Starting a business in The Ocean State is complicated enough. Getting your ready-to-file Assumed Business Name (often called a DBA or "Doing Business As") shouldn't involve hours of forms and guesswork.
At assumedname.org, we eliminate the complex paperwork by providing Rhode Island Sole Proprietors with the certificate, accurately pre-filled with the precise information the Municipal Clerk needs. Whether you are from Providence, Warwick, Cranston, Pawtucket, or somewhere else in Rhode Island, the Assumed Name Certificate will work in the city or town you are doing business in. Your accurate paperwork is ready in minutes.
If already you have an LLC or a corporation, you may have a different filing process for filing an assumed name at the state level. AssumedName.org focuses on helping Sole Proprietorships with local business name filings.
Our streamlined service is designed for the modern Rhode Island entrepreneur seeking speed, convenience, and guaranteed accuracy:
⚡️ Lightning Fast Preparation: Complete our simple online questionnaire and receive your complete, accurate Rhode Island DBA form ready-to-file in minutes.
✅ Guaranteed Accuracy for $5: For a low, one-time fee of only $5, we ensure the information on your certificate exactly reflects the details required by your local Rhode Island county.
🛡️ Focus on Core Business: We handle the paperwork preparation so you can immediately focus on the next steps, like setting up your professional Rhode Island business bank account.
❓ Still have questions? Find out what a DBA is, why most states require them, and if you need one for your business.
🖹 A custom formatted PDF: Prefilled with your information making it fast and easy for your government office to file and satisfy your jurisdictions business name requirements. You will have the opportunity to view & download your certificate plus it will be emailed to you.
🚐 Less driving around to get the right form: Save time, gas money, and parking fees going from place to place.
😕 Less confusion: We have done the research and identified the right information to put on the right form for Rhode Island Sole Proprietors so you don't have to. No matter if you are doing business in Providence, Kent, or any other county in Rhode Island, the information on your certificate will be accurate.
💲A low one-time charge: We charge $5 plus processing fees to complete your order. We use Stripe as our payment processor so you know it's secure and you can pay with many different types of credit cards or digital wallets like apple pay.
When using a name different from their legal name.
Filings are made with the city or town clerk per (R.I. Gen. Laws § 6-1-1 (2023).)
Yes. Most assumed name filings require notarization.
No. Registration does not grant exclusive rights like a trademark does. It also does not provide liability protection.
Steps:
Visit the Rhode Island Secretary of State’s website and open the business search tool.
Enter your proposed assumed business name and similar variations.
Review existing entities and assumed names that may conflict with yours.
If there is a conflict, adjust your name and search again.
Save or print search results for your records.
Documents Required:
None
Estimated Time:
5–10 minutes
Steps:
Once you find a business name that is available, gather your legal name, address, assumed name, and a description of your business.
Complete the trade name certificate at assumedname.org & have it notarized.
Either drop off your certificate in person at your city / town clerk, or send the completed certificate along with the the filing fee to the city / town clerk by mail.
Keep your confirmation and begin using the assumed name in your business in places like Warwick.
Documents Required:
Filing fee payment
Estimated Time:
Preparation: 15–20 minutes
Mail processing: a few business days
What does the law say:
The relevant state law for Fictitious names / DBAs is:
Steps:
One you have file your assumed business name and obtain proof of registration.
Obtain an EIN if required by your bank.
Gather your assumed business name registration, EIN letter, government-issued ID, and proof of business address.
Contact or visit a local bank and ask about business checking accounts for sole proprietors using an assumed name.
Provide your documents and complete the application; most banks will open your account within 1–2 hours, but it could take longer.
Documents Required:
Assumed business name registration
EIN (if required)
Government-issued ID
Proof of business address
Estimated Time:
Preparation: 20–30 minutes
Bank approval: 1–2 hours