How to Complete a DMV Change of Address in Rhode Island
You can complete a change of address on your Rhode Island driver’s license at any DMV branch, online, or through the mail.
Written by Shannon Fitzgerald
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
If you’re new to Rhode Island, or you’re shifting addresses within it, you can complete a change of address for your driver’s license at any DMV branch. For moves within the state, you can also change your address online or through the mail.
When you’re getting ready for a big move, little details like returning the internet modem and not packing the scissors away can often fall through the cracks. Changing your address with the DMV is another commonly forgotten step—but luckily one that can be accomplished just as easily as turning off the gas.
In Rhode Island, this typically means you’ll need to either make a trip to the DMV or update them online or through the mail. You’ll also need to make sure you inform your insurance company of the address change to avoid any lapses in your
car insurance
coverage. To help you out during this stressful (but exciting) transition, we've outlined the steps to change the address on your license in Rhode Island. Ready to take on the DMV paperwork your big move requires? Let’s jump in!
How to change your address on a Rhode Island driver’s license
Changing your address in Rhode Island has become delightfully simple in the era of the internet—especially if you’re moving within the state. In most cases, an in-state change of address can actually be done from the comfort of your own home.
If you’re moving within Rhode Island
Whether you’re leaving
Woonsocket
for Westerly
or you’re just trading your Providence
studio for a Pawtucket
flat, you’ll need to make sure the Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is informed of the address change. There are several ways you can do this when moving within the state:- Head to aDMV branchwith your current license and complete alicense applicationin person with your new address
- If you’re a AAA member—head to anyAAA branch officeto complete a change of address update through them
In Rhode Island, it’s required by law that you notify the DMV of your change of address within 10 days of your move. While updating the DMV of your new Rhode Island address is free, acquiring a new license (optionally) with the new address will cost $27.50.
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Changing your address when moving to Rhode Island from another state can be a little trickier than an in-state move. However, while you can only complete an out-of-state change of address in person at the DMV, the steps are still straightforward.
Before you head to the DMV, make sure you have your current license on hand—either a valid one or one that has not been expired for more than five years. If your current license has been expired longer than that, you will also need to bring a certified driving record from your state.
For drivers who want to enhance their Rhode Island license with a REAL ID while they’re changing their address, you’ll also need to bring the following:
- Proof of identity—birth certificate, unexpired passport etc.
- Social Security Number—social security card, W-2 etc.
- Two proofs of Rhode Island residence—utility bill (eg; cable, electric, water, cell phone etc. )
At the DMV, you will need to complete a
license application form
, then give it to a clerk along with the $39.50 new non-commercial Rhode Island license fee. Registration fees may vary, however, so be sure to check out the full fee schedule
the DMV has provided. Drivers moving to Rhode Island from out-of-state are required by law to inform the Rhode Island DMV and obtain a Rhode Island license within 30 days of establishing residency.
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Other steps for a Rhode Island change of address
It’s equally important to make sure you update the United States Postal Service with your new address, as well. You don’t want the new homeowners or renters to keep receiving your bills and packages—filling out a
change of address form
will get all your mail going to the right place. Doing so also offers the opportunity to update your voter registration and receive up to $750 in coupons, as well. This will also ensure that your mail is forwarded to you during the initial months of your move—and it can be done online for just a $1.10 verification fee.
How to notify your insurance company of your Rhode Island change of address
Updating your insurance company with your new address is a crucial step during your Rhode Island move.
Fortunately, this can easily be accomplished by calling your insurance agent. Some insurers also allow drivers to make address changes through their apps or online portals—but if you’re ever worried the information hasn’t gone through, it’s always safest to call!
Why notifying your insurance company of a change of address is so important
If you’re ever pulled over after your move and the officer asks for your insurance—you may find you don’t have the coverage you thought you did if you never updated your address.
Like most states,
Rhode Island car insurance laws
require drivers to carry certain minimums of liability coverage
. Failing to have this coverage can lead to a citation, serious fines, and license suspension. If your insurance is set to renew and the notification gets sent to your old address—you could very likely experience a lapse in coverage. Additionally, insurance companies base your premium on your zip code. Insurers run numbers from your specific locale to evaluate risk, which impacts your rates. Therefore, if you change zip codes and you don’t inform your insurance company, the insurer may consider this fraudulent behavior.
Bottom line: Forgetting to change your address with your insurance company can lead to significant penalties, all of which can grossly increase your rates on your car, home, and renters insurance in the future.
How to find affordable car insurance in Rhode Island
Wherever you’re planning on moving to in Rhode Island, your insurance premiums will likely change once you update your address with your insurer. While this could lead to an increase in premium costs, doing so is absolutely crucial to avoid having a lapse of proper coverage or getting accused of fraud.
Luckily, there are still ways to maintain lower rates—and comparison shopping after the move is one of them. In fact, it’s professionally recommended. Since you’ve just spent hours hauling and unhauling boxes, though, let
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do all the insurance heavy lifting for you. The app is free to use and instantly analyzes quotes from over 55 top insurance companies to track down the best rates available to you in your new locale. Once you see a plan you like, simply select it through the app, and Jerry’s expert brokers will help cancel your old plan to switch you over to your new coverage seamlessly.
The average user ends up saving more than $800 a year on car insurance so it’s definitely worth a look to keep a little extra in your wallet after the move!
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Reviewed on 5/28/2023
FAQs
Can you change your address online in Rhode Island?
Yes—drivers changing addresses within the state can update their address information using the Rhode Island DMV’s
online portal
.Do I have to get a new license when I move to Rhode Island?
Yes—drivers who move to Rhode Island from another state are required by law to replace their license with a Rhode Island license within thirty days of establishing residency.
