Rhode Island lesson 1 of 6
Name your Rhode Island LLC
The Department of State will reject Form 400 if the proposed name is not distinguishable from a name already on file, so search the Corporate Database before you commit to a name.
Required wording
A Rhode Island LLC name must include the phrase Limited Liability Company or the abbreviation L.L.C. or LLC, with or without punctuation.
- Acceptable: Ocean State Marine Repair LLC, Ocean State Marine Repair L.L.C.
- The name must be distinguishable from every other name on file with the Department of State, including corporations, partnerships and other LLCs
- Certain words that imply banking, insurance or government affiliation may require separate state approval before use
Checking availability and reserving a name
Search the Department of State's online Corporate Database before filing. A search checking availability does not guarantee the name will still be free when your Articles are actually processed, so file promptly once you confirm it.
To lock in a name before you are ready to file the Articles, submit Form 620, Application for Reservation of Entity Name. The reservation runs for 120 days and, once it lapses, can only be refiled a single time.
The name reservation is recorded exclusively in the applicant's name. To hand a reserved name to someone else, such as a co-founder who will be the organizer, file a notice of transfer with the Department of State along with the applicable fee.
🇺🇸 Check United States company name availability
Search the official United States state registry before you file. Opens the government portal in a new tab.
Tip: also confirm the .com domain and matching social handles are free before you commit.
Key takeaways
- End the name with LLC, L.L.C. or Limited Liability Company.
- Search the RI Department of State Corporate Database before filing Form 400.
- Form 620 reserves a name for 120 days and can be refiled only once after it expires.
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