Business License Information
The City Clerk’s Office processes all license applications to be presented to the Pawtucket City Council, sitting as the Board of License Commissioners. The Board has the authority over all licenses.
Please see list of licenses below.
- All applications are processed online, only.
- A user account will be required to complete the online application.
- Credit Cards, Electronic Checks, Cash, Checks and Money Orders are accepted for licenses.
The City Clerk’s Office is available to assist you through this process.
Please contact the City Clerk’s Office with any questions or assistance needed.
- Phone: 401-728-0500 Ext. 224
- Email: [email protected]
City Clerk’s Office, 3rd Floor, City Hall, 137 Roosevelt Avenue, Pawtucket, RI
Monday – Wednesday 8:00AM to 4:30PM
Thursday 8:00AM to 6:00PM
Friday 8:00AM to 12:30PM
Registering a Trade Name in Rhode Island
All Trade Name registrations will now be registered through the Rhode Island Department of State’s Business Services Division. For more information please visit https://www.sos.ri.gov/divisions/business-services/ri-trade-names
What is a Trade Name?
A Trade Name is a business name used by a person or group of people who do not wish to incorporate a legal business entity. Registered trade names are commonly referred to as a DBA (Doing Business As).
What has changed?
- Previously, registrations were filed at the city or town hall where the Trade Name would be effective.
- All Trade Name registrations will now be filed through a centralized filing system at the Rhode Island Department of State.
- The filing fee is $20.
- Annual renewals are required to maintain an active registration, but there is no filing fee to renew.
- Failure to renew will result in an involuntarily cancelation, but Trade Names can be reinstated with a Restoration Statement (filing fee – $25).
- Voluntary cancelations are free.
- Additional information, click here.
On this Page
Liquor Licenses
| Description | Amount |
| Class A | $1000.00 |
| Class B (Tavern) – new/transfer | $1750.00 |
| Class B (Limited)- new/transfer | $1500.00 |
| Class B (Victualer)- new/transfer | $1500.00 |
| Class C – none available | $700.00 |
| Class D – none available | $500.00 |
| Class D Veterans – none available | $200.00 |
| One Day – Non Profit, Religious, Political | |
| Class F (Beer & Wine) | $15.00 |
| Class F-1 (Full Privilege) | $35.00 |
Other Licenses
| Description | Amount |
| Victualling House (First Class 7 days) | $150.00 |
| Victualling House (Second Class no Sundays | $80.00 |
| Tavern (Rooming House 1st class with meals) | $100.00 |
| Tavern (Rooming House 2nd class without meals) | $30.00 |
| Holiday Retail | $75.00 |
| Second Hand Shop | $100.00 |
| Auto Repair Shop | $100.00 |
| Pawn Shop | $150.00 |
| Peddler/Hawker | $75.00 |
| Mobile Food Truck | $75.00 |
| Private Detective | $150.00 |
| Laundry | $10.00 |
| Firearms | $5.00 |
| Flea Market | $100.00 |
| Fortune Telling | $50.00 |
| Pigeon Loft – existing only | $25.00 |
| Tattoo Parlors | $175.00 |
| Sandwich Board Signs (Per Sign) | $20.00 |
Miscellaneous Licenses
| Description | Amount |
| Amusement machines & devices | $50.00 per machine |
| Billiard & Pool Tables | $30.00 per table |
| Bingo | $100.00 Annually / $25.00 per bingo |
| Bowling Alleys | $10.00 per alley |
| Carnivals & Circuses | $5.00 per day – weekdays / $10.00 per day – Saturday / Sunday |
| Employment Agencies | $25.00 |
| Game Room | $50.00 |
| Entertainment/Special Event | $2.00 per day – weekdays / $5.00 per day – Saturday / Sunday |
View and File for all available Licenses HERE
Review some business basics – before you start…
https://www.sos.ri.gov/divisions/business-services/business-basics
Opening a Restaurant or Food Truck – before you start…
Note:
For information on the procedure to apply for any of these licenses, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (401) 728-0500 Ext. 224 or 225.
If you need an application or information, please e-mail [email protected]