Simply Business homepage
Call Us(844) 654-7272
Get a QuoteSign In
PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS

How to Get Your Rhode Island Contractors License

3-minute read

Getting a contractor’s license in Rhode Island is essential when you want to work on customers’ properties, like this contractor.
Emily Thompson

Emily Thompson

9 December 2019

Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedIn

You’re handy and you’ve always wanted to own a business. Being a RI contractor seems like a natural fit.

But how do you get started in the Ocean State? Do you need a Rhode Island contractors license? What about handymen? Fortunately, I’ve done the research for you. Take a look at this helpful guide, and you’ll be official before you know it.

Does Rhode Island Require a Contractor License?

Rhode Island is unique (but you probably already knew that). It’s one of the few states that doesn’t require a license. Instead, you need to register as a contractor.

According to the State of Rhode Island Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board, “anyone who is in the business of commercial construction, home construction, alterations, remodeling, or repair to residents to be registered with the State of Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board.”

The process is similar to getting a license, but less stringent. And, just like a license, it has many benefits for contractors:

  • It can help you land bigger projects that pay more. Anyone can do small, handyman work in Rhode Island, but not everyone is registered as a contractor. An official registration opens you up to more jobs with higher pay. Plain and simple, it’s good for your career.
  • It gives you credibility among RI homeowners. The state’s stamp of approval is nice to have. It makes you appear professional and trustworthy to customers.
  • It gives you a competitive edge. Anyone can do smaller “fix-it” projects, but not everyone gets registered. If you have credentials, including training and experience, you have a competitive edge over other similar contractors.
  • It helps protect your business. To register with the state, you need to prove you have business insurance, including general liability insurance.

This is a good thing. Business insurance protects you, your employees, and your business’s property if there’s an accident, injury, or loss. In the construction industry, anything can happen. You want to expect the best, but be prepared in the event of the worst.

Now you know the benefits, let’s talk about how to register as a contractor.

How do I Get a General Contractor's License in Rhode Island?

If you’re a new contractor and have never registered in Rhode Island, the state requires you to take five hours of pre-education courses before you start the application. You can check out the list of approved classes here.

Then when you’re ready to register, you’ll need:

  • A completed registration form.
  • A signed statement form.
  • Proof of carrying at least $500,000 of liability insurance.
  • A $200 registration fee made by check or money order and payable to R.I.C.R.L.B.
  • Proof of registering your business with the Rhode Island Secretary of State if your company is a corporation or LLC.

You can get a business certificate with the Rhode Island Secretary of State by filling out an online form.

1. Get RI buiness insurance.

Before you fill out the application form, investigate getting business insurance. Rhode Island requires that you carry at least $500,000 in general liability insurance. This is a good thing—insurance will help protect you and your employees if there’s an accident or injury.

Let's dive into that a little bit more.

Carrying a $500,000 policy doesn't mean you have to pay that much. Instead, it just means your general liability policy limit, at a minimum, covers $500,000 or more of claims in a given year.

Most GL policies with a $500,000 (or even a $1 million) limit start at just $19.58 per month.* If you need to get insured so you can meet your licensing requirements, check out our free quote comparison tool. It takes just ten minutes to fill out, plus you'll see quotes from the nation's most trusted insurance providers.

If you have employees, consider buying workers’ compensation insurance too. It’s important to protect your team if they’re injured on the job. With the right plan, they can heal and get back to work sooner.

Applying for a RI Contractor’s License?

You may need to show proof of business insurance to get your license.

That’s where we come in. Compare free insurance quotes for policies as low as $19.58/month.*

Start Here >

2. Check to see if you need additional contractor licenses.

While you may not need a Rhode Island contractors license for most work, if you’re an underground utility contractor, Rhode Island requires that you get an official license—not a registration.

First, you’ll need to fill out the pre-license application form. Then, you’ll receive a “pending” license number so you can obtain a bond for two years. In addition, you’ll need:

  • A completed and notarized application form.
  • A signed and notarized affidavit.
  • Proof of carrying at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance.
  • Proof of having a $20,000 bond for at least two years.
  • Proof that you’ve registered your business with the Rhode Island Secretary of State.
  • A $200 license fee and $10 photo ID fee.
  • An Agent of Service form (if you live out of state).

Before you know it, you’ll have your Rhode Island contractor’s license in your hands!

3. Submit your application.

You’ve proofread your licensing paperwork and you’re ready to send it in. Get a large mailer and address your packet to:

Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board 560 Jefferson Blvd, Suite 204 Warwick, RI 02886-1371

Does a Handyman Need a License in Rhode Island?

No. However, you will need to register your business, much the same way you would need to do if you were working as a contractor.

How do I Find Out if a Contractor is Licensed in RI?

Visit Rhode Island’s Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board online. Their search tool is easy way to check on the status of your registration or to find out if a particular contractor is registered.

Start Advertising Your Rhode Island Contractors License Status

Next up? Get ready to advertise your new registration status. Once you’re official in Rhode Island, you can promote it on your website, business cards, contracts, and other marketing materials. It’s attractive to homeowners.

You can also advertise your new business insurance plan. It’ll give homeowners peace of mind knowing you have insurance in case anything goes wrong. If you’re not happy with your plan now, it’s never too late to make a change. Get a quote and make sure you have the right insurance for your business.

Emily Thompson

Written by

Emily Thompson

I earned a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin at Madison (go Bucky). After realizing my first job might involve carrying a police scanner at 2 am in pursuit of “newsworthy” crimes, I decided I was better suited for freelance blogging and marketing writing. Since 2010, I’ve owned my freelance writing business, EST Creative. When I’m not penning, doodling ideas, or chatting with clients, you’ll find me hiking with my husband, baby boy, and 2 mischievous mutts.

Emily writes on a number of topics such as entrepreneurship, small business networking, and budgeting.

This content is for general, informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal, tax, accounting, or financial advice. Please obtain expert advice from industry specific professionals who may better understand your business’s needs. Read our full disclaimer

Find this article useful? Spread the word.

Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on LinkedIn

INSURANCE

Business InsuranceGeneral Liability InsuranceWorkers Compensation InsuranceProfessional Liability InsuranceErrors & Omissions InsuranceSole Proprietors Workers CompensationCyber InsuranceSelf-Employed Insurance

BUSINESSES

Contractors InsuranceCleaners InsuranceE-commerce InsuranceHandyman InsuranceHome Improvement Contractor InsuranceLandscaping InsuranceLawn Care InsurancePhotographers Insurance

ABOUT

About usContact UsCareersSite MapInsurance Providers

SIMPLY U

General BusinessProtect Your BusinessStart Your Business

ADDRESS

Simply Business1 Beacon Street, 15th FloorBoston, MA02108

LEGAL

Terms & ConditionsPrivacy PolicyPrivacy Notice for CA ResidentsResponsible Disclosure PolicyDo Not Sell or Share My Personal Information (CA Residents)

*Harborway Insurance policies are underwritten by Spinnaker Insurance Company and reinsured by Munich Re, an A+ (Superior) rated insurance carrier by AM Best. Harborway Insurance is a brand name of Harborway Insurance Agency, LLC, a licensed insurance producer in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. California license #6004217.

© Copyright 2024 Simply Business. All Rights Reserved. Simply Business, LLC is a licensed insurance producer in all U.S. States and the District of Columbia. Simply Business has its registered office at Simply Business, 1 Beacon Street, 15th Floor, Boston, MA, 02108. In California, we operate under the name Simply Business Insurance Agency, LLC, License #0M20593. In Colorado, we operate under the name Simply Business, LLC DBA Simply Business Insurance Agency. In New York, we operate under the name Simply Business Insurance Agency. In Pennsylvania, we operate under the name Simply Business Insurance Agency, LLC. In Texas, we operate under the name, U.S. Simply Business, LLC. For more information, please refer to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.