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Are you looking to establish a business in Rhode Island and need to get a DBA (Doing Business As) name for your venture? You’re in the right place! A DBA, also known as a Trade Name, Fictitious Name, or Assumed Name, allows you to conduct business under a name that’s different from your legal business name. This can be advantageous for branding, marketing, and overall business operations.
In Rhode Island, if you’re willing to use a different name other than the legal name for your business, you must file the DBA (Doing Business As). The public (specifically your potential customers) knows your business by its registered legal name. Instead of using your formal business name, you may use the trade name or DBA in marketing and sales to reach a wider audience.
Rhode Island, popularly known as The Ocean State, has some regulations when it comes to filing your DBA name. However, the regulations can vary depending on the type of business structure you have. In this article, I will share the basic steps to get a DBA Name in Rhode Island.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
What is DBA Name in Rhode Island?
Whenever you form an LLC or any business structure, you must get a name for it. Every company has a legitimate name. For instance, a partnership or sole proprietorship might function under the legal name of the company’s owner or owners. The name specified in the Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Organization may be used by any business entity, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), and others.
However, there are situations when you may decide against using your company’s registered legal name in Rhode Island. This is due to a variety of factors. For instance, the legal name of your company can be unrelated to it or no longer accurately describe it. Or perhaps you want a new name without altering your documentation for incorporation or registration.
If you intend to run your business in Rhode Island under a name other than your personal name or an existing corporate name, you must submit a DBA name with Rhode Island state regardless of the type of business entity you have incorporated as (single proprietor, partnership, corporation, or LLC).
No restrictions exist on how many DBA names you can use to do business. However, each DBA name must be filed with the state where you conduct business. This is necessary because the general public has a legal right to know whether a specific individual or company is operating under a name other than their legal name.
In Rhode Island, changing your business name is a risky factor. It can bring positive and negative effects on your business. Hence, before you file and change your legal business name, analyze all the risks and advantages.
–LLCBuddy Editorial Team
How to Get a DBA in Rhode Island
To get a DBA in Rhode Island, you must first check if any other business is already using the name before filing a DBA in Rhode Island. You can then submit the Rhode Island business name reservation form after it has been confirmed that no other company is already using the chosen name. You can search the Rhode Island Government Records Inquiry System and confirm that the name you chose is not already in use. However, getting a DBA is not mandatory in many states. If you open an LLC in Rhode Island, you must check with Rhode Island Secretary of State whether you need to file DBA or not.
Guideline for choosing a DBA name
You must choose a name to register, which is the crucial step. There are a few straightforward LLC name guidelines to follow (if you’re forming an LLC) while choosing a name in Rhode Island.
- In Rhode Island, fictional names cannot be the same or similar to one another. A DBA cannot deceive the public by appearing to be confusingly similar to any other business name.
- Unless the company has been incorporated as an LLC or corporation, a DBA name cannot contain a corporate indication, such as Corp or LLC, or any other words that imply an entity type. This will stop a lone proprietor from passing for a legitimate corporation.
- Any banking-related words without a letter from the Rhode Island Banking Commissioner’s Office, or any insurance-related words without a letter from the Rhode Island Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation, Insurance Division.
- Any words that could confuse your corporation with a government agency (FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.).
- A professional designation in the name (i.e., engineering, attorney) without a copy of the license of one officer/member or a letter from the governing agency allowing the use of the name without licensing.
- Any words that indicate or imply that the corporation is engaged in a business that is not authorized by law to pursue.
How Can You Tell if a DBA Name in Rhode Island is available?
Once you have selected a name that complies with the requirements mentioned above, there are a number of methods you can use to find out if the name is open for registration. One simple strategy is to look up other companies in Rhode Island with the same name on Google.
It is a simple technique to clear out any already taken names, even though it may not guarantee that the name you want to register is accessible. As it is likely that you will require a website domain that matches your business name, you may also check to see whether the web domain for that name is accessible. For example, you can check Rhode Island LLC name search guide to see how you can find the availability of your desired LLC name in Rhode Island.
Before you may register your Trade Name in Rhode Island, you must have used it for business purposes. Therefore, you must use a Trade Name as soon as possible if you want to register and protect it in Rhode Island.
Register the Rhode Island DBA Name
Once you have established that the name is available for registration, you must finish the file using the forms your county has provided. You must register your DBA name in the county where you intend to conduct business. In most Rhode Island counties, the following fundamental information is needed-
- Name of the company, its phone number, city, state, and street address
- The organization type under which the business is incorporated
- List the partners’ names and addresses (if applicable)
- Describe the items, services, or business that will be delivered under the Fictitious Name in the registration form
- Use of the Fictitious Name in the marketplace
- Both the classification type and number
- Make a mark (pick Trade Name)
- Date and state of the first use of the trade name
- When the Trade Name first appeared in Rhode Island
- Application’s name, title, signature, and date Email address
Submitting the Rhode Island DBA Name Application
To file the Rhode Island DBA Name, you must apply to the Rhode Island Secretary of State. In Rhode Island, you can file the DBA name in two methods, by mail and in person.. The cost of filing the Fictitious Name (DBA name) in Rhode Island is $50.
- Online filing: There is no online filing available
- Offline filing: For filing offline in Rhode Island, you must send the accomplished DBA filing form to the Rhode Island Secretary of State, Business Services Division, 148 West River Street, Providence, RI 02904-2615 or drop it off in person at the same address.
Using the Rhode Island Trade Name
Three “specimens” demonstrating the Trade Name used must be submitted to Rhode Island Secretary of State. The following are some instances of acceptable specimens:
- Business cards
- Booklets,
- Flyers,
- Labels, and
- Stickers
How to Renew a Trade Name in Rhode Island
You can renew your DBA name after a stipulated time. In most states, the renewal of the DBA name follows the same process as filing a fresh DBA name. You need to get the DBA renewal form, fill it up with the correct information, and submit it to the state online or offline. The renew time for DBA name filing is Indefinite in Rhode Island.
How to Change a Trade Name
You can change your Trade Name (DBA or Fictitious Name) by applying to the Rhode Island SOS. The process is similar. You can search for the name you want to have after changing the old Trade Name. If the name is available, make sure it follows other guidelines. You can reserve your DBA name for Indefinite; after then, you can change or renew your DBA if needed through the Rhode Island SOS.
FAQs
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Why Rhode Island DBA Filing is So Important
First and foremost, Rhode Island DBA filing provides legal protection and credibility for your business. By registering your DBA name with the state, you are establishing a clear and official link between your business and its name. This means that you have the exclusive right to use that name in your business dealings, helping to prevent others from using your brand name for their own benefit. Additionally, having a registered DBA name can lend legitimacy to your business in the eyes of potential customers, partners, and investors.
Furthermore, Rhode Island DBA filing can have a significant impact on your business’s branding and marketing efforts. Your DBA name serves as the public face of your business, representing your brand and what you stand for. By registering your DBA name, you not only protect your brand identity but also create a marketing asset that can be used to promote your business. A memorable and well-chosen DBA name can help differentiate your business from competitors and attract customers to your products or services.
From a practical standpoint, registering your DBA name in Rhode Island can also simplify your business operations. With a registered DBA name, you can open a business bank account, accept payments from customers, and enter into contracts using your business name. This can help streamline your day-to-day activities and make it easier to manage the financial aspects of your business. Additionally, having a registered DBA name can make it easier to expand your business into new markets or offer new products and services under your existing brand.
In addition to these benefits, Rhode Island DBA filing can also help protect your personal assets. By registering a DBA name for your business, you create a legal separation between your personal and business liabilities. This means that if your business is sued or faces financial difficulties, your personal assets, such as your home or savings, are not at risk. This added layer of protection can give you peace of mind and allow you to focus on growing your business without worrying about personal financial consequences.
Overall, Rhode Island DBA filing is a critical step for any business owner looking to establish a strong brand, protect their assets, and operate their business legally. While it may seem like just another item on your to-do list, taking the time to register your DBA name can pay dividends in the long run. By investing in this important process, you are setting your business up for success and laying the foundation for future growth and prosperity.
In Conclusion
A DBA name in Rhode Island is the best way to update your business name. Unlike the registered legal business name, you can have as many as DBA names. You can use your new assumed name as soon as the state has processed your filing, and getting one is a rather simple process. Whether you have an LLC or any other business structure, filing a DBA name is helpful for your business upgradation anytime.