Updated on April 22, 2024
A Rhode Island registered agent is a person or corporation upon whom any process, notice, or demand required or permitted by law may be served.[1] An agent performs this service on behalf of a corporation registered in Rhode Island. Every corporation transacting business in the state must maintain one.
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Registered Agent Search
Step 1 – Visit the state’s Corporate Database.
Step 2 – Select “Search by Agent” and enter the agent’s name. Click “Search.”
Step 3 – Click on the name of the entity associated with the correct agent.
Step 4 – Review information about the entity, including the name and address of its registered agent.
Who can be a Registered Agent?
A registered agent can be an individual residing in Rhode Island or an entity authorized to do business in Rhode Island. Eligible entities include domestic corporations, domestic limited partnerships, domestic limited liability partnerships, domestic limited liability companies, foreign corporations, foreign limited partnerships, foreign limited liability partnerships, and foreign limited liability companies.[2]
Registered agents must be available during regular business hours and must have a street address.
A registered agent must accept, in writing, the appointment. A company that designates an agent without the agent’s permission may be fined up to $1,000, imprisoned for up to a year, or both.[3]
Can I be a Registered Agent?
Yes, if you reside in Rhode Island or represent a company registered in Rhode Island.
The most common way for a corporation to select a registered agent is to include the agent’s name and address in the initial document filed to form the corporation. Select from the following forms. Complete the form and send it, along with payment for the filing fee, to Division of Business Services, 148 W. River Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02904-2615.
- Domestic LLC: Articles of Organization ($150 filing fee)
- Domestic Corporation: Articles of Incorporation ($230 filing fee)
- Domestic Limited Partnership: Certificate of Limited Partnership ($100 filing fee)
- Domestic Limited Liability Limited Partnership: Certificate of Limited Liability Limited Partnership ($100 filing fee)
- Domestic Limited Liability Partnership: Statement of Qualification of Limited Liability Partnership ($150 filing fee)
- Domestic Non-Profit: Articles of Incorporation ($35 filing fee)
- Foreign Non-Profit: Certificate of Authority ($50 filing fee)
- Foreign LLC: Application for Registration ($150 filing fee)
- Foreign Corporation: Application for Certificate of Authority ($310 filing fee)
- Foreign Limited Partnership: Statement of Registration ($100 filing fee)
- Foreign Limited Liability Partnership: Statement of Registration ($150 filing fee)
Changing a Registered Agent
A corporation can change its registered agent by filing a form with the state.[4] The filing fee is $20.[5]
Select from the following forms. Complete the form and send it, along with payment for the filing fee, to the Division of Business Services, 148 W. River Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02904-2615.
- Limited Liability Company: Statement of Change of Agent (Form 642)
- Corporation: Statement of Change of Agent (Form 640)
Alternatively, file the appropriate form online by logging in with a Customer Identification Number and PIN.
There is no form for a partnership, so this type of entity must file a simple letter stating the names of both the previous and successor agents, as well as the name of the partnership. A change becomes effective 30 days after a form or letter is filed with the Division of Business Services.
Statement of Change of Agent (LLC)
Download: PDF