R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-19-4: Persons entitled to certificate.

A certificate shall be issued by the administrator to an applicant therefor if the administrator finds that the applicant is of good character and is fit, willing, technically qualified, and financially able properly to perform the service proposed and to conform to the requirements, orders, rules, and regulations of the division, and that the proposed operation will be consistent with the public interest. No certificate shall be transferred except with the consent and approval of the administrator. The holder of a certificate shall be entitled to retain the same so long as the holder conforms to the orders, rules, and regulations of the division and pays an annual fee of fifty dollars ($50.00).