Rhode Island lesson 2 of 6
Appoint your Rhode Island resident agent
Every Rhode Island LLC, domestic or foreign, must maintain a resident agent for service of process for as long as it is registered.
Who can serve
The resident agent must be either an individual resident of Rhode Island, or a domestic or foreign corporation, limited partnership or LLC that is itself registered to do business in Rhode Island. The agent's address must be an actual Rhode Island street address, since the state will not accept a P.O. Box.
What the agent does
The resident agent accepts legal service of process on the LLC's behalf, and the Department of State also sends other important correspondence, such as the annual report courtesy reminder, to the resident agent's address on file.
The resident agent's address is a public record, searchable through the Department of State's online Corporate Database along with every other filing your LLC makes.
Changing the agent
If your resident agent or registered office changes, file the applicable change-of-agent form with the Business Services Division promptly. Failing to maintain a resident agent and registered office can lead to revocation proceedings against the LLC.
Key takeaways
- The resident agent must be a Rhode Island resident or an entity authorized to do business in Rhode Island.
- A P.O. Box is not acceptable; the agent needs a genuine Rhode Island street address.
- Failing to keep an agent on file can lead to revocation of your LLC's registration.
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