R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-36-2

Every distributor shall, before continuing or commencing to transact the business of a distributor, apply for registration as a distributor at the office of the tax administrator upon a form to be obtained from the administrator and the administrator. If satisfied as to the facts stated in application, shall register the distributor and issue a certificate of the registration without charge, which registration shall entitle the distributor to continue or to commence to engage in the business within this state.