Rhode Island § 5-65-5 - Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board

Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 5-65-5 — Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 5-65-5. Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board

R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-65-5

§ 5-65-5. Application for registration — Continuing education.

(a) A person who wishes to register as a contractor shall submit an application in a manner as prescribed by the board or office. The application shall include:

(1) A legible copy of a valid government issued identification;

(2) Workers’ compensation insurance account number, or company name if a number has not yet been obtained, if applicable;

(3) Unemployment insurance account number, if applicable;

(4) State withholding tax account number, if applicable;

(5) Federal employer identification number, if applicable, or if self-employed and participating in a retirement plan;

(6)(i) The individual(s) name and business address and residential address of:

(A) Each partner or venturer, if the applicant is a partnership or joint venture;

(B) The owner, if the applicant is an individual proprietorship;

(C) The corporate officers, and a copy of the articles of incorporation filed with the Rhode Island secretary of state’s office, if the applicant is a corporation; the members and managers and a copy of the articles of organization filed with the Rhode Island secretary of state’s office if the applicant is a limited liability company.

(ii) Post office boxes are not acceptable as the only address;

(7) A statement as to whether or not the applicant has previously applied for registration, or is or was an officer, manager, member, partner, or venturer of an applicant who previously applied for registration and if so, the name of the corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or venture; and

(8) Valid insurance certificate for the type of work being performed and as required under § 5-65-7.

(b) A person may be prohibited from registering or renewing a registration as a contractor under the provisions of this chapter or his or her registration may be revoked or suspended if he or she has any unsatisfied or outstanding judgments from arbitration, bankruptcy, courts, or administrative agency against him or her relating to his or her work as a contractor, and provided, further, that a statement shall be provided to the board attesting to the information herein.

(c) Failure to provide or falsified information on an application, or any document required by this chapter, is punishable by a fine not to exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000) and/or denial or revocation of the registration, or both.

(d) An applicant must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.

(e) For new applications, satisfactory proof shall be provided to the board evidencing the completion of five (5) hours of preregistration education units as determined by the board pursuant to established regulations.

(f) For renewal applications, satisfactory proof shall be provided to the board evidencing the completion of two and one-half (2.5) hours of continuing education units that will be required to be maintained by residential contractors as a condition of registration as determined by the board pursuant to established regulations.

(g) A certification in a form issued by the board shall be completed upon registration or license or renewal to ensure contractors are aware of certain provisions of this law and shall be signed by the registrant before a registration can be issued or renewed.

History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 222, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 381, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 350, § 2; P.L. 2006, ch. 648, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 228, § 2; P.L. 2008, ch. 364, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 241, art. 17, § 4; P.L. 2018, ch. 47, art. 3, § 1; P.L. 2021, ch. 162, art. 6, § 1, effective July 1, 2021; P.L. 2022, ch. 251, § 1, effective June 28, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 252, § 1, effective June 28, 2022; P.L. 2023, ch. 395, art. 2, § 2, effective June 27, 2023; P.L. 2025, ch. 77, § 1, effective June 17, 2025; P.L. 2025, ch. 78, § 1, effective June 17, 2025.

Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 5-65-5

What does Rhode Island General Laws § 5-65-5 cover?

Section 5-65-5 ("Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Rhode Island § 5-65-5?

A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 5-65-5" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.

How does Rhode Island § 5-65-5 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.