Rhode Island Registered Agent
What is a Rhode Island registered agent?
A Rhode Island registered agent is a person or entity authorized to accept legal mail on behalf of a business. The registered agent must accept legal documents in person at the physical address provided to the Rhode Island Department of State’s Business Services Division. The agent will then forward those documents to the affected business. You can act as your own agent if you meet the requirements, or you can appoint someone else to fill the role.
Purpose of RI Registered Agents
The primary purpose of a Rhode Island registered agent (sometimes known as a resident agent) is acting as the legal point of contact for businesses they serve. Once they receive legal paperwork, the registered agent is obligated to forward it to the business in question as soon as possible. Registered agents are also responsible for accepting and forwarding other important correspondence from the state.
Rhode Island requires every entity registered with the Department of State to have both a registered agent and a registered office on file. A registered office is the physical address where a registered agent receives service of process and other important mail.
Rhode Island Registered Agent Requirements
There are two basic requirements for Rhode Island registered agents:
- The agent has to be a Rhode Island resident or an entity registered to do business in the Ocean State.
- The registered agent must keep a registered office at a street address within Rhode Island and be available at that address during normal business hours to accept service of process. P.O boxes and virtual business addresses aren’t permitted.
Can I be my own registered agent in Rhode Island?
You can act as your own Rhode Island registered agent as long as you’re a resident of the state with a physical address. You must also be available at that address during regular business hours Monday through Friday. Keep in mind the address you list on formation paperwork will also become part of the public record. If you aren’t fine with those conditions, it’s best to find someone else to act as your registered agent.
How to Find a RI Registered Agent
Your method for finding a Rhode Island registered agent will depend on if you want to hire an individual or an entity.
Want to hire an individual? Ask around in your business circles. You could also ask a family member or friend who you trust to handle sensitive legal documents. But make sure you don’t give the job to any random person in your orbit.
Looking for an entity? Hiring a professional registered agent service is a wise choice if you’re looking for consistent service and additional perks. We can help you launch your entire business identity in minutes, including registering a domain and getting your website online.
How to Appoint a Registered Agent in Rhode Island
To appoint a registered agent in Rhode Island, list their name and registered office address on your formation paperwork. If you’re forming a corporation, you’ll list your registered agent information on Articles of Incorporation. If you’re forming a Rhode Island LLC, you’ll list the information on Articles of Organization.
How to Change a Rhode Island Registered Agent
You’re allowed to switch both your Rhode Island registered agent and/or registered office. To change both at once, find the appropriate Change of Registered Agent form for your entity type and submit it to the Rhode Island Department of State. If you only want to change the registered office address, fill out the appropriate Change of Registered Office form.
The Change of Registered Agent form costs $20 to file, while there’s no charge for the Change of Registered Office form.
You can file either form online, by mail, or in person. For in-person and mail filings, use the below address:
RI Department of State
Business Services Division
148. W River St. Suite 1
Providence, RI 02904
Reasons to Hire Registered Agents Inc
When you hire Registered Agents Inc as your Rhode Island registered agent, you receive the advantages of a national operation combined with the expert knowledge of a local business. This means you get:
Same day document uploads
We process everything in-house. Right after we accept legal mail for your business, we scan and upload it to your secure online account.
Secure online account
After you hire us, you’ll automatically be able to access your online account. This is where we upload any legal mail we receive for your business. It’s also a place to add new services and find state-specific resources.
Local offices nationwide
We have offices in 52 jurisdictions including Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and all fifty states. If you want to expand to Connecticut or Massachusetts, we’ve got you.
Swift notifications
No need to keep refreshing the page. We’ll send you an email notice as soon as there’s a new document ready to view in your account.
Annual report filings
Most Rhode Island businesses have to file an annual report or risk losing your good standing with the state. But don’t stress, because when you hire us as your registered agent, we’ll file the annual report for you. You only have to pay the state fee.
Expert support
Our customer service pros know all the particulars of business filings in Rhode Island. If you have a question, they’re happy to answer it via phone or email.
Interested in providing your own registered agent services to clients?? Check out our Wholesale Program.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a registered agent cost in Rhode Island?
In Rhode Island, a registered agent service typically runs between $50 and $300 a year. Our premium Registered Agent service is $200 a year.
Does Rhode Island require a registered agent?
Yes, state law requires all registered business entities in Rhode Island to designate and maintain both a registered agent and a registered office.
How much does an LLC cost in RI?
It costs $150 to form a domestic LLC in Rhode Island. The fee is due when you submit your Articles of Organization to the Rhode Island Department of State’s Business Services Division.
