Trade Name Holders Now Required to File Annual Renewals
PROVIDENCE, RI – Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore and the RI Department of State Business Services Division today announced the launch of a newly-upgraded online filing system for trade names registered in Rhode Island to support changes to Rhode Island's trade name laws.
"Centralizing filings and requiring annual renewals of trade names helps ensure our business records are up-to-date," said Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore. "To achieve those goals, we're proud to launch the first phase of our modernized online filing system. We look forward to moving all Business Services filings onto the platform in the months ahead."
A trade name is a business name used by a person or group of people who do not wish to incorporate a legal business entity. Before 2026, registrations were filed at each city or town hall in the municipality in which the trade name would be effective. In June 2024, the Rhode Island General Assembly passed legislation (HB 7424/SB 2739A) which moved all trade name registrations to the Rhode Island Department of State Business Services Division and required trade name holders to file no-cost annual renewals each year between September 1 – November 30.
The new RI Business Services Online Filing System includes many features to help filers at every step of the process, including comprehensive, multilingual filing guidance, easy to use status trackers and email notifications, and secure user account creation and access. The filing system can be accessed online at sos.ri.gov/divisions/business-services/ri-trade-names.
The Business Services Division is mailing notices of the renewal requirement this week to eligible Trade Names at their last known address. These mailings are courtesy reminders for trade name holders whose information is on file. Trade name holders who are currently conducting business under a Trade Name and do not receive a notice are advised that the renewal filing requirement may still apply.
Trade name holders with questions about registering or renewing a Trade Name are encouraged to reach out to the Business Services Division at 401-222-3040 or corporations@sos.ri.gov for assistance.
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