R.I. Gen. Laws § 7-6-75: Filing of application by foreign corporation for certificate of authority.

(a) The application of the corporation for a certificate of authority shall be delivered to the secretary of state, together with a certificate of good standing or legal existence issued by the proper officer of the state or country under the laws of which it is incorporated.

(b) If the secretary of state finds that the application conforms to law, the secretary of state shall, when all fees have been paid as prescribed in this chapter:

(1) Endorse on the documents the word “Filed”, and the month, day, and year of the filing;

(2) File in the secretary of state’s office the original of the application and certificate of good standing or legal existence issued by the proper officer of the state or country under the laws of which it is incorporated;

(3) Issue a certificate of authority to conduct affairs in this state.

(c) The certificate of authority shall be delivered to the corporation or its representative.