Rhode Island Business Name Search


Before you form an LLC, register a fictitious name, or start a corporation, you'll need to complete a business name search with the Rhode Island Corporate Database tool to see if your name is unique.

In our Rhode Island Business Name Search guide, we'll show you exactly how to check LLC name availability in Rhode Island.

Recommended: Northwest Registered Agent will register your business name when they form your LLC for $29 (plus state fees).

SKIP AHEAD:

Complete a Rhode Island Corporate Database Search

Complete a Domain Name Search

Register Your Business Name

A laptop with a search engine open that says "LLC Name Search"

Rhode Island LLC Name Search

The Rhode Island Department of State requires all business names to be distinguishable from other business entities in the state.

It's also important to search for a matching domain name (URL).

How to Search Available LLC Names

You can check your business name availability by searching the Rhode Island Corporate Database.

Recommended: If you don’t have a business name yet or find that yours is taken, use our LLC Name Generator.

How to Check Available Domain Names

When choosing a business name you'll need to find out whether or not a good web domain name is available. Having a URL that clearly matches your business name is important. This small step can make a big difference in how prospective customers find your business.

The best way to determine if your desired URL is available is to search for it using your preferred domain registry, such as GoDaddy.

Find a Domain Now

How to Register Your Business Name

Register Your Name

An LLC name is officially registered when you file your LLC application documents and form an LLC.

Ready to register your LLC name? Use our Rhode Island LLC guide to get started.

Registering a DBA in Rhode Island (also known as a fictitious name) is a separate process that requires filing with the Department of State.

Reserve Your Name

You can optionally reserve your LLC name in Rhode Island for up to 120 days before you officially register it. This prevents other businesses from registering your name until you have the opportunity to register it yourself. 

Name reservations can be filed online or via hard copy with the Rhode Island Department of State. The filing fee is $50.

Rhode Island Naming Requirements

Some key guidelines for Rhode Island LLC names include:

  • Your name must end in either the words "limited liability company" or the upper or lower case letters "l.l.c.," with or without punctuation.
  • If your company is organized as a low-profit, limited liability company, its name must end with either the words "low-profit, limited liability company" or the abbreviation "L3C" or "l3c"
  • Your name must be distinguishable from any existing business in the state. This includes Rhode Island reserved names.

Keep an eye out for restricted words. These words, such as “FBI” or “Treasury,” are often restricted to keep your LLC from sounding like an official institution.

For more information, check out Rhode Island’s official state statutes.

Distinguishability

It is important that your name be distinguishable from all other business names. In Rhode Island, a distinguishable name is one that is substantively different from all other existing or reserved business names in the state.

The following differences do NOT make a name distinguishable in Rhode Island:

  • Articles
  • Plural forms of words
  • Obvious misspelling of the same name or word
  • Abbreviations 
  • Variations of the same word
  • Entity type identifiers
  • The addition of a numeric designation
  • Punctuation or special characters
  • Capitalization
  • Spacing
  • Numbers written as numerals versus as words

Failure to use a distinguishable name could result in your formation filing being rejected.

Is your name already taken? Our free AI-powered LLC name generator will generate thousands of new ideas.

Rhode Island LLC Name Search FAQ

How do I check if an LLC name is taken in Rhode Island?

You can use the Rhode Island Corporate Database tool to see if your business name is available.

Learn more about business entity name availability in the How to Search Available LLC Names section.

Should I name my LLC after myself?

While there’s no rule against naming an LLC after yourself, most experts advise against doing this. 

One of the benefits of starting an LLC is the ability to choose a different name for your business, which can make it sound more professional.

To explore other naming options, use your free AI-powered LLC Name Generator.

What words can’t be used in a Rhode Island LLC name?

Business names generally can’t include words that imply the company is a banking or financial institution or that it’s affiliated with a local, state, or federal government agency.

Learn more about LLC naming requirements in the Rhode Island Naming Requirements section.

Should I use an LLC name generator?

If you’re having trouble choosing a name for your LLC, an LLC name generator can help you come up with some ideas.

What is a brand name?

A brand name is a name a company gives to a product or line of products. It can be the same as the company’s name or something different.

Learn more about branding with your business entity name with our How to Name an LLC guide.

Do I have to include LLC in my name?

Yes. Rhode Island requires that its LLCs use “Limited Liability Company” or one of its abbreviations (e.g., LLC or L.L.C.) in their legal name.

Learn more about LLC naming requirements in the Rhode Island Naming Requirements section.

Do I need to renew my business name in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island doesn't require LLCs to renew their name.

Can my business name be different from my LLC name in Rhode Island?

Some companies choose to operate under a name that’s different from their legal name. This can either be called a “doing business as” (DBA) name or a fictitious name in Rhode Island. 

In Rhode Island, LLC fictitious names are filed with the Department of State.

Learn more about fictitious names with our Rhode Island DBA guide.

Does my LLC need a DBA name?

Your LLC doesn’t need a DBA name unless it plans to do business under a name other than its legal name. Learn more about Rhode Island DBAs by reading our guide to filing for a DBA and selecting Rhode Island from the dropdown menu.