R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-10-1: Corporations required to comply with chapter.

No corporation unless incorporated by the general assembly, and no person or partnership unless the person or partnership or the members of the partnership are residents of this state, shall transport or engage in the transportation of any goods, wares, merchandise, or parcels of any description within this state until the corporation, person, or partnership shall have complied with the provisions of this chapter.