RI Business License Basics
If you have a business in Rhode Island you are required to have a license to operate. There are various types of Rhode Island business licenses and permits that are required by various government entities at federal, state and local levels. An operating license is the basic type of business license that most all businesses will be required to have.
Each level of government has specific regulations and requirements that need to be met before a business can get a license. If you don’t know the licensing rules in Rhode Island and follow them it could lead to expensive fines and putting your business in jeopardy.
Types of Business Licenses in Rhode Island
Federal Business Licenses – The U.S. government has a number of agencies that regulate and supervise business activities. If your business participates in any one of these federally regulated activities you will have to get a federal business license.
Activities that'll be required to get a federal business license include:
- Alcohol manufacturing, importing and sales
- Agriculture
- Firearm dealing, importing and manufacturing
- Ammunition and Explosives dealing, importing and manufacturing
- Aviation
- Wildlife related activities
- Mining
- Drilling
- Commercial fishing
- TV and radio broadcasting
- Trucking
State Business Licenses – The majority of Rhode Island businesses will have to obtain some sort of state business license in order to legally operate. At the very least a business should get a professional or occupational license. Rhode Island business licenses are typically used for tax purposes.
Local Business Licenses – Local Rhode Island governments and municipalities also grant business licenses. All businesses will be required to get some type of local business license to be able to operate in Rhode Island.
Permits – Permits are more specific to a certain type of business within an industry. Permits have a wide selection of purposes from parking to product sales.
How to Get a Rhode Island Business License
The steps you will need to take to obtain a business license in Rhode Island will vary depending on what sort of business license you need to get. It doesn't matter what type of license you are hoping to get you will need to fill out application form(s) and supply detailed information about your business.
If you are starting a business or expanding your business you will have numerous forms to fill out. Be prepared to supply your Employer Identification Number (EIN).
The SBA (Small Business Administration) has great online tools for helping business owners figure out exactly what type of Rhode Island business licenses they should get, links to websites, applications and instructions. If you’re just starting a business and need assistance with licensing, the SBA is the best place to get more info.
Maintaining Your Rhode Island Business License
Once you get your Rhode Island business licenses and permits you must still maintain them year after year to keep them up to date. The guidelines below are recommended in order to ensure your business license is in good standing.
- Make copies of your business licenses and permits.
- Keep track of when licenses and permits have to be renewed.
- Follow the regulations for displaying your business license.
- If you would like to change or expand your business be sure to verify whether you need additional permits or business licenses.