Rhode Island Business Name Search (LLC Lookup) – Guide
Ensuring Your Rhode Island LLC Name Is Available
A unique business name is key for branding, but it can be difficult to navigate the various rules for business names in Rhode Island.
This page will guide you on how to check the availability of your LLC name and ensure it can be used.
Rhode Island LLC Name Verification
When you submit your paperwork to establish an LLC in Rhode Island, your filing could be rejected if the name you choose is already in use or does not adhere to state naming regulations.
How to Search the Rhode Island Business Entity Name Database
You can utilize the business entity search to compare your business name with the currently registered entities in Rhode Island.
✎ Note:
This tool is often referred to as either the Rhode Island Business Name Search or the Rhode Island Business Entity Search. Both terms describe the same website and provide the same search results.
Visit the Rhode Island Business Entity Search page
Rhode Island Secretary of State: Business Entity Search
Select the first option to "Search by Entity Name". Enter your desired LLC name in the search bar and click "Search" at the bottom.
Search Tips:
- Exclude terms like "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company", and punctuation marks (commas, periods, apostrophes) from your search.
- You can use either uppercase or lowercase letters in your search.
★ Tip:
To ensure thoroughness, start with a search for the main part of your desired name. For instance, if you want "Sunset Ventures LLC", first search for "Sunset Ventures" and then "Sunset" to cover all possible variations.
How to Understand Rhode Island LLC Search Results
If your search results show names that do not match yours exactly, your LLC name is likely available.
For example, if "Sunset Ventures LLC" yields results like "Sunset Management" and "Sunset LLC", your name should be available.
What If My Desired Name Is Not Available?
If the name you want is already in use, you will need to choose an alternative name or modify your desired name.
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Rhode Island Secretary of State Contact Information
You can contact the Rhode Island Secretary of State to check if your LLC name is available.
While this service might not be available in every state, Rhode Island representatives can guide you through the process of using the Rhode Island Business Name Search to see if your name is free. They can not guarantee that your name will be approved, but they can provide useful information.
Call the Business Services Division at 401-222-3040, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Eastern Time.
Rhode Island LLC Name Requirements
As per Section 7-16-9 of the Rhode Island LLC Act, there are several rules and requirements you should be aware of when naming a Rhode Island business entity.
Comma Usage
You are not required to use a comma in your LLC name. Both formats are acceptable:
- Greenwich Harbor LLC
- Greenwich Harbor, LLC
Permissible Designators
Your LLC name must end with one of the following designators:
- LLC
- L.L.C.
- llc
- l.l.c.
- Limited Liability Company
✎ Note:
The term "LLC" is the most commonly used.
Restricted Designators
Your LLC name cannot include terms that imply it is another type of business entity, such as:
- Inc.
- Corp.
- Cooperative
- Incorporated
- Corporation
Restricted Words in Rhode Island LLC Names
Your Rhode Island LLC name cannot include words or abbreviations that are legally restricted.
For instance, you cannot name your LLC in a way that suggests it is a bank, a government agency, or any other entity that might mislead the public.
Additionally, you cannot use terms reserved for licensed professionals. These terms can differ by state but often include accountants, architects, attorneys, dentists, and engineers.
Ensuring Your Rhode Island Business Name Is Distinguishable
To ensure your LLC name is acceptable, you must compare it with existing names using the Rhode Island Secretary of State Corporate Database.
If your name is not unique, you will need to come up with a different or modified name.
Rules for Distinguishability
Designators
Merely changing the designator (the suffix of the name) does not make a name unique. For example, if "Oceanview Rentals LLC" is your desired name, it will not be acceptable if you find any of the following names in the Rhode Island Business Name Search:
- Oceanview Rentals, Inc.
- Oceanview Rentals, Corp.
- Oceanview Rentals L.L.C.
Filler Words
Adding filler words such as "the", "a", "an", "and"m or "&" does not make a name distinguishable. For instance, "Harborview Gardens LLC" will not be available if any of the following names are found:
- The Harborview Gardens LLC
- A Harborview Garden Inc.
- Harborview & Gardens Corp.
- Harborview Gardens, L.L.C.
Plural or Singular Words and Possessive Words
Changing a word to its plural or possessive form does not make a name unique.
If your desired LLC name is "Maples Orchard LLC", it will not be available if any of the following names are found:
- Maples Orchard LLC
- Maple Orchard Inc.
- Maples Orchards Corp.
Numerals or Spelled Out Numbers
Using numerals (like 5 or 101) instead of spelling out the number (like "five" or "one hundred and one") does not create distinguishability.
If your desired LLC name is "12 Lanterns LLC", it's not available if any of the following are found:
- Twelve Lanterns LLC
- Twelve 12 Lanterns Inc.
Adding a Number
Adding a number to the end of a business name does not make it distinguishable.
For instance, "Hope Anchor LLC" is not considered different from "Hope Anchor 2 LLC".
If you own "Hope Anchor LLC" and want to create another LLC in Rhode Island with a similar name, you can ask the Secretary of State for permission to use "Hope Anchor 2 LLC" for your new business. This rule ensures that no one else can use "Hope Anchor 2 LLC" as a distinct name.
Capitalization
Differences in capitalization don’t make names distinguishable.
For example, if your desired LLC name is "Ocean Breeze LLC," it’s not available if any of the following are found:
- ocean breeze LLC
- OCEAN BREEZE Inc.
- OcEaN BrEeZe LLC
In other words, you can use any capitalization you like, but it doesn’t distinguish your name from an existing business with the same name in Rhode Island.
Alternate Spelling of the Same Name or Word
Using a different spelling of the same name or word doesn’t create distinguishability.
For example, if your desired LLC name is "Green Leaf LLC," it’s not available if any of the following are found:
Greene Leaf LLC
Green Leef Corp.
Grenn Leaf Ltd. Co.
Abbreviation vs Complete Name or Word
Using an abbreviation instead of a complete word (or vice versa) doesn’t create distinguishability.
For example, if your desired LLC name is "Rhode Island Bookstore LLC", it’s not available if any of the following are found:
- RI Bookstore LLC
- R.I. Bookstore Inc.
- Rhode Island Books Ltd. Co.
Business Search Tips for Abbreviations
When choosing a name with an abbreviation, check both the full word and its abbreviation to ensure the name is available.
For instance, if you want "Ocean State" in your name, also search for "OS". Similarly, if you use "Providence", check for "PVD" as well.
Punctuation, Symbols, Spaces
Changing punctuation, symbols, or spaces doesn't make a name distinguishable.
For example, if your desired LLC name is "Newport Craft Co LLC", it's not available if you find:
- Newport-Craft-Co, Inc.
- NewportCraftCo Ltd.
- Newport Craft / Co LLC
Suffixes, Derivations, or Deviations
Using variations of the same word, like adding a suffix or changing the form, doesn't create distinguishability. This rule can be subjective and depends on the examiner’s review.
For instance, if your desired LLC name is "Providence Crafts LLC", it might not be available if similar names such as:
- Providence Craft LLC
- Providence Crafting Inc.
- Providence Craftsmanship Ltd.
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What If My Business Name Is Rejected?
If you submit your Rhode Island Articles of Organization and your chosen business name is not available, do not worry.
The state will inform you of the rejection and provide reasons. You will then need to resubmit with a new or adjusted name.
Do I need a name reservation in Rhode Island?
No, a name reservation isn't required to form an LLC in Rhode Island. You can directly file your LLC's Articles of Organization with your desired LLC name, making a name reservation an unnecessary step and a waste of money.
Does Rhode Island require an LLC in the name?
Yes. Your Rhode Island LLC name must include one of the following allowable designators at the end:
- LLC
- Limited Liability Company
- Ltd. Liability Co.
Does my Rhode Island LLC need a DBA?
No, you're not required to file a DBA ("Doing Business As") for your business entity in Rhode Island. A DBA, known as a Fictitious Business Name in Rhode Island, allows your LLC to operate under a different name from its legal name (the name on your Articles of Organization).
If you want your LLC to do business under a name different from its legal name, you must file a Fictitious Business Name Statement online or by mail with the Secretary of State and pay an additional fee of $50. For more information, refer to the Secretary of State’s Fictitious Business Name Guide.
There is no limit to the number of Fictitious Business Names an LLC can have, but each name must be distinguishable from existing business names in the state.
When would my LLC use a DBA?
If you form an LLC named Coffee Milk Food Tours LLC but want to use a more engaging name like Coffee Tours, you would need to file a Fictitious Business Name Statement to use Coffee Tours.
Without filing for a Fictitious Business Name Statement, you can only use your legal entity name of Coffee Milk Food Tours LLC. Similarly, if you want to operate under Coffee Milk Food Tours without the "LLC" suffix, you would need to file a Fictitious Business Name Statement for Coffee Milk Food Tours.
How do I get a business domain name?
Once you've chosen a business name, check if your domain name is available before forming your LLC. You can use services like GoDaddy to search for available domain names.
What does "distinguishability" mean?
"Distinguishability" means that each business entity name must be unique in the records of the Secretary of State. This means that no two businesses can operate with the same name. For instance, if you want to form an LLC called Coventry Landscapers LLC but a business named Coventry Landscapers, Inc. already exists in Rhode Island, you cannot use that name as it is not distinguishable from the existing one.
How do I come up with a business name?
Choosing a business name is crucial for branding and recognition. Here are some tips for brainstorming a name:
- Write down the features of your company and the qualities you want it to convey.
- List as many business names as you can think of, without editing or analyzing them initially.
- Review the list and note any variations or new ideas that come to mind.
- Set the list aside, do something else, and then come back to it later. Add any additional ideas and variations that arise.
- Read the names out loud and seek feedback from friends, business partners, or family.
- Repeat the process of reviewing, refining, and seeking feedback until you find the best name.
- If you’re having trouble choosing, try closing your eyes, counting to 10, and selecting a name when you open your eyes. This technique may help you access your subconscious preferences.
Can I use the name of another Rhode Island entity?
No, you cannot use the same name as another Rhode Island business, regardless of the entity type. Your LLC cannot have the same name as another corporation, LLC, or any other entity type. This restriction applies even if the business is listed as "delinquent" on the Rhode Island Secretary of State website. However, if a business has been dissolved, the name may become available for use.
How do I change my LLC name?
You can change your LLC's name by filing an Amendment form with the Secretary of State. Detailed instructions on how to change an LLC name in Rhode Island are available from the Secretary of State.
How to start an LLC in Rhode Island?
To start an LLC in Rhode Island, follow these steps:
- Choose an LLC name and ensure its availability.
- Select a Rhode Island Registered Agent.
- File the Rhode Island LLC Articles of Organization.
- Complete and sign an LLC Operating Agreement.
- Obtain a Tax ID Number (EIN) from the IRS.
- Open an LLC bank account.
- Determine if you need a business or sales tax license in Rhode Island.