Forming your LLC in Rhode Island puts you in the driver’s seat. It also requires you to focus on taking all the necessary steps to get started and stay legal, including appointing a registered agent for the LLC.
This registered agent, also called a resident agent, is an important role for your small business, and the appointee can be yourself, another individual, or an entity. The registered agent will become your LLC’s point of contact for receiving legal documents, tax forms, official government documents (including an Annual Report), and service of process. Because of this, it is imperative that you choose wisely and make the best decision for both you and your business.
All entities registered in the state of Rhode Island must name a registered agent and also a registered office, and there are specific requirements. For instance, the registered agent must:
You can select any individual or business to serve as your registered agent as long as they meet all of these requirements.
If you choose to go with an individual, be sure they are trustworthy and responsible, as essential documents and communications will come to them first. You will need those documents to be forwarded to you in a timely manner so you can address whatever needs may arise and meet all required deadlines. Because of such important responsibilities, it is common for most entity types, including LLCs, to appoint a commercial registered agent service to serve in this capacity instead.
The first step in appointing a registered agent for your LLC in Rhode Island is to obtain permission from that individual or entity to serve in this important role.
Next, within your Rhode Island Articles of Organization, which must be submitted to the state to officially form your LLC, you will need to include your chosen Resident Agent, along with their physical address.
Articles of Organization may be completed and filed online. You can also choose to print out a PDF version of the Articles of Organization for LLCs and submit in person or mail to the following address:
Business Services Division
Rhode Island Department of State
148 W. River Street, Ste. 1
Providence, RI 02904
The process itself is as follows:
1. Navigate to the Rhode Island Department of State, Business Services Division webpage.
2. Scroll down to the section entitled “Register your business.” Here, you will find a chart of business structure types, with Limited Liability Company (LLC) listed at the top.
3. Determine if you will file online or print out the PDF version to submit in person or via the mail.
4. If filing online, click on “File Online” and follow all the prompts for information. Examples of the type of information you will need to provide overall include:
If, at some point in the future, you need to change your Resident Agent or the Registered Office, you can easily do so by notifying the Rhode Island Secretary of State’s Office with a specific form. You can either download the form and submit via mail or in person, or file online.
1. Select whether to file online or download the PDF of the form to mail or file in person. (see links above)
2. Complete all sections of the form, to include the following:
3. If not filing online, print out the form and submit to the Business Services Division by mail or in person.
4. Include the filing fee of $20. If downloading the form and submitting via mail, the filing fee is payable by check made out to the RI Department of State. If filing in person, you can pay the filing fee via check, credit card, or cash.
1. Choose whether to submit the change online or to download the PDF version for submission via mail or in person. (see links above)
2. Type in the information in each box, to include:
3. If you are not filing the change online, print out the completed PDF and either mail it to the Business Services Division or go in person to file the document.
4. Whether you file online, by mail, or in person, there is no filing fee required for a Statement of Change of Office for your resident agent.
For each of these filings, you can check on their status at any time by going to the state’s Corporate Database, entering your Entity ID, and selecting “All Filings.”
In most circumstances, you can serve as your own registered agent in Rhode Island. You will just need to meet the specific requirements, including a valid street address, availability during regular business hours, and by identifying yourself as such on your filed Articles of Incorporation. As long as these requirements can be met, you, or any friend or family member, can serve as the LLC’s agent for service of process.
If you are registering as a foreign limited liability company, however, and reside out of state, you will be ineligible to serve as the registered agent if you do not maintain a verifiable local street address here in Rhode Island.
Also, if you choose at some point to move to another state while continuing to own the Rhode Island LLC, you will need to appoint a new registered agent on your behalf that does maintain a registered office in the state.
In addition, while you may be thoroughly qualified to serve as your own registered agent, you also may want to consider delegating that role to another, such as a registered agent service, so you can enjoy spending more time running and growing your business.
As mentioned above, you will want to spend most of your time running, managing, and growing your Limited Liability Company. As such, working with a registered agent service can provide you with a number of benefits, which we expand on below.
Juggling all aspects of your LLC can sometimes be challenging and anxiety-producing. Working with a professional resident agent service can give you peace of mind when it comes to dealing with your small business. You can feel confident in knowing that official communications will be prioritized and notifications sent to you promptly.
Since professional registered agent services are required to be registered in Rhode Island, they are more than familiar with applicable state laws that apply to companies within the state. As such, they already have experience in complying with those state laws and can do the same for you.
Since one of the requirements of a resident agent is to be at a specific address during all business hours, hiring a Rhode Island registered agent service can provide you with more freedom and flexibility with your time. You can now control your own daily schedule, which can allow you to change your working hours as you choose and let you travel frequently, if required, or let you choose to do so freely.
By appointing a resident agent service for your LLC, important documents will be sent to them directly. From there, the service will notify you and also scan the documents so that you have immediate access to them online. In addition, certain tasks can be delegated to your agent, which will reduce the amount of paperwork you must do yourself.
Whether you choose to serve as the registered agent of your own LLC or choose a registered agent service, complying with all Rhode Island requirements is essential. In turn, this can be time-consuming and anxiety-inducing, cutting into your time at managing and growing your business. Only you can adequately weigh the pros and cons of each available option and determine what is best for your company. If you ever find you need help, reach out to us, and we will find a way to support you.
Failing to appoint a registered agent in your Articles of Incorporation will usually cause the state to reject your filing, preventing you from forming a legal entity within the state of Rhode Island.
You may be able to serve as the registered agent of a Foreign LLC in Rhode Island if you meet the state requirements, which include maintaining a street address in the state. Otherwise, seeking out a reputable registered agent service will be your best option for legal compliance.
Yes, you can at any time change the registered agent and/or registered office for your registered limited liability company in Rhode Island. To do so, you will need to notify, via a submitted form, the Business Services Division of the RI Secretary of State’s Office.
This portion of our website is for informational or educational purposes only. Tailor Brands is not a law firm, and the information on this website does not constitute legal advice. All statements, opinions, recommendations, and conclusions are solely the expression of the author and provided on an as-is basis. Accordingly, Tailor Brands is not responsible for the information and/or its accuracy or completeness. It also does not indicate any affiliation between Tailor Brands and any other brands, services or logos on this page.
Products
Resources
©2025 Copyright Tailor Brands
