Rhode Island Vehicle Registration

All vehicles in the state of Rhode Island must be properly registered with the Department of Revenue Division of Motor Vehicles in order to be legally used on the roads of Rhode Island. If your motor vehicle has not completed the RI vehicle registration process, this most likely means you have just purchased the new vehicle, moved into the state of Rhode Island, or received the motor vehicle as a gift. The RI vehicle registration and titling processes are very closely related. You must receive a new title and RI registration for your vehicle from the Division of Motor vehicles within thirty (30) days of taking ownership, or moving to Rhode Island.Forms for Rhode Island Vehicle Registration

For a Rhode Island vehicle registration, you will need the certain documents depending on your specific circumstances. The following are the necessary documents for a RI vehicle registration depending on how you obtained the vehicle.

Rhode Island Vehicle Registration (Dealer Sale)

• Form TR-1, Application for RI Registration.
• Proof of Insurance Information for valid Rhode Island insurance.
• Bill of Sale for RI vehicle registration.
• Dealer Sales Tax form for RI registration.
• Gross Vehicle Weight.
• Rhode Island license or identification card.
• Power of Attorney for a leased vehicle for RI vehicle registration.
• Rhode Island Use Tax form for out-of-state dealers.
• If there are two owners on title, both must be present during the RI vehicle registration, if not, the signature of the absent party has to be notarized on Form TR-1 for RI vehicle registration.
• Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin or the title if the vehicle’s model year is 2001 or newer
• Vehicle Identification Number verification if the vehicle’s title is from a different state and the model year is 2001 or newer for RI registration.

Rhode Island Vehicle Registration (Private Party Sale)

• Form TR-1, Application for RI Registration.
• Proof of Insurance Information for valid Rhode Island insurance.
• Sales Tax form for RI vehicle registration.
• Title if the vehicle’s model year is 2001 or newer.

Vehicle Identification Number verification if the vehicle’s title is from a different state and the model year is 2001 or newer for RI registration.

• Gross Vehicle Weight.
• Bill of Sale for RI vehicle registration.
• Rhode Island license or identification card.
• If there are two owners on title, both must be present during the RI vehicle registration, if not, the signature of the absent party has to be notarized on Form TR-1.
• Proof of previous owner for non-titled motor vehicles for RI vehicle registration.
• Gift letter, which must be notarized if the vehicle is gifted by a non-immediate family member

Rhode Island Vehicle Registration (Out-of-State Transfer)

• Form TR-1, Application for RI Registration.
• Proof of Insurance Information for valid Rhode Island insurance.
• Tax questionnaire and Bill of Sale if applicable
• Tax exempt card for RI vehicle registration.
• Title (or copy if leased or financed) if the vehicle’s model year is 2001 or newer
• Vehicle Identification Number verification if the vehicle’s title is from a different state and the model year is 2001 or newer for RI registration
• Rhode Island license or ID card (if presenting out-of-state license, proof of residency is needed)
• Power of Attorney for a leased vehicle.
• Proof of ownership for non-titled motor vehicles for RI registration.
• If there are two owners on title, both must be present during the RI vehicle registration, if not, the signature of the absent party has to be notarized on Form TR-1.

Rhode Island Vehicle Registration Fees

The Division of Motor Vehicles accepts cash, personal checks, bank checks, and money orders for a Rhode Island vehicle registration. Any checks should be payable to the Division of Motor Vehicles. All fees have a $1.50 technology charge. Here are the Rhode Island registration fees based on vehicle:

• New passenger registration: Prorated by date, based on weight
• Passenger 2-year renewal: Based on weight
• New commercial registration: Prorated by date, Based on vehicle weight
• Commercial 1-year renewal: Based on vehicle weight, + $1.50
• New motorcycle: Prorated by date
• Motorcycle 2-years renewal : $27.50

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