Skip to content

Rhode Island licensing

Do I need a subdivision license in Rhode Island?

No. Rhode Island does not require a state-level subdivision license.

State Laws

Rhode Island licensing laws

8 verticals covered for Rhode Island

← All states
Reviewed by Cornerstone Staff28 years of financial services state licensing experienceLast verified August 3, 2026

This guide covers 8 regulated activities in Rhode Island: Rhode Island Subdivision Bond Requirements, Rhode Island Contractor License Bond Requirements, Rhode Island Charitable Solicitation Registration, Rhode Island Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements, Rhode Island Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond Requirements, Rhode Island Debt Collection Laws & Regulations, Rhode Island Notary Bond Requirements, and Rhode Island Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing. For each one, the summary below names the state agency in charge. It shows whether a license or registration is required. It also shows whether Rhode Island calls for a surety bond before you can operate.

Oversight in Rhode Island runs through Local city or county government (plat approval authority) in Rhode Island, Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board, Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation, Rhode Island Division of Banking, Rhode Island DMV, Dealers' License and Regulations Office, and Rhode Island Department of State. 5 of the 8 need a surety bond before you can operate. The bond protects the state and your customers if you break the rules tied to your license.

States change their statutes and fee schedules often. Treat the details below as a starting point. Confirm the current rule with the regulator before you file. When you are ready, Cornerstone Licensing can prepare and submit the Rhode Island filings for you. We track every renewal date and keep your license in good standing year after year.

subdivision

Rhode Island Subdivision Bond Requirements

How subdivision (site improvement / plat) bonds work in Rhode Island: the enabling statute local governments rely on, how the bond amount is sized from the engineer's estimate, and what developers post to get a plat approved.

Application process

The bond is posted with the city or county that approves the plat, not a state agency. The local government (the obligee) sizes the security from the project engineer's estimate of the improvements still to be built (streets, curbs, sidewalks, storm drains, water and sewer), and the developer files the executed bond with the development or subdivision improvement agreement. Many Rhode Island jurisdictions reduce the required amount as phases are inspected and accepted.

Renewals

The bond stays in force until the local government inspects and accepts the improvements and releases the security; it is not renewed on a fixed license cycle.

Amounts are set locally under R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 45-23, so two projects in different Rhode Island jurisdictions can face different security terms for the same scope of work. Confirm the exact security form and amount with the approving city or county before ordering the bond.

Key statutes

  • Land Development and Subdivision Review Enabling Act (R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 45-23) . Statewide land development and subdivision review act under which municipalities require improvement guarantees as a condition of final approval.

contractor license

Rhode Island Contractor License Bond Requirements

Whether Rhode Island requires a contractor license bond, what the state's contractor licensing rules actually require, and which bonds Rhode Island contractors still need: project bid, performance, and payment bonds plus any city or county license bonds.

Application process

There is no statewide contractor license bond to file in Rhode Island. Rhode Island requires board registration with insurance, but no bond. Contractors still encounter surety bonds at the project level (bid, performance, and payment bonds on public and many private jobs) and through city or county contractor licensing programs that require their own bonds.

Renewals

With no statewide license bond, there is nothing to renew at the state level in Rhode Island. Keep any local license or permit bonds and project bonds current under their own terms.

Cities and counties in Rhode Island can require their own contractor license or permit bonds even though the state does not. Confirm current requirements with Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board and the local jurisdiction before bidding.

Key statutes

  • Contractors' registration law (R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 5-65) . Rhode Island's registration law requires insurance and continuing education; it does not require a surety bond for standard registration.

charitable registration

Rhode Island Charitable Solicitation Registration

A guide to charitable solicitation registration in Rhode Island: who must register with the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation before asking Rhode Island residents for donations, common exemptions, renewal timing, and the professional fundraiser and charitable gaming rules that run alongside it.

Application process

Charitable organizations register with the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation before soliciting contributions in Rhode Island, whether the ask happens in person, by mail, by phone, or online to Rhode Island residents. A typical filing includes the state registration form (or the multistate Unified Registration Statement where accepted), the IRS determination letter, articles of incorporation and bylaws, a list of officers and directors, the most recent IRS Form 990 or financial statements, and disclosure of any professional fundraiser contracts.

Common exemptions cover religious organizations, educational institutions, and small organizations under a revenue threshold, but exemption is rarely automatic; many states require an exemption filing. Registration fees are typically tiered to annual contributions; confirm the current schedule with the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation.

Renewals

Charitable registrations in Rhode Island renew annually, generally keyed to the organization's fiscal year end, with updated financial reporting (IRS Form 990 or audited financials above the statutory revenue threshold) and the renewal fee. Late renewals can incur penalties and suspend the organization's authority to solicit.

Professional fundraisers, professional solicitors, and fundraising counsel must register separately in Rhode Island before working with charities, and paid solicitors typically post a surety bond. Charitable gaming (raffles, bingo, casino nights) is licensed separately where Rhode Island permits it. Nonprofits registering in multiple states also need a registered agent in each state where they are incorporated or qualified to do business.

Key statutes

  • Rhode Island charitable solicitation law (RI charitable solicitation statute) . Requires charitable organizations to register with Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation before soliciting contributions in Rhode Island, subject to statutory exemptions.

mortgage

Rhode Island Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements

Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in Rhode Island. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in Rhode Island.

Application process

Mortgage companies generally apply through the NMLS (Nationwide Multistate Licensing System) for Rhode Island mortgage licensing. Requirements include a completed MU1 form, surety bond, audited financial statements, business plan, background checks (FBI criminal and credit) for all control persons, and net worth requirements. Individual MLOs are generally required to complete pre-licensing education (20 hours minimum including 3 hours of federal law, 3 hours of ethics, 2 hours of non-traditional lending, plus Rhode Island-specific hours), pass the SAFE MLO test, and submit an MU4 form through NMLS.

Renewals

Mortgage licenses in Rhode Island are renewed annually through NMLS. Company renewals require updated financial statements, bond confirmation, and payment of renewal fees. MLOs are generally required to complete continuing education (8 hours minimum annually, including Rhode Island-specific requirements) and pay renewal fees through NMLS. The renewal period typically runs November 1 through December 31.

All mortgage companies and MLOs operating in Rhode Island are generally required to be registered through NMLS. Rhode Island participates in the CSBS multi-state licensing process. Additional requirements may include maintaining a physical office, appointing a qualified individual, and filings with both state and federal regulations including TILA, RESPA, and the Dodd-Frank Act.

Federal baseline

Federal law applies in every state, not just this one.

  • SAFE Act (12 U.S.C. § 5101) . Federal framework for MLO licensing through NMLS

auto dealer

Rhode Island Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond Requirements

Rhode Island requires a $50,000 motor vehicle dealer bond under R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 31-5, filed with the Rhode Island DMV, Dealers' License and Regulations Office.

Application process

Apply for or renew your motor vehicle dealer license with the Rhode Island DMV, Dealers' License and Regulations Office and file a $50,000 surety bond as part of the application. The surety issues the bond form the state accepts and files it for you.

Renewals

The bond runs with the motor vehicle dealer license term and renews on the same cycle (about every 1 year).

Key statutes

  • Rhode Island dealer licensing statutes (R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 31-5) . Statutory basis for the Rhode Island motor vehicle dealer bond requirement.

debt collection

Rhode Island Debt Collection Laws & Regulations

Comprehensive guide to debt collection licensing requirements, regulations, and filing obligations in Rhode Island. Learn about licensing fees, bond requirements, key statutes, and regulatory bodies governing third-party debt collectors in Rhode Island.

Application process

To obtain a debt collection license in Rhode Island, applicants generally need to submit a completed application to the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation, provide a surety bond of $5,000, pass background checks for all control persons, and meet net worth or financial requirements. The application review typically takes 30-90 days.

Renewals

Debt collection licenses in Rhode Island generally require annual renewal. Renewal generally involves submission of a renewal application, payment of renewal fees, updated surety bond confirmation, and any required annual reports. Late renewals may incur additional penalties.

Third-party debt collectors operating in Rhode Island are also generally expected to comply with the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Rhode Island may impose additional requirements beyond federal standards, including restrictions on communication methods, required disclosures, and limitations on fees that may be collected.

Key statutes

  • Rhode Island Debt Collection Regulation (R.I. Gen. Laws § 19-14.9) . Licensing of debt collectors

notary

Rhode Island Notary Bond Requirements

Rhode Island does not require a surety bond to hold a notary public commission. Requirements can change; confirm with the Rhode Island Department of State.

Application process

No notary bond filing applies in Rhode Island. Complete the standard notary public commission process with the Rhode Island Department of State.

Renewals

No bond means no bond renewal cycle in Rhode Island. Keep the underlying notary public commission current with the Rhode Island Department of State.

Key statutes

  • Rhode Island notary statutes (R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 42-30.1) . Governing law confirming Rhode Island does not condition the notary public commission on a surety bond.

money transmitter

Rhode Island Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing

Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in Rhode Island. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in Rhode Island.

Rhode Island money transmitter requirements at a glance

Rhode Island money transmitter licensing requirements
Surety bond $25,000
Minimum net worth $100,000
Renewal cadence Annual
FinCEN MSB registration Required

Application process

To obtain a money transmitter license in Rhode Island, applicants generally need to submit a completed application to the Rhode Island Division of Banking, provide a surety bond of $25,000-$500,000, demonstrate minimum net worth of $100,000, provide audited financial statements, implement a comprehensive BSA/AML filings program, and pass background checks for all control persons. Many states now accept applications through NMLS. The application process typically takes 3-12 months depending on the state and complexity of the applicant's business model.

Renewals

Money transmitter licenses in Rhode Island generally require annual renewal. Renewal typically requires submission of audited financial statements, updated surety bond, quarterly or annual transaction reports, BSA/AML filing documentation, and payment of renewal fees. Some states require call report filings on a quarterly basis throughout the year.

Money transmitters operating in Rhode Island are also generally expected to register with FinCEN as a money services business (MSB) and implement a comprehensive BSA/AML filings program. This includes appointing a filings officer, developing written policies and procedures, conducting employee training, filing Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs), and submitting Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs). Rhode Island may have specific requirements for cryptocurrency and virtual currency businesses.

Federal baseline

Federal law applies in every state, not just this one.

  • Bank Secrecy Act (31 U.S.C. § 5311) . Federal BSA/AML requirements for money services businesses

Need help meeting requirements in Rhode Island?

We file in Rhode Island every week. Start your application and an expert handles the rest.

Loading your application

State Laws

Not Sure Which Requirements Apply to You?

An expert will respond within one business day.

Licenses in Rhode Island

Rhode Island licenses by industry

Every regulated vertical we track in Rhode Island, with the full law summary and the direct application path for each license type.

charitable registration licensing

Regulated by Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation

mortgage licensing

Regulated by Rhode Island Division of Banking

debt collection licensing

Regulated by Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation

money transmitter licensing

Regulated by Rhode Island Division of Banking

Bonds and insurance in Rhode Island

Where Rhode Island conditions a license on a posted surety bond, these pages carry the statutory bond amount and filing steps.

Rhode Island regulator contacts

The state agencies that issue and oversee the licenses above.

  • Local city or county government (plat approval authority) in Rhode Island subdivision licensing
  • Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board contractor license licensing
  • Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation charitable registration, debt collection licensing
  • Rhode Island Division of Banking mortgage, money transmitter licensing
  • Rhode Island DMV, Dealers' License and Regulations Office auto dealer licensing
  • Rhode Island Department of State notary licensing

Planning tools and data

Scope a Rhode Island expansion before you file.

Registered agent coverage in Rhode Island

Every registered entity in Rhode Island needs an agent of record. Requirements, live pricing, and same-day ordering.

Ready to apply in Rhode Island?

Start your debt collection application with Rhode Island-specific requirements pre-loaded. Most filings open in under three minutes.

Apply in Rhode Island

Ready to apply in Rhode Island?

Start your mortgage application with Rhode Island-specific requirements pre-loaded. Most filings open in under three minutes.

Apply in Rhode Island

Ready to apply in Rhode Island?

Start your money transmitter application with Rhode Island-specific requirements pre-loaded. Most filings open in under three minutes.

Apply in Rhode Island
Regulatory Watch

Stay Ahead of the Rules

Recent rule changes, deadline announcements, and state agency updates we are tracking for you.

  • Action CSBS Aug 4, 2026

    CSBS MTMA Adoption Tracker Updated, 31 States Enacted in Full or Part

    CSBS updated its Money Transmission Modernization Act tracker in August 2026 and reported that 31 states had enacted the law in full or in part. The update is not a single state rule, but it is a meaningful cross-state licensing development for money transmitters.

  • Action CSBS Aug 4, 2026

    CSBS Comment Letter on Federal Reserve Payment System Risk and Account Access Proposal

    On July 24, 2026, CSBS posted a comment letter on proposed revisions to the Federal Reserve Policy on Payment System Risk and the guidelines for account and services requests. This is a policy advocacy item rather than a binding regulatory change.

  • Action NMLS Aug 4, 2026

    NMLS Remote Work Status Details Due for 2027 Renewal Readiness

    NMLS directed companies to complete MLO remote work status details by August 31, 2026 to prepare for the 2027 renewal cycle. This was an active operational requirement during the review period.

  • Action NMLS Aug 4, 2026

    NMLS 2026 Disclosure Question Updates Require Completion Before 2027 Renewal Activity

    NMLS implemented revised MU4 and MU2 disclosure questions earlier in 2026, and the system urged affected users to complete updates by August 31, 2026. The change remained active during the July 21 to August 4 period and could affect filing workflows.

  • Watch CSBS / NMLS Aug 4, 2026

    NMLS Modernization Phase Three Scheduled for August 2026

    CSBS indicated that NMLS Modernization Phase Three is scheduled for August 2026. The planned changes include state agency task management for the individual licensing process and improved two-way communication for review items.