Forming an LLC requires a different business name, which must be unique and adheres to the guidelines. The great thing is Rhode Island’s Secretary of State page includes a name availability checker. Check out LLC Name Search to learn more.
Meanwhile, if you’re interested in learning more about starting a Rhode Island LLC or forming an LLC in general, you can check out How to Start an LLC.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
How to Name an LLC in Rhode Island
Time needed: 5 minutes
There are guidelines to follow in doing a Rhode Island LLC name search. To learn more, check out LLC Naming Guidelines or read Foreign LLC Application for Registration if you’re planning to register a foreign LLC.
- Check Name Availability
Search the Business Entity Records in Rhode Island’s Official Secretary of State page to check if your chosen business name is available. You may also try typing your trademark, business, or domain name on any search engine to generate businesses with similar names and to ensure your trademark is unique and meets the state’s requirements.
Check out How to File a DBA to learn more about registering a DBA or trademark. For social media pages, use Social Searcher to avoid using similar page names. - Check Domain Availability
If your business name is still available, you must register for a domain name using Namecheap, Google Workspace, or other domain name sites. So customers can easily find your business over the Internet. Use the Kinsta app to manage your domains efficiently.
- File Name Reservation
A Name Reservation Certificate is required along with a Certificate of Formation. You can reserve a name online, by mail, or in person with a $50 filing fee (plus tax for online).
File your Certificate of Formation and Name Reservation online on the Secretary of State Online Services page of Rhode Island. You may also download the pdf file of the Name reservation form and submit it with the processing fee to the Office of the Secretary of State Corporations Division 148 W. River Street Providence, Rhode Island 02904-2615.
Guidelines to Follow in Naming LLC
- Use a business name with the abbreviation “LLC” or the phrase “Limited Liability Company.”
- Your decided business name must not coincide with any existing government entity. Otherwise, you might have to face legal lawsuits when filing your LLC.
- Use the LLC name availability checker to ensure your business name is unique.
- Get a license first if you plan on using restricted words to avoid any complications.
Note that you must put adequate effort into naming your LLC because this name will be with your business for a long time. Making your LLC name unique is vital as it would prevent people from confusing your business with others, not to mention it would be easier for them to recall your business, products, or services.
How to Do Rhode Island LLC Online Name Search
Naming a business is one of the fundamental steps. But it can be hard at times because the name you want should be available also. For this purpose, you can run a Rhode Island LLC name search. There are the following ways to search for the availability of any business entity name:
Search by Entity Name
Once you land on the Rhode Island SOS page, you can search by using the entity name. Enter the name in the search field provided. You can refine your search by the ‘search type’ option.
Search by Individual Name
Another option available for business entity search is by individual name. Type the first, middle, and last names in the provided fields. Select the type in the ‘Search type’ dropdown list. Press enter and you will get the list of businesses available.
Search by Identification Number
You can also try to search for a business entity through an Identification number. You just need to enter the 9-digit identification number in the field provided, then press enter.
Search by Filing Number
One more way to search for the business name availability is by the filing number. You have to enter this 12-digit number in the search tab, and press enter. You will get the details of the business registered against the provided number.
Search by Agent
This is another method to search for names available. You have to type the agent name in the search tab and press enter. For refining your search, you can select the options in the ‘search type’ dropdown list.
How Do I Reserve an LLC Name in Rhode Island
To reserve an LLC name in Rhode Island you need to submit a name reservation request form to the Rhode Island Secretary of State by mail or online by paying a filing fee of $50.
As an entrepreneur in the Ocean State, you must be well-versed in the procedural intricacies of registering your business entity and securing its name. Fortunately, the Rhode Island Secretary of State’s office provides a relatively straightforward path toward reserving an LLC name. By following the outlined procedure, potential business owners can secure their desired name before actually registering their LLC.
Before diving into the reservation process, it is important to note that it’s never a waste of time to conduct thorough research beforehand. Ensuring the uniqueness and availability of your desired LLC name is crucial. It not only helps in expediting the process of reserving a name but also guarantees that your chosen name aligns with the state’s legal requirements. Furthermore, solidifying your brand image from the outset by opting for a memorable and meaningful name greatly contributes to building customer recognition and loyalty.
The first step in reserving an LLC name in Rhode Island involves completing the ‘Application to Reserve Name’ form. This form is available for download from the Rhode Island Secretary of State’s website or can be obtained in person from their office. The form requires straightforward information such as your potential LLC’s desired name, your address, and the duration for which you wish to reserve the name.
Once the form is properly filled out, including the required signature, it can be submitted along with the appropriate filing fee. It’s worth mentioning that fees and acceptance of different payment methods may vary, so it is advisable to check the current fee schedule to ensure submission compliance.
Upon submission, the Rhode Island Secretary of State’s office will perform a name search to ascertain the availability of your requested LLC name. If the name is deemed available and meets the state’s requirements, it will be reserved for a specific period as requested on the application form. Typically, name reservations last for a duration of 120 days, giving you ample time to prepare and complete the necessary steps for your LLC formation.
To facilitate the reservation process, it is essential to provide accurate and thorough information on the application form. Any discrepancies, inaccuracies, or incomplete details may hinder the successful reservation of your desired LLC name, leading to additional delays and potential frustrations.
In conclusion, reserving an LLC name in Rhode Island requires a clear understanding of the procedural requirements outlined by the Secretary of State’s office. Conducting thorough research on the uniqueness and availability of your desired name is an integral starting point. By completing and submitting the necessary ‘Application to Reserve Name’ form, business owners can successfully reserve their chosen name in preparation for their LLC formation. Ensuring the accuracy and completeness of the form not only expedites the process but also sets the stage for an efficient and smooth transition when registering your company.
F.A.Qs
A trade name (doing business as (DBA) name) is the official name under which a proprietor or company chooses to do business.
Having a domain isn’t necessary, but it is recommended. If you have a domain name, customers will find you more accessible through online means with your online website.
For domestic LLC, you can simply brainstorm for another name if the one you pick is no longer available. For foreign LLC, you must think up a “fictitious name,” which you’ll use only in the state.
In Conclusion
LLC names are important as it is the main identity of your business. While naming your LLC make sure to choose the one that suits the nature of your business. Follow the naming guidelines before you start filing your LLC name
