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State of Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board State Building Office

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GENERAL GUIDANCE FOR CONTRACTORS WORKING IN RHODE ISLAND

General Contractor Registration: First-Time Applicants

Welcome! If you're applying for a General Contractor’s Registration for the FIRST-TIME, please review the requirements below carefully.

*** Contractors renewing their existing registration must follow the directions for registration renewals. ***

 

Required Documentation

  • Pre-Registration Course Completion

    Submit proof of completing a state-approved, 5-hour pre-registration course.  Click here to browse approved courses

    Course Exemption: Exemption from the 5-hour pre-registration course if work will be exclusively on commercial structures.

     

  • Liability Insurance

    Provide a Certificate of General Liability Insurance with a minimum coverage of $500,000, naming RICRLB as the certificate holder.  Click here to view example.

     

  • Workers' Compensation Insurance

    If you have employees, submit a Certificate of Workers' Compensation Insurance, also naming RICRLB as the certificate holder.  Click here to view example.

     

  • Business Entity Registration

    Businesses organized as an LLC, corporation, or other incorporated entity are required to register with the Rhode Island Secretary of State.  Please include your Business Identification Number issued by the Secretary of State with your application.

     

  • Identification

    Provide a copy of valid, government-issued identification

     

  • Out of State Application Information

    All Out-of-State applicants are required to obtain an Agent of Service registered in Rhode Island.  A registered agent is an individual or entity that receives official and legal documents on behalf of a business.  The agent must be a Rhode Island resident or an entity qualified to do business in this state.

    A registered agent must have a Rhode Island street address (Registered Office) and must be available at the given address during normal business hours to accept service or process.  P.O. Boxes or shipping/ postal company addresses do not meet this standard and are not allowed.

     

  • Payment Instructions

    **RICRLB does not accept cash**

    Registration fee is $150.00.  Payments can be made via credit card, debit card or e-check using the OpenGov platform or by mailing in a check.

    Make checks payable to RICRLB, include your registration or license number on the check and mail to:

    RICRLB
    560 Jefferson Blvd., Suite 100
    Warwick, RI 02886

    Reciprocity is unavailable for a Contractors’ Registration.

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