Do you have the perfect name idea for a new business entity in the state of Rhode Island, but you’re not quite ready to form your company?
Rhode Island allows you to reserve a business name until you’re prepared for the business formation process, but how does the reservation process work and how long will the state reserve the name for you? In this guide, we’ll run down all the important details of reserving a business name in Rhode Island.
How to Reserve a Business Name in Rhode Island
The first step is to determine if your desired business name is even available in Rhode Island to begin with. In Rhode Island, you can search for your desired business name via the corporate databases search tool. You can access the search tool at this link. Once you’ve determined the availability of your desired name, you can begin the process of reserving it with the state.
To reserve a business name in Rhode Island, you must first fill out and submit the Application for Reservation of Entity Name to the Secretary of State. This form requires the following information: Office of the Secretary of State Corporations Division
148 W. River Street
Providence, Rhode Island 02904-2615
When you have supplied all of the necessary information, you must include a $50 check with your filing, made payable to the “Rhode Island Secretary of State.” Then, you can mail the form and check to the following address:
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How Long Is My Business Name Reserved For?
Rhode Island name reservations are valid for a period of 120 days. With the exception of Limited Partnerships, businesses that reserve a name in Rhode Island cannot renew their name reservation once the 120 days have expired. So, you will need to register your business with the state during this time, otherwise you will risk losing the name to someone else.
Conclusion
Just because you aren’t ready to form your Rhode Island business entity doesn’t mean you can’t lock down your desired business name.
The name reservation process is relatively straightforward in Rhode Island, and it affords you plenty of time to register your business with the Secretary of State. So, if you have a business name in mind, there is no reason to wait to reserve it.