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A unique business name is important for branding, but it’s easy to get lost in all the Rhode Island business name rules.
This page will teach you how to look up your LLC name and make sure it’s available to use.
Rhode Island LLC name
If you file your Rhode Island LLC paperwork with a name that is already used by another Rhode Island business entity – or that doesn’t meet the Rhode Island name rules – your filing may be rejected.
The first step to checking if your LLC name passes is to make sure your name is not already taken by another business.
You can do this using the Corporate Records Database (aka Business Entity Search). And you need to do this because two business entities in the state can’t have the same name or be too similar.
The second step is to make sure your LLC name follows the Rhode Island Secretary of State’s rules, which we’ve broken down below.
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How do I search the Rhode Island business entity name database?
You can use the business entity search to search your business name against the existing business entities registered in Rhode Island.
Note: This tool is sometimes called the Rhode Island Corporate Database, Rhode Island Business Name Search or the Rhode Island Business Entity Search. They all refer to the same website and get you the same search records.
Visit the Rhode Island Corporate Database page:
Rhode Island Secretary of State: Business Entity Search
It’s simple to use:
Click the first option to Search by entity name.
Enter your desired LLC name in the search bar.
Click Search at the bottom.
(You can leave the “Search type” set to Begins with)
Search tips:
- Leave out “LLC”, “L.L.C.”, “Limited Liability Company”, etc., when doing your searches.
- Leave out any commas, periods, apostrophes, etc.
- You can search using uppercase or lowercase letters.
Tip: It’s best to enter only the main part of your desired Rhode Island LLC name in the search bar. For example, if your desired LLC name is Riverwalk Studios LLC, first do a search for the words “Riverwalk Studio”. And then do a search for “Riverwalk”. This helps make sure that you see everything that is potentially similar.
How to interpret the Rhode Island LLC search results
If the results show names that are not too similar to yours (meaning yours is distinguishable), then your Limited Liability Company name is available for use.
- Let’s keep using the example above. If your desired name is Riverwalk Studios LLC, and the only similar names you saw were “Riverwalk Rentals” and “Riverwalk Studio Starters”, then your name should be available.
If no results show up, that means your LLC name is unique and it should be available for use. To be safe, run your search again using only part of your LLC name (to double-check that there are no similar names).
- For example, search just the word “Riverwalk” instead of Riverwalk Studios.
If your exact LLC name appears in the list of search records, your LLC name is not available for use because another Rhode Island business entity is already using it.
If the results show a name that is very similar to yours, your LLC name may not be available for use.
- If your desired name is Riverwalk Studios LLC, and the search results show a “Riverwalk Studio”, then your name is not available.
What if my desired LLC name isn’t available?
If your name is not unique, you’ll need to come up with a variation or a different name for your LLC.
Tip: Wait until your LLC is approved before you apply for your LLC EIN Number or purchase any other marketing materials. This way you don’t spend money on business supplies you can’t use because your business name isn’t available.
Rhode Island Secretary of State Contact Information
You can call the Rhode Island Secretary of State to ask questions about whether your LLC name is available.
Representatives at the Rhode Island Secretary of State can help you use the Rhode Island Business Name Search. They can’t guarantee that your LLC name will be available when you file, however.
The Business Services Division phone number is 401-222-3040 Their hours are 8:30am to 4:30pm Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.
Rhode Island Limited Liability Company Name Requirements
As per Section 7-16-9 of the Rhode Island LLC Act, there are a few rules and requirements for naming a Rhode Island business entity that you need to know.
Do I have to use a comma in my LLC name?
No, you don’t have to. You can file your LLC name with or without a comma. Both versions are accepted by the Secretary of State.
For example: If your desired business name is Grandpa Joe’s, you can file it as:
- Grandpa Joe’s LLC
- Grandpa Joe’s, LLC
Or, instead of having “LLC” as your designator (ending), there are a few other options in Rhode Island.
What designators (endings) can I use in my LLC name?
Your Rhode Island LLC name must contain one of the following designators at the end:
- LLC
- L.L.C.
- llc
- l.l.c.
- Limited Liability Company
Note: Most people choose “LLC”.
The following designators are not allowed
Your Rhode Island LLC can’t make itself sound like a Rhode Island Corporation or any other business entity besides an LLC.
The following words and designators can’t be used anywhere in your LLC name:
- Inc.
- Corp.
- Incorporated
- Corporation
- Cooperative
What words are not allowed in my Rhode Island LLC name?
Your Rhode Island LLC name can’t contain words and abbreviations that are restricted by law.
For example, you can’t make your LLC name sound like it’s a bank, part of the government or a government agency, or anything else that misleads the public.
You also can’t use words that are reserved for licensed professionals. These vary by state, but some common examples are accountants, architects, attorneys, dentists, and engineers.
Your Rhode Island business name must be distinguishable (unique)
When you search the Rhode Island Secretary of State Corporate Database, you will compare your desired LLC name to existing businesses in the state.
If your name is not unique, you’ll need to come up with a variation or a different business name.
Below are rules and examples of LLC names that are not distinguishable.
Designators
Differences in designators (endings) don’t create distinguishability.
If your desired LLC name is Striped Bass Fishing LLC, it’s not available to use if any of the following are found in the Rhode Island Business Name Search results:
- Striped Bass Fishing, Inc.
- Striped Bass Fishing, Corp.
- Striped Bass Fishing l.l.c.
Filler Words
Adding non-meaningful or filler words (the, a, an, and, &, of, or) won’t create distinguishability.
If your desired LLC name is Greening Farms LLC, it’s not available to use if any of the following are found:
- The Greening Farms LLC
- A Greening Farm Inc.
- Greening and Farms L.L.C.
- Greening & Farms Corp
Plural or Singular Words and Possessive Words
Adding a letter “s” to make a word plural or possessive doesn’t create distinguishability.
If your desired LLC name is Paula’s Violets LLC, it’s not available to use if any of the following are found:
- Paulas Violets L.L.C.
- Paula’s Violet Inc.
- Paulas Violet 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”) doesn’t create distinguishability.
If your desired LLC name is 25 Ships LLC, it’s not available to use if any of the following are found:
- Twenty-Five Ships LLC
- Twenty 5 Ships Inc.
Adding a Number
Adding a number to the end of the business name doesn’t create distinguishability.
Said another way, Hope Anchor LLC isn’t distinguishable from Hope Anchor 2 LLC.
But if you already own Hope Anchor LLC and want to open a second Rhode Island Limited Liability Company, you can get special permission from the Secretary of State to use “Hope Anchor 2 LLC” for your other company. This rule just means that someone else can’t use Hope Anchor 2 as a distinguishable business name.
Capitalization
Differences in capitalization don’t create distinguishability.
If your desired LLC name is Courage Cat LLC, it’s not available to use if any of the following are found:
- courage cat l.l.c.
- COURAGE cat Inc.
- cOuRaGe CaT LLC
Said another way, you’re allowed to use any capitalization you want. It just doesn’t make your name distinguishable from an existing company with the same name.
Alternate Spelling of the same name or word
Using a different spelling of the same name or word doesn’t create distinguishability.
If your desired LLC name is Boys Baskets LLC, it’s not available to use if any of the following are found:
- Boyz Basketz LLC
- Boiz Baskets Corp.
- Boys Bassketts Ltd. Co.
Abbreviation vs Complete Name or Word
Using an abbreviation instead of a complete word (or vice versa) doesn’t create distinguishability.
If your desired LLC name is New York Pizza Bros. LLC, it’s not available to use if any of the following are found:
- NY Pizza Bros, L.C.
- NY Pizza Brothers, Ltd. Liability Co.
- New York Pizza Brothers Inc.
Business Search Tips for Abbreviations
If you want to use an abbreviation, or a word that has a commonly-used abbreviation, make sure you search for the abbreviation and the complete word when you use the Business Entity Search to check availability.
For example: If you wanted to use the word “February” in your business name, make sure you also search for the business name using “Feb” instead. Or if you wanted to use the abbreviation “RI” for Rhode Island, make sure you also search for “Rhode Island” as well as “RI”.
Punctuation, Symbols, Spaces
Adding or removing punctuation, symbols and spaces doesn’t create distinguishability.
If your desired LLC name is Ocean State Soap Store LLC, it’s not available to use if any of the following are found:
- Ocean-state-Soap-store, Inc.
- Oceanstatesoapstore Corp.
- Ocean State/Soap Store, L.L.C.
Suffixes, Derivations or Deviations
Using the same word, just with a suffix or a different derivation, doesn’t create distinguishability. This rule can be tricky, because sometimes a different version of a word has a different meaning and would be distinguishable. Really, it all depends on the opinion of the LLC examiner who reviews your paperwork.
If your desired LLC name is Maple Creations LLC, it might not be available to use if any of the following are found:
- Maple Creatives LLC
- Maple Creates Inc.
- Maple Creativity, Ltd. Co.
What if my Rhode Island business name is rejected?
If you file your Rhode Island Articles of Organization (the document that creates your Rhode Island LLC) and the business name is not available, don’t panic. The state will notify you and tell you why your filing was rejected.
You will just need to file again with a variation of your LLC name or a different LLC name.
Rhode Island Business Name FAQs
Do I need a name reservation in Rhode Island?
No, a name reservation isn’t required to form an LLC in Rhode Island. It’s an unnecessary step and a waste of money.
You can just file your LLC’s Articles of Organization with your desired LLC name.
Does Rhode Island require LLC in the name?
Yes. Your Rhode Island LLC name must contain one of the allowable designators at the end. The most commonly used designators are:
- 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) lets your LLC conduct business under a name which is different from its true and legal name (the name on your Articles of Organization).
If you want your LLC to do business under a name that’s different from its true and legal name, you have to file an LLC Fictitious Business Name Statement online or by mail and pay an additional fee of $50 to the Secretary of State.
If you are going to file a Fictitious Business Name Statement for your Rhode Island LLC, it must also be distinguishable from existing business names in the state.
There is no limit to the number of Fictitious Business Names an LLC can have.
For more information, please see Does my LLC need a DBA?
When would my LLC use a DBA?
Let’s say you form an LLC called Coffee Milk Food Tours LLC, but you also want to use a friendlier, catchy name, like Coffee Tours. In this case, your LLC would need to file a Fictitious Business Name Statement to use the name Coffee Tours.
If you don’t file a Fictitious Business Name Statement for a different name, you can only use your legal entity name of Coffee Milk Food Tours LLC.
Similarly, if you want to do business under the name Coffee Milk Food Tours, just without the letters “LLC” in the name, you will need to file a Fictitious Business Name for Coffee Milk Food Tours.
How do I get a business domain name?
Once you’ve found a business name that you like, it’s a good idea to check if your domain name is available before forming your LLC.
You can search for available domain names with GoDaddy:
Find a domain name
What does “distinguishability” mean?
Each business entity name must be “distinguishable upon the records” of the Secretary of State.
This means that no two businesses can operate with the same exact name. Said another way, if a business already exists with your desired LLC name, you can’t register your LLC with that name.
For example, let’s say you want to form an LLC called Coventry Landscapers LLC. But there is already a business in another town called Coventry Landscapers, Inc. Because your desired LLC name is the same as that existing Rhode Island Corporation, it is not distinguishable. You can’t use it and must choose another name.
How do I come up with a business name?
Business names are important for branding and recognition. The name of your Rhode Island LLC can be your company’s brand name, but it doesn’t have to be (please see the FAQ about DBAs above). Either way, picking a good LLC name is an important decision.
Here are some quick tips for coming up with business names:
- First, write down the features of your company and things that you want to be associated with.
- Then list out as many business names as you can think of. Don’t edit or analyze them. Just get as many names on the page as you can.
- Now go back and read through them. Write down any variations that come to mind.
- Next, set the list aside. Do something else, like go for a walk or get groceries, or sleep on it for the night. Then come back and review the list of names. As you go through it, write down additional ideas and variations.
- Read the whole list out loud. If you want, get input from friends, business partners, and family.
- Repeat the process: sleep on the ideas, write down new variations, read them out loud again.
- The best business name will often “rise off the page” and present itself. If it doesn’t, you can try this trick: Close your eyes and count to 10. When you get to 10, you must choose a name. When you open your eyes, force yourself to make a decision. Sometimes we know the best name deep in our subconscious, and this trick can help it come out. Trust yourself and go with what feels best.
For more tips, please see How to Choose an LLC Name.
Can I use the name of another Rhode Island entity?
No. You can’t use the same name as another Rhode Island business.
And it doesn’t matter what entity type it is – your LLC can’t have the same entity name as another corporation, LLC, or any other entity type.
You can’t use another business’s name even if the entity is in “delinquent” status on the Rhode Island Secretary of State website.
But if a business is dissolved, they no longer have rights to that name. This means you can form an LLC with the same name.
How do I change my LLC name?
You can change your LLC’s name later by filing an Amendment form with the Secretary of State.
We have step-by-step instructions on how to change an LLC name in Rhode Island.
How to start an LLC in Rhode Island?
Here are the steps to starting an LLC in Rhode Island:
- Choose an LLC name and make sure it’s available
- Choose who will be your Rhode Island Registered Agent
- File the Rhode Island LLC Articles of Organization
- Complete and sign an LLC Operating Agreement
- Get a Tax ID Number (EIN) from the IRS
- Open an LLC bank account
- Check whether you need a business or sales tax license in Rhode Island
References
Rhode Island LLC Act Section 7-16-9
Rhode Island Secretary of State: Name Availability Guidelines
Rhode Island Secretary of State: Searching the Corporate Database
Matt holds a Bachelor's Degree in business from Drexel University with a concentration in business law. He performs extensive research and analysis to convert state laws into simple instructions anyone can follow to form their LLC - all for free! Read more about Matt Horwitz and LLC University.
Rhode Island LLC Guide
Looking for an overview? See Rhode Island LLC
