Rhode Island Vehicle Registration

Vehicle Registration for New Residents in Rhode Island

New residents moving to Rhode Island have 30 days from their move-in date to register their vehicles and obtain a new Rhode Island title.

The process begins by gathering all the necessary documents, including:

• Completed Form TR-1
• Proof of valid car insurance policy
• Proof of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Rhode Island driver's license or ID card
• Proof of residency if presenting an out-of-state license

New residents are recommended to complete the registration process at a Rhode Island DMV location instead of registering online.

Additionally, new residents must have their vehicles inspected within five days of registration. This state inspection ensures the vehicle is roadworthy and in compliance with Rhode Island's safety and emissions standards.

New residents can access details about Rhode Island's vehicle inspection program on the Rhode Island Emissions and Safety Testing website.

Upon successful registration, the DMV will issue new Rhode Island license plates and a registration certificate, officially marking the vehicle as legally registered. The registration will be valid for two years, after which it must be renewed.

For special cases, such as leased vehicles, additional documentation, such as a Power of Attorney from the leasing company and tax exemption certificates, may be required.

Registration of Vehicles Purchased from a Dealership in Rhode Island

When purchasing a vehicle from a dealership in Rhode Island, it is crucial to verify the dealership's registration process. Some dealerships will handle the registration for the buyer, while others may require the buyer to do it themselves.

If the dealership handles the registration, the buyer must simply provide their license and any associated fees. On the other hand, if registering independently, the buyer should obtain the following documents at the dealership before registration:

• Dealer sales tax form
• Bill of sale
• Proof of valid RI insurance
• Gross vehicle weight rating or the GVWR
• An RI use tax form
• Power of attorney (if leased vehicle)
• Manufacturer's statement of origin (MSO), or original title or proof of previous owner

Additionally, the owner must pay the registration fees and taxes, which can be checked in the DMV Registration Fee Table.

Moreover, if the vehicle owner registers the car independently, the DMV will provide the registration and license plates directly. If the dealership handles the registration, they will supply the registration and plates once they are ready.

After the registration, the buyer will receive their new plates and registration, either directly from the DMV or through the dealership. The buyer should also schedule a vehicle inspection within five days of registration at a licensed inspection station.

Registration of Vehicles Purchased from a Private Party in Rhode Island

Buying a used vehicle from a private party in Rhode Island can be cost-effective. However, the registration process differs slightly from buying from a dealership.

To register a vehicle purchased from a private party in Rhode Island, one must first gather the necessary documents, which include:

• Original title
• Bill of sale
• Proof of insurance
• Valid identification
• Payment for fees and taxes

Once prepared, the buyer should visit any Rhode Island DMV branch. If the vehicle is from out of state and 2001 or newer, a VIN check at the local police department is required beforehand.

At the DMV, the buyer must complete the TR-1 form and submit it with the collected documents and payment. The sales tax will be calculated based on the purchase price or the NADA (National Automobile Dealers Association) trade-in value, whichever is higher.

After submitting all necessary documents and fees to the DMV, the buyer will receive a temporary registration and license plate. These temporary plates are valid for five days.

Moreover, if the vehicle requires a VIN inspection, the buyer must schedule this inspection at a local police department within five days. The inspection is mandatory for out-of-state vehicles and those with a model year of 2000 or newer.

Once the VIN inspection is completed, the buyer must return to the DMV with the inspection report. The DMV will then issue the permanent registration and license plates.

Registration of Gifted Vehicle in Rhode Island

Gifting a vehicle in Rhode Island involves a specific registration process at the DMV. The recipient must have all necessary documentation and follow specific steps to transfer ownership and legally register the vehicle in their name.

Before registering a gifted vehicle, the new owner must gather the necessary documents. The following items are required:

• Insurance information
• Original title or proof of previous ownership
• Signed title
• Gross vehicle weight rating or the GVWR
• Rhode Island license or identification card
• Gift letter
• Affidavit of Gift of Motor Vehicle or SU 87-65
• VIN Check
• Tax Exempt Certificate or T-333-1

Next, the recipient should visit any RI DMV branch. Note that if the gifted vehicle is from out of state and 2001 or newer, a VIN inspection at the local police department might be required.

At the DMV, the recipient must fill out the TR-1 form and submit it with the collected documents and payment. After the application is processed, the recipient will receive temporary registration and plates.

If a VIN inspection is required, they will receive a five-day temporary plate. Upon completion of the VIN inspection, the recipient must return to the DMV with the inspection report to receive permanent registration and plates.

Vehicle Registration for Military Members in Rhode Island

Active-duty military members stationed in Rhode Island generally do not need to register their vehicles if they maintain a valid registration from their home state or country. This applies to the service member, their spouse, and dependent children.

However, suppose the military member decides to make Rhode Island their permanent residence. In that case, they must register their vehicle with the RI DMV within 30 days of establishing residency.

Registering a vehicle is the same for military members as for civilians. To register a vehicle in Rhode Island, a military member must gather the required documents:

• Valid driver's license
• Vehicle title
• Proof of insurance
• Military identification

Next, visit a local RI DMV branch, complete the TR-1 form, and pay the applicable registration fees and taxes.

After completing these steps, the military member will receive their Rhode Island registration and license plates. They may also be eligible for special license plates recognizing their military service.

Rhode Island License Plates

Rhode Island license plates are an essential part of vehicle registration in the state. The DMV issues these plates, which come in various types to suit different needs. When registering a new vehicle, residents can obtain plates at a DMV branch location, by mail, or through a DMV drop box.

The state offers license plate options, including standard, charity, and vanity plates. Rhode Island also has a unique "preferred plates" system with specific letter and number combinations. These preferred plates are requested through the Governor's Office.

If someone needs to cancel their plates, they can do so online at the Online Plate Cancellation page, at DMV branches, and at AAA offices (for members). For those who lose their plates or have damaged ones, replacements can be obtained through the DMV.

Rhode Island also supports important causes through its license plate program, such as the "Support Our Troops" initiative and organ donation awareness. Overall, the state's license plate system aims to serve residents while promoting essential community initiatives.

How To Obtain Vanity License Plates in Rhode Island?

Currently, the RI DMV is not accepting new vanity plate applications. Instead, it is reviewing comments on standards to determine appropriate plate messages.

However, when vanity plates become available again, obtaining them follows a straightforward process.

If the desired combination is available, owners will need to apply, either online through the Online Vanity Plate Reservation Service or by mail using the Application for Ordering Vanity License Plates form.

The application will require details such as the current license plate number, vehicle type, and the preferred vanity plate message.

Vanity plates are typically available in the standard wave or optional sailboat design. When ordering a vanity plate, note the following:

• Passenger vehicle vanity plates can be any combination of two to six letters or up to six letters and numbers.
• Motorcycle vanity plates can be any combination of two to five letters and numbers not already registered.
• For commercial vehicles under 9,001 lbs, a vanity plate can have two to six letters and numbers not already registered to another vehicle.

For the vanity plate fees, check the Plate Fees page on the RI DMV official website. Acceptable forms of payment include cash, money orders, personal checks, bank checks, and credit cards (MasterCard, Discover, Visa, and American Express).

Once approved, the applicant will be notified and can collect their new vanity plates at a designated DMV branch, where they may also need to surrender their old plates.

Passenger Cars

• New Registration: Based on vehicle weight, prorated + $2.50 tech surcharge + $15 DOT surcharge/year
• Renewal (2 years): Based on vehicle weight + $2.50 tech surcharge + $15 DOT surcharge/year.
• Vanity Plate Renewal (2 years): Weight-based fee + $120 + $2.50 tech surcharge + $15 DOT surcharge/year

Motorcycles

• New Registration: Prorated + $2.50 tech surcharge + $13 DOT surcharge
• Renewal (2 years): $41.50
• Vanity Plate Renewal (2 years): $109.50

Commercial Vehicles

• New Registration: Based on weight, prorated + $2.50 tech surcharge + $15 DOT surcharge/year
• Renewal (1 year): Weight-based fee + $2.50 tech surcharge + $15 DOT surcharge/year
• Vanity Plate Renewal (1 year): Weight-based fee + $120 + $2.50 tech surcharge + $15 DOT surcharge/year

Other Fees

• Duplicate Registration: $19.50
• Farm Plate: $18.50 + $10 DOT surcharge
• Plate Change (one plate): $22.50
• Plate Change (two plates): $42.50
• Temporary Registration: $12.50
• Duplicate Title: $52.50

Payment Methods

Acceptable forms of payment include cash, money orders, personal checks, bank checks, and credit cards (MasterCard, Discover, Visa, American Express). Checks should be made payable to the Division of Motor Vehicles. Third-party and temporary/starter checks are not accepted. Note that credit card payments incur a service fee of $1.55 or 2.40% for transactions over $65.

For more details on registration fees, visit the RI DMV Vehicle Registration Fees page.

Renew via Online

Owners should visit the RI DMV's official website's Vehicle Registration Renewal service page to renew their vehicle registration online.

To begin, the following documents should be gathered:

• Current vehicle registration or renewal notice
• Current vehicle insurance card
• Credit card and billing address

Additionally, a printer is needed to print the confirmation page. Then, complete the online form by entering the required information and making the payment.

Lastly, print the confirmation page, which serves as temporary proof of registration. For leased vehicles, the registration will be mailed to the address on the current registration, usually the leasing company's address.

Allow two weeks for processing and delivery of the new registration and decals.

If vehicle owners encounter issues while renewing their registration online, there are a few common solutions. For leased vehicles, enter the leasing company's information as the registrant, which can be found on the current registration.

When renewing online, also consider the following tips:

• Avoid using dashes or spaces in the plate number
• Do not use periods after initials or abbreviations
• Use standard abbreviations for street names
• Fully spell out city names
• Enter only the first five digits of the zip code

Renew by Mail

Renewing vehicle registration by mail in Rhode Island is straightforward and ensures the vehicle remains legally registered without the need to visit the DMV in person.

First, fill out the Registration Renewal notice or form accurately. Make sure all sections, including insurance information, are completed. Next, insert the completed form and payment into the envelope. Additionally, indicate the registration number on the check or money order.

Lastly, mail the documents to the address below:

Division of Motor Vehicles Attn: Registration Renewal 600 New London Avenue Cranston, RI 02920

When mailing payments for vehicle registration, avoid sending cash due to the risk of loss or theft. Additionally, temporary or third-party checks may not meet the DMV's acceptance criteria. If marked "unpaid taxes," the application requires a stamp from the indicated community's tax collector.

Allow for processing time, as mail-in renewals may take longer than online or in-person renewals.

Renew by Drop Box

To renew vehicle registration through Dropbox, include the Registration Renewal notice or a completed Registration Renewal form.

Include a check or money order made payable to the RI DMV for the renewal fee.

This method is available during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, at all DMV branch locations throughout the state.