What is a Rhode Island certificate of authority?
Companies are required to register with the Rhode Island Secretary of State before doing business in Rhode Island. Businesses that are incorporated in another state will typically apply for a Rhode Island certificate of authority. Doing so registers the business as a foreign entity and eliminates the need to incorporate a new entity.
Operating without a certificate of authority may result in penalties or fines. In addition to the state’s requirements, licensing agencies, banks, and vendors will often request a certificate of authority.
When do I need a certificate of authority?
The most common reasons for applying for a certificate of authority include:
- Opening an office or physical location within the foreign state
- Hiring an employee who resides within the state
- Before beginning a contract or a job in a new state
- A vendor or bank’s requirements
- Licensing authority requirements
How do I get a Rhode Island certificate of authority?
To obtain your Rhode Island Certificate of Authority, you will submit an Application for Certificate of Authority, along with required certificates or certified copies from your home state. You will need to appoint a registered agent in order for your filing to be approved. Be sure to follow the state’s instructions carefully, as they can reject a document for the smallest error.
For Foreign Corporations:
| Agency: | Rhode Island Secretary of State |
| Form: | Form 150: Certificate of Authority (Under 75,000,000 Shares) |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $310 for corporations with less than 75 million authorized shares + $9 enhanced service fee (online submissions only) |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Certificate of good standing dated within 60 days. |
For Foreign Limited Liability Companies:
| Agency: | Rhode Island Secretary of State |
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $150 + $6 enhanced service fee (online submissions only) |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Certificate of good standing dated within 60 days. |
For Foreign Nonprofit Corporations:
| Agency: | Rhode Island Secretary of State |
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $50 + $2.50 enhanced service fee (online submissions only) |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Certificate of good standing dated within 60 days. |
For Foreign Limited Partnerships:
For Foreign Limited Liability Partnerships:
| Agency: | Rhode Island Secretary of State |
| Form: | Form 550: Notice of Registered Limited Liability Partnership |
| Agency Fee: | $150 |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Certificate of good standing dated within 60 days. |
What do I need from my home state?
In order to obtain a Rhode Island Certificate of Authority, you must also submit:
- Limited Liability Company: Certificate of good standing dated within 60 days.
- Corporation: Certificate of good standing dated within 60 days.
- Limited Partnership: Certificate of good standing dated within 60 days.
- Limited Liability Partnership: Certificate of good standing dated within 60 days.
- Nonprofit Corporation: Certificate of good standing dated within 60 days.
- Professional Corporation: Certificate of good standing dated within 60 days.
What is a registered agent?
A registered agent receives service of process and government notices on behalf of your business. When you prepare your Rhode Island Certificate of Authority application, you must list a registered agent with a physical address within the state (P.O. Boxes are not allowed).
Many businesses do not have an individual or physical address in a new state. Listing our local registered agent address on your certificate of authority application meets the state’s requirements. Additionally, you get same day document scanning from our local office in all 50 states and DC. Our registered agent service is a flat rate of $99 per year, and you can easily add our service to any certificate of authority order.
What is the contact information for the state?
Rhode Island Secretary of StatePhysical Address:
148 West River Street
Providence, RI 02904-2615
Phone: (401) 222-3040
Fax: (401) 222-3879
Website: https://www.sos.ri.gov/
Name Search: http://business.sos.ri.gov/CorpWeb/CorpSearch/CorpSearch.aspx
Forms: https://docs.sos.ri.gov/DocumentLibrarySearch
Online Filing: https://business.sos.ri.gov/corp/LoginSystem/login_form.asp
Email: corporations@sos.ri.gov
