Obtain Certificate of Trade Name Registration / Letter of Status
Certificates of Trade Name Registration and Letters of Status are available electronically and can be used to verify that an RI trade name was registered or is in good standing. To verify that a business has satisfied its tax obligations, contact the RI Division of Taxation at [email protected].
What’s the difference between a Certificate of Trade Name Registration and a Letter of Status?
A Certificate of Trade Name Registration serves as evidence of the registration of a trade name, and it certifies the date of registration and the city/town in which it is registered. Only filers associated with an existing trade name can obtain a Certificate of Trade Name Registration after logging into the online trade name filing system. A Certificate of Trade Name Registration is generated instantaneously and is issued electronically.
A Letter of Status confirms that a registered trade name is active and in good standing with the RI Department of State. A Letter of Status also certifies the date and city/town of registration. Anyone can order a Letter of Status for a trade name that’s in good standing by searching the trade name database. A Letter of Status may take 48 hours to process and is issued by email.
Get a Certificate of Trade Name Registration - No Fee
A Certificate of Trade Name Registration can be obtained once a trade name has been successfully registered and indexed. Once you’ve received confirmation that your trade name registration or association has been accepted, log in to the trade name online filing system and navigate to “My Trade Names.” In the “Actions” column on the right hand side of the screen, look for the downward facing arrow with help text that reads “Download proof of registration.” The Certificate of Trade Name Registration will open in a new tab. NOTE: Your browser must allow pop-ups.
Get a Letter of Status - Pay Online or By Mail with Check/Money Order
Anyone can order a Letter of Status for an active RI trade name by searching the RI Trade Name Database. Once you’ve located the active trade name in the database, click on the trade name. From the Trade Name Summary Screen, click “Order Letter of Status” in the top right-hand corner.
To order a Letter of Status for an active trade name that you’re associated with, you can log into the trade name online filing system and navigating to “My Trade Names.” In the “Actions” column on the right hand side of the screen, click “Letter of Status.”
Looking for certified copies?
Certified copies are not available for registered trade names. If you need formal evidence of your trade name registration or good standing status, you may download a Certificate of Trade Name Registration or order a Letter of Status.