinguishable on state records.
Open the official Rhode Island name search
Reserving a name
Rhode Island lets you reserve a name for $50, which holds it for 120 days.
Doing business under another name
Rhode Island DBAs are filed with: state. Fee: $50.
How Rhode Island compares
Rhode Island's name reservation fee is $50. That's the 7th highest of 50 jurisdictions we track. The national median is $25, so Rhode Island runs $25 above it.
| State | Fee | National rank (1 = highest) |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | $50 | 7 of 50 |
| Connecticut | $60 | 4 of 50 |
| Massachusetts | $30 | 13 of 50 |
| New York | $20 | 33 of 50 |
| Vermont | $25 | 18 of 50 |
| New Hampshire | $17 | 37 of 50 |
Rhode Island fees that apply here
| Filing | State fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (Form 400) | $156 | $150 statutory paper fee plus an unavoidable $6 enhanced access fee for online filing. |
| Name reservation (optional) | $50 | 120 days |
| Amendment | $52.5 | |
| DBA / assumed name | $50 | state |
Name search and rules: Rhode Island questions
How do I check if an LLC name is available in Rhode Island?
Use the official Secretary of State, Division of Business Services business search. A name that's distinguishable from existing records can usually be registered.
What words must a Rhode Island LLC name include?
Must end with an appropriate designator (e.g., LLC) and be distinguishable on state records.
Can I reserve an LLC name in Rhode Island?
Yes. Reservation costs $50 and holds the name for 120 days.
Do I need a DBA in Rhode Island?
Only if you'll do business under a name other than your exact LLC name. DBAs are filed with: state. Fee: $50.
Sources and verification
Last checked against official state sources on . States change fees with little notice, so confirm on the filing portal before you pay. How we verify.