Registering and titling a vehicle in Rhode Island: new residents, purchases and renewals

How to register and title a vehicle in Rhode Island after a dealer or private purchase or a move from another state, the VIN check and inspection steps, renewal options and replacement plates, from the RI DMV.

Guide · Rhode Island · Vehicle registration · Titles · updated October 29, 2026

In Rhode Island, the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) registers and titles vehicles and issues plates. Branch offices handle new registrations and several other registration transactions, while some title work is handled only at the Cranston headquarters. This guide covers the main routes: buying a vehicle, moving in with one, renewing, and replacing plates or documents. For how reservations and mail-in work, see the Rhode Island DMV visit guide, and for licensing the driver license guide.

Where to register

The DMV says it processes new, transfer and renewal registrations by mail, at a drop box, or in person with a reservation. Its location page lists new registrations among the transactions any branch can process, along with transfers, out-of-state transfers, plate changes and duplicates. Mail goes to Division of Motor Vehicles, Attn: Registration, 600 New London Avenue, Cranston RI 02920. Drop boxes are at DMV branch locations, available Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The DMV says documents must be notarized for mail and drop box transactions. See the Rhode Island DMV office list for branches.

Buying from a dealer

The DMV's new registration page lists what to bring for a dealer sale:

• The Application for Registration (TR-1)
• Valid Rhode Island insurance information
• The dealer sales tax form and a bill of sale
• The vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating, found on the VIN plate on the driver's door
• Your Rhode Island license or ID card
• The Manufacturer's Statement of Origin or the original title (or proof of the previous owner for a non-titled state)

If two owners are on the title, both must be present, or the absent person's signature on the application must be notarized. Minors under 18 who register a vehicle in their own name need a GU-1338 certificate of insurance on file at the Cranston DMV. The DMV also says sales tax is due on the 20th day of the month after the sale and must be paid before or at registration.

Buying from a private seller

For a private sale the DMV asks for the Sales Tax Form (T-334), the TR-1, valid Rhode Island insurance information, the original title signed on the back by the seller for model year 2001 or newer, a bill of sale, the vehicle weight rating, and your Rhode Island license or ID. Gifted vehicles need a gift letter, notarized with a gift affidavit if the gift is from a non-immediate family member.

Under the title law that took effect January 1, 2024, the DMV states that all used vehicles are now issued a Rhode Island certificate of title when sales tax and registration are paid. When you buy a vehicle in Rhode Island, you must pay sales tax and get a title in your own name even if you do not register it.

Vehicles from out of state: VIN check

The DMV says every used vehicle coming in from another state needs a VIN inspection by a local municipal police department. When the vehicle was last titled in a state that required a title, the title must be in the seller's name and properly assigned to you. If the state did not require a title, proof of ownership such as an old registration or a paid sales tax form is accepted. Bring the title or proof of ownership and the vehicle to the police department. The DMV advises contacting the department first to ask which forms of payment it accepts. The DMV issues five-day temporary plates for the purpose of getting a VIN check, but only after all other paperwork, including proof of Rhode Island insurance, is submitted.

Moving to Rhode Island with a vehicle

The DMV states that within 30 days of moving to Rhode Island you must obtain a new title and registration for your vehicle. It lists these forms: the Application for Registration (TR-1), the Sales or Use Tax Exemption Certificate (T-333-1), and the transfer form SU-NR-1, plus a registration checklist. Insurance is mandatory, and the insurer must be licensed to do business in Rhode Island. If a lienholder has sent your out-of-state title to the DMV, you first collect it from the Research Office in Cranston. The DMV will not request a title from a leasing company for a leased vehicle.

Inspection

The DMV says all newly registered vehicles except new vehicles must have a valid Rhode Island inspection sticker or pass a safety and emissions inspection within five days of registration, and that failing to comply may lead to a registration suspension. New vehicles are exempt for two years from purchase or until 24,000 miles. Light-duty gas and diesel vehicles up to 8,500 lbs. need a safety and emissions test every 24 months. Used vehicles bought from a licensed Rhode Island dealer must have a new sticker at the time of sale.

Renewing

Renewals can be done online with a credit card, by mail to Attn: Registration Renewal at the Cranston address, or at a drop box at any DMV branch. AAA members can renew at any AAA branch. If you did not receive a notice, the DMV has a registration renewal form. The DMV warns that if your city or town has placed a block against you for unpaid vehicle property taxes, you will not receive a renewal notice and the DMV cannot renew your registration until the tax collector sends clearance.

Plates, duplicates and titles

• New plates: issued with a new registration; see the New Registration page.
• Lost or damaged plates: either a plate change (a new number from stock) or a plate remake (same number, online or by mail). Lost or stolen plates require a police report or an affidavit for cancellation.
• Replacement stickers: bring your current registration to a DMV branch or AAA branch; the DMV says there is no charge.
• Duplicate registration: online, or by mail with the TR-1 and payment.
• Duplicate title: processed at the Cranston headquarters only, using form TR-2/TR-9, and only for active Rhode Island titled vehicles.
• Liens: Rhode Island does not require a new title once a lien is paid off; the lienholder signs off on the title or provides a lien release letter.
• Vanity plates: the DMV's online services page says it is not issuing new vanity plates at this time. Preferred plates are requested through the Office of the Governor.