REGISTERING A FICTITIOUS NAME VS. TRADE NAME IN RHODE ISLAND 

Go to sos.ri.gov/divisions/business-services

• Fictitious Name vs. Trade Name - Which one do I file?  Click here

Any questions regarding registering please contact the Rhode island Department of State's Business Services Division at 401-222-3040 or email corporations@sos.ri.gov.

TOWN OF WESTERLY BUSINESS REGISTRATION 

Every business, including but not limited to, wholesale, retail, commercial, professional services or manufacturing, whether by sole proprietorship, partnership, corporations or any other type of business entity, shall register its business, company, trade or office situated in the Town of Westerly with the Town Clerk. 

Exemption.  Any business required to obtain a victualing, liquor or any other municipally issued license to operate shall be exempt from the requirement of registering its business.

• Go to westerlyri.gov
• Select online services, go to Business Registration, and Apply Online.
• Annual registration fee is $15. Processing fee is $10. (Total fee is $25)
• All registration information is reviewed by the Town Clerks Office BEFORE payment is processed.  You will be notified, via email, that your registration information is in order and you may proceed with the payment.
• Business Registrations must be renewed annually.  All Business Registrations expire June 30th. 

TOWN OF WESTERLY BUSINESS LICENSE

Any person, firm, or corporation desirous of operating a business (ex., victualling, liquor, retail, or other municipally issued license (identified in Town Ordinance Chapter 121 - Fee Schedule - see link below) shall first obtain a license from the Town.  All business license applications (new or renewal) are submitted through the Westerly, RI Viewpoint portal.

• Go to westerlyri.gov 
• Click on the icon "online services" on the front page of the Town's website.
• Go to Business License Application, and Apply Online.
• All applications are reviewed by the Town Clerks Office BEFORE payment is processed.  You will be notified, via email, that your application is in order and you may proceed with the payment.

Helpful Links:

• Town's Licensing Fee Schedule Chapter 121-1
• State of RI General Laws
• Rhode Island Dept. of Health
• Division of Taxation
• Dept. of Business Regulations
• Secretary of State