To register a car in Rhode Island, you’ll have to head to the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) with your car’s title, driver’s license, proof of emissions inspection, proof of insurance, some money for the registration charge, and any bills of sale or sales tax documents (if the car was bought privately).

Whether you’re new to the Ocean State or are an existing resident who just bought a new vehicle, you’ll need to head to the DMV to register your car. Here to go through the entire process is

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How to register a car in Rhode Island

Registering your vehicle in Rhode Island involves a trip to the DMV with a few essential documents. Here are all the details.

If you just moved to Rhode Island

New residents have 30 days to register their car with the DMV after they move to Rhode Island.

Bring the following documents with you on your trip:

A filled-out Application for Registration and Certificate of Title (

Form TR-1

)

Proof of a valid car insurance policy

Your vehicle’s title

If the car has a lien, all owners listed on the title must be present when registering

Proof of a vehicle identification number (VIN) check

Rhode Island driver’s license or ID card (you can obtain this at the DMV first if you’d like)

If you present an out-of-state license, you can also present proof of RI residency

Power of Attorney and Sales or Use Tax Exemption Certificate (

Form T-333-1

), if the vehicle is leased

Payment to cover the registration fees

After obtaining your registration, you’ll have five days to go get your vehicle inspected. After that, your registration will be valid for two years.

If you just bought a car

If you’re a RI resident who just bought a car, you’ll face different registration requirements depending on whether you purchased your vehicle from a dealership or a private party.

If you bought your car at a dealership, the dealership may automatically submit the necessary registration documents to the DMV for you. If not, you must submit:

A completed Application for Registration and Certificate of Title (

Form TR-1

)

The bill of sale

Leased vehicles will require a power of attorney

Title or Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO)

RI driver’s license or ID card

Proof of valid RI insurance

Payment for the sales tax and registration fees

If you purchased your vehicle from a private party, you’ll be solely responsible for registration. In addition to the above-listed documents, you’ll need:

The car’s signed-over title if the vehicle is from 2001 or newer

Proof of the previous owner, if applicable

All owners listed on the title must be present when registering

MORE: Title transfer in Rhode Island

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How much insurance coverage do you need in Rhode Island?

Since car insurance is required in Rhode Island, you’ll want to make sure that your policy meets the

state’s minimum car insurance requirements

before you head off to the DMV:

At least $25,000 per person of

bodily injury liability coverage

At least $50,000 per accident of bodily injury liability coverage

At least $25,000 per accident of

property damage liability coverage

Purchasing additional liability insurance as well as some optional types of coverage, like

collision insurance

and

comprehensive coverage

, could be a great idea.

How to renew your Rhode Island vehicle registration

Your registration is valid for two years, at which point you’ll have to renew it. All registration renewals must be processed by mail, online with a credit card, or deposited in the dropboxes located at any DMV branch location.

When it’s time to renew your registration, you’ll receive a notice via the mail. To renew via mail, send the registration renewal notice along with a check for your fees to:

Division of Motor Vehicles Attn: Registration Renewal

600 New London Avenue

Cranston, RI 02920

You can also deposit your renewal registration notice plus the fee payment in your local DMV’s dropbox. Dropboxes are accessible only during normal business hours—Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.

If you’re eligible to renew online, you can do so using the RI DMV’s

web system

and a credit or debit card.

How to replace a lost registration sticker or license plate

If your Rhode Island plates were lost or stolen, you need to fill out a police report or complete the Affidavit for Cancellation of Registration for Lost Plates. You can file for the report at your local law enforcement agency.

If you only lost the stickers, you must bring your current registration certificate to any DMV branch location or AAA branch office (members only) to obtain a new set of stickers. There is no charge for replacement stickers.

MORE:

Rhode Island license plates

How to save on auto insurance in Rhode Island

Before running off to the DMV, make sure your

Rhode Island car insurance costs

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FAQs

What are the requirements to register a vehicle in Rhode Island?

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.

How much does it take to register a car in Rhode Island?

Vehicle registration fees are based on a vehicle’s type and weight. You can check out the

registration fee chart

to estimate your final costs.

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