Rhode Island lesson 3 of 6
File the Articles of Organization
The document that creates a Rhode Island LLC is Form 400, Articles of Organization, filed with the Department of State's Business Services Division under Section 7-16-6 of the General Laws for a $150 fee.
What the form asks for
Form 400 covers the LLC's name, its resident agent and registered office, the principal address, and how federal tax classification will be handled: as a partnership, a corporation, or disregarded as separate from its member. You can add optional additional provisions that the members agree on.
All Rhode Island LLCs exist perpetually until formally dissolved, and are organized to conduct any lawful business unless the Articles state a more specific purpose or a set duration.
- Check whether the LLC will be managed by its members or by one or more designated managers
- If manager-managed, list each manager's name and address if known
- State the principal office address, or note that it is not yet determined
Fee and filing route
The filing fee is $150, payable by check to the RI Department of State, or in person by cash, credit card or check at 148 W. River Street, Providence. You can also file online through the Department of State's business portal.
Confirming your filing
Rhode Island does not mail a confirmation for a successful filing. Search your entity by name or ID number in the online Corporate Database, open the entity record, select All Filings, then View Filing, and download the PDF as your proof of formation. Filings that cannot be processed are posted online and then returned to you.
Key takeaways
- Form 400 costs $150, filed with the RI Department of State Business Services Division.
- The form requires a federal tax classification choice: partnership, corporation, or disregarded entity.
- There is no mailed confirmation; verify your filing in the online Corporate Database.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to live in Rhode Island to form a Rhode Island LLC?
No. There is no residency requirement for members or managers. Only the resident agent must meet Rhode Island's residency or authorization rules.
Does Rhode Island require an operating agreement?
It is not filed with the Department of State, but adopting one internally sets out ownership, voting and distributions instead of relying on default statutory rules.
Official sources
Or let us file your Rhode Island LLC for you
Everything above is yours to use for free. If you would rather hand it over, we prepare and file the Articles of Organization (Form 400), act as your registered agent, and track your ongoing deadlines.
Last reviewed: September 2026 - reviewed by Gullia Filing Legal & Formation Team