Rhode Island Vehicle Registration

A Rhode Island vehicle registration is a document that connects Ocean State residents with the types of transportation they own, such as a motor vehicle, motorcycle, or boat.

Rhode Island vehicle registration requires a trip to the local Rhode Island DMV with the vehicle’s title, valid driver’s license, proof of emissions inspection (if applicable), proof of insurance, and payment for the registration fee, plus any bills of sale and sales tax documents if the vehicle was purchased from a private party. New Rhode Island residents must also have a VIN check completed.

Registering a Vehicle in Rhode Island

New car? New resident? If so, these individuals need to register their vehicle(s) with the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles.

New to Rhode Island?

After moving to Rhode Island, new residents have 30 days to register their vehicle with the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles.

Visit the local DMV office with:

A completed Application for Registration and Certificate of Title (Form TR-1).
Proof of auto insurance.
Vehicle title.
If the car has a lien, the RI DMV will accept a photocopy of the title provided the lienholder is listed on it.All owners listed on title must be present when registering. If not, the absent parties must be notarized on the registration application.
Proof of a vehicle identification number (VIN) check. This only applies to vehicles that are model year 2001 or newer with an out-of-state title or registration.
A Rhode Island driver’s license or ID card.
Residents of RI who present an out-of-state license need to also provide proof of residency.
Power of Attorney and Sales or Use Tax Exemption Certificate (Form T-333-1), if the vehicle is leased.The leasing company must be listed as the purchaser.
Payment to cover the registration fee (see Vehicle Registration Fees below).

After obtaining a Rhode Island car registration certificate, residents must have their vehicle inspected within 5 days of the registration date. A Rhode Island registration is valid for 2 years.

How to Register a Car in Rhode Island

There are different requirements and processes for vehicle registration based on whether residents purchased their vehicle from a dealer or it was purchased/gifted from a private individual.

Additionally, there are certain stipulations for vehicles being transferred from Canada into Rhode Island. See below for details on all three. Rhode Island residents need to make sure they have an active car insurance policy when registering their vehicle.

Vehicles Purchased from a Dealer

If RI residents purchase a vehicle from a dealer, the dealership may submit the registration documents to the DMV. If they do not, Rhode Island residents will have to submit this information to the RI DMV:

A completed Application for Registration and Title Certificate (Form TR-1). All owners must sign the registration application. If all owners cannot be present when the vehicle is registered then their signature must be notarized.
Out-of-state require a Dealers RI Use Tax form (Form T-334-2).
Bill of Sale.
Leased vehicles require a Power of Attorney.
Payment for the sales tax and registration fees.
Title (if model year vehicle is 2001 or newer) or Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO).
RI driver’s license or ID card.
Proof of valid RI insurance.
The Dealer Sales Tax form.

If the vehicle is 2001 or newer and the title is from out-of-state or was registered out-of-state, a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) check is required before registering the car.

Vehicles Purchased from a Private Party

RI residents who purchase a vehicle from a private party need to bring to their local Rhode Island DMV office:

A completed Application for Registration and Certificate of Title (Form TR-1).
Proof of auto insurance.
A completed Use Tax form (Form T-334-2).
The car’s signed-over title if the vehicle is 2001 or newer.
A Bill of Sale.
The title or bill of sale should list the vehicle’s gross vehicle weight.
A Rhode Island driver’s license or ID card.
Proof of the previous owner, if applicable (for non-title vehicles only).

All owners listed on the title must be present when registering. If not, the absent parties must be notarized on the registration application.

Proof of a vehicle identification number (VIN) check.

This only applies to vehicles that are 2001 or newer with an out-of-state title or registration. For VIN check locations, contact the local police department.

Payment for RI vehicle registration fees, which also includes sales tax (see “Vehicle Registration Fees” below).

A Rhode Island car registration is good for 2 years.

Leased Vehicles

Rhode Island residents who purchase a leased vehicle need to note that the DMV does not request titles from leasing companies. Rhode Island residents will be required to submit the original title or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin assigned to their lessor in addition to these documents:

A Power of Attorney from the leasing company.
Sales or Use Tax Exemption Certificate (Form T-333-1), with the leasing company listed as the purchaser.

Vehicles Transferred from Canada

Canadian vehicles must register through Rhode Island’s DMV headquarters in Cranston.

Residents of Rhode Island need:

A completed U.S. Customs and Border Protection form (Form 7501).
Proof of a vehicle identification number (VIN) check. This only applies to vehicles that are 2001 or newer.
A National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) inspection from the DMV Enforcement Division, also located in Cranston. It can be reached at (401) 462-5736.
The car’s Canadian registration. It must be in the name of the person registering the vehicle in Rhode Island.

Non-Residents

If an out-of-state student is enrolled in a Rhode Island college, they do not have to obtain Rhode Island license plates. The state allows non-residents to keep their out-of-state plates during the duration of their studies.

Vehicle Registration Fees

Vehicle registration fees are based on a vehicle’s weight. See the vehicle registration fee chart to determine the vehicle’s fee.

Other important fees:

Duplicate RI car registration certificate: $19.50.
Updated RI vehicle registration certificate: $7.50.
Technology fee (added to registration): $1.50.

Obtain a Duplicate Registration Certificate

If the vehicle’s registration has been lost, damaged, or stolen, it’s important to replace it as soon as possible. The vehicle registration certificate can be obtained by mail or in person at the DMV.

Rhode Island residents need to:

Complete an Application for Registration and Certificate of Title (Form TR-1).
Provide a copy of your vehicle insurance.
Provide proof of ownership (e.g. vehicle title).
Submit the license plate number.
Submit a power of attorney, if the vehicle is leased.

Take the documents to the local DMV, or send them to:

Division of Motor Vehicles
Attn: Registration Duplicate
600 New London Ave
Cranston, RI 02920

Vehicle Inspection Requirements

Safety and emission checks are required on registered vehicles every 2 years. The safety inspection ensures that the car is in good operating condition and poses no threat to the resident or other drivers, while the emissions check ensures the vehicle is putting out the least amount of emissions and toxicity as possible.

Rhode Island License Plates

The state gives residents of Rhode Island plenty of specialized license plate options to choose from when applying for a Rhode Island vehicle registration certificate.

Replace a License Plate

If the plates have gone missing, Rhode Island residents need to provide their local Rhode Island DMV office with either a police report or a completed Affidavit for Cancellation of Registration for Lost Plates.

If only one plate is missing, residents must return the other remaining plate and obtain new plates, then RI residents will be issued new numbers. Residents of Rhode Island may re-order the same license plate number but must wait a mandatory 90 days for the plates to be issued.

When applying for replacement plates through the local DMV office, and submit:

Proof of auto insurance.
A Rhode Island driver’s license.
Power of Attorney, if the vehicle is leased.

Replace Damaged RI License Plates

To replace damaged RI license plates, residents of RI need to gather:

A completed Application for Registration and Certificate of Title (Form TR-1).
A completed Application for Remake of License Plates.
Payment for license plates (fees listed on application).

Mail the documents and payment to:

Division of Motor Vehicles
Attn: Plates
600 New London Ave.
Cranston, RI 02920

Motorcycle Registration in Rhode Island

In order to ride a motorcycle on Rhode Island’s roads, residents must register their bike with the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Use this guide to learn more about Rhode Island motorcycle registration for new residents AND current residents who recently bought a bike.

Registering a Motorcycle in Rhode Island

New to Rhode Island

Upon establishing Rhode Island residency, individuals have 30 days to register their motorcycle.

If the motorcycle is model year 2001 or newer, RI residents need to have a vehicle identification number (VIN) check completed at a RI police department BEFORE registering their bike. Contact the local police department for details.

To complete the registration process, visit the local DMV office with the following completed forms:

Application for Registration and Title Certificate (Form TR-1). This certificate should be notarized if residents are not able to be present for the registration transaction.
Sales or Use Tax Exemption Certificate (Form T-333-1).
Affidavit of Rhode Island Sales and Use Tax Exemption (Form SU-NR-1).
The motorcycle’s title if it’s a model year 2001 or newer. If a lienholder has the title, a copy of the title is sufficient as long as the lienholder’s name is listed.
A power of attorney document if the motorcycle is leased.

Proof of:

Identity.
RI residency.
Check out the state’s list of acceptable documents for help.
Proof of Rhode Island motorcycle insurance.
Payment for all applicable motorcycle registration fees.

Additionally, Rhode Island residents need to complete a safety and emissions inspection within 5 days of receiving their RI motorcycle registration.

How to Register a Motorcycle in Rhode Island

The process for registration varies depending on whether RI residents purchased their motorcycle from a dealership or private seller and if the bike is leased. Below are the steps required to register a newly purchased bike with the RI Division of Motor Vehicles.

Motorcycles Purchased at Dealerships

After buying a motorcycle at a Rhode Island dealership, the dealer will usually complete the registration process. See below for an idea of the motorcycle registration fees and taxes RI residents may be required to pay.

If the motorcycle the resident purchased does not have license plates, the dealership may issue RI residents temporary plates and registration until the permanent documents arrive in the mail. Check with the dealership before leaving to see if any additional action is required.

Motorcycles Purchased Through Private Sellers

Rhode Island residents who purchased a motorcycle through a private seller in Rhode Island, need to register the motorcycle themselves by presenting the following items at a local RI DMV:

A completed:

Application for Registration and Title Certificate (Form TR-1).

AND

Use Tax Return (Form T-334-2).
The signed-over title, IF the bike, is model year 2001 or newer.
See below for details on leased vehicles.
A valid safety and emissions inspection sticker.

If the inspection sticker has expired, individuals must complete a safety and emissions inspection within 5 days of registering their motorcycle with the DMV.

New bikes must be inspected within 2 years of their purchase date OR before being driven 24,000 miles, whichever is sooner.

Proof of RI motorcycle insurance.
A valid Rhode Island motorcycle license.
A bill of sale.
All applicable RI motorcycle registration fees and taxes.
Leased Motorcycles

RI residents who are leasing a motorcycle, the following registration documents may be required in addition to those listed above:

Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO).
Power of attorney from the leasing company.
Sales or Use Tax Exemption Certificate (Form T-333-1) with the leasing company listed as the purchaser.

RI Motorcycle Registration Fees & Taxes

When registering or renewing a motorcycle registration in Rhode Island, residents of this state may be required to pay the following fees and taxes:

Original motorcycle registration: Prorated by date, plus $1.50.
Duplicate registration: $19.50.
Motorcycle license plates:
Regular: $32.50.
Vanity: $42.50.
Sales tax: 7% of the motorcycle’s purchase price.

Boat Registration and Licenses in Rhode Island

Boat titles and registrations are handled by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM).

Continue reading to learn about the steps to titling and registering a boat AND the boater requirements to operate vessels on RI waters.

Rhode Island Boats to Register & Title

In Rhode Island, the DEM requires ALL motorized boats AND personal watercraft to be registered, with the following exceptions:

Watercraft from another country temporarily using RI’s waters.
Motorboats owned by an entity of the U.S. government.
Non-motorized canoes and kayaks.
Rowboats.
Lifeboats.
Ferries.
Boats used only for racing.
Vessels registered in another state and not kept in Rhode Island for more than 90 days.

Additionally, Rhode Island residents must title ALL watercraft primarily used on RI state waters, with the following exemptions:

Boats measuring 14 ft. or less.
Documented vessels.
Lifeboats.
Non-motorized:
Surfboards.
Racing shells.
Rowing sculls.
Inflatable watercraft.
Boats used only for direct transportation between a vessel and the shore.

RI residents who are still unsure about whether their boat requires a title and/or registration, call the RI Department of Environmental Management’s boating section at (401) 222-6647 for clarification.

Title & Register Your Vessel in Rhode Island

PRIOR to titling and/or registering your boat with the DEM, residents of Rhode Island need to pay sales tax, which is 7% of the purchase price, at the Rhode Island Division of Taxation’s main office on:

Outboard motors purchased from dealers (private party sales are exempt from sales tax requirements).

AND

Vessels purchased before July 29, 1993.

Then, to title and/or register a boat with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, begin by gathering the applicable items below:

RI residents who need to register their boat, the following completed and notarized registration applications (residents must register the vessel and its motor):

Boat Registration Application.
Outboard Motor Registration Application.
Rhode Island residents who need to title their vessel, a completed and notarized Application for Initial Vessel Certificate of Title.
For used boats, a pencil tracing of the watercraft’s hull identification number (HIN).
A proof of purchase (required for all transactions) for:
New boats: Bill of sale on the dealership’s letterhead.
Used boats: Notarized bill of sale OR gift statement.
A proof of ownership (needed for all transactions) for:
New boats: Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin.
Used boats: Signed AND notarized boat title OR current registration card (if the vessel was exempt from titling).
If applicable, a receipt for sales tax paid.
Payment for the applicable vessel title/registration fees.

Then, submit the required title/registration items in person OR by mail at:

Department of Environmental Management
235 Promenade St.
Room 360
Providence, RI 02908

Residents of Rhode Island can choose to register their boat for 2 years or, if the vessel is longer than 30 ft, residents can also opt to register for 1 year.

RI Boat Title & Registration Fees

The fees to title and/or register a vessel with the RI Department of Environmental Management are as follows:

Original or renewal vessel registration valid for:

2 years (all boat lengths):

1 ft to 15 ft: $32.
16 ft to 20 ft: $42.
21 ft to 25 ft: $66.
26 ft to 30 ft: $108.
31 ft to 35 ft: $212.
36 ft to 40 ft: $264.
41 ft to 45 ft: $316.
46 ft to 50 ft: $418.
Over 50 ft: $620.

1 year (vessels longer than 30 ft ONLY):

31 ft to 35 ft: $106.
36 ft to 40 ft: $132.
41 ft to 45 ft: $158.
46 ft to 50 ft: $209.
Over 50 ft: $310.
Initial boat title: $25.
Per lien recorded: $15.
Outboard motor registration (only needs to be paid 1 time—does not require renewal): $20.
Title transfer fee: $5.

Duplicate:

Registration card: $5.
Boat decals: $2.
Vessel title: $5.
RI sales tax: 7% of the sale price.

Boat Registration Renewals & Replacements

Rhode Island vessel registrations are valid for 2 years, expiring on the last day of February. Boats more than 30 ft in length can be registered for 1 year.

Rhode Island residents can renew their boat registration online by submitting information about their boat AND the appropriate renewal fees to the RI Department of Environmental Management. RI residents need to use a VISA, MasterCard, or Discover card to pay for the fees.

Replace a Lost Vessel Title or Registration

Rhode Island residents who have lost or damaged their RI vessel title, registration card, or boat decals can request a replacement by submitting:

A Duplicate Title Application for a replacement title.
A Duplicate Boat Registration and Decal Application for a replacement registration card and/or decals.
The necessary duplicate title/registration fees.

Then, Rhode Island can turn in the items above in person or by mail to the address on the form.

Rhode Island Boater Requirements

In Rhode Island, residents of this state must complete a boating safety class if they were born after January 1st, 1986, and wish to operate:

A boat with an engine of more than 10 horsepower.
Personal watercraft (like jet skis).

To complete the DEM’s boater education requirement, Rhode Island residents need to enroll in a course and complete a proctored exam. Individuals can opt to take a boating safety course:

In the classroom.
Online (remember, at the end of the course residents need to sign up for an in-person proctored exam).

Check out the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management’s boating safety page for a list of approved online and in-class education providers.

Accepted Forms of Payment

Accepted forms of payment at the Rhode Island DMV include:

Cash
Check
Credit card
Debit card
American Express
MasterCard
Discover
VISA

Before heading to the DMV in Rhode Island, residents need to make sure they have the appropriate type of payment to avoid penalties and delays.