Resident Agent Info

Rhode Island Resident Agent Information

Where to file, who to call and what the state expects of the agent who receives legal papers for a Rhode Island business entity.

The Rhode Island filing office.

Every business entity formed or registered in Rhode Island must appoint a resident agent and keep the appointment on file with this office. The statute, the forms and the fees are the office's; confirm them there.

Street address

Business Services Division
148 West River Street
Providence, RI 02904-2615

Mailing address

Same as the street address.

Phone and website

Voice
(401) 222-3040
Fax
(401) 222-1309
Website
sos.ri.gov/divisions/business-services

Office hours

Monday through Friday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Eastern Time (ET)

Office details as published in our directory; offices move and renumber, so check the website before you mail or visit.

What a resident agent must do in Rhode Island

The basics are the same here as in every other state. The agent must:

  • keep a physical street address in Rhode Island (not a post office box) that appears on the entity's public record;
  • be available at that address during normal business hours to accept service of process;
  • accept lawsuits, subpoenas and official notices from the state on the entity's behalf and forward them promptly;
  • stay on the record: if the agent moves, resigns or is replaced, a change must be filed with the office above.

An entity that lets its appointment lapse falls out of compliance and can lose its good standing. The requirements page explains the rules in more detail, and what is a resident agent explains the role itself.

Other states.