A New RI Law has shifted Business Registration from the Town to the RI Secretary of State.
A new RI General Law was enacted this year to require all RI businesses to register their trade names with the Secretary of State (SOS). The trade name registration process was previously assigned to each municipality, but the new law assigns the registration and management process to the SOS. The Town Clerk’s Offices have been working on the transition process for some time and all businesses registered before December 10,2025 were transferred from the Town records to the SOS system.
How to Apply
Businesses can apply for trade name registration or check registration status via the RI SOS Trade Name Web Portal (https://trade.sos.ri.gov/ ) . On-Line electronic and paper submissions are available. There is a $20 fee. The on-line process requires credit card payment while payment by check requires a paper submission. An annual renewal is required.