Register a vehicle in Rhode Island

Online or in person

No online option described · In person: owners present, or a notarized signatureThe New Registration page lists the forms and documents to bring; it does not describe an online option. If two owners are on the title, both must be present during registration, or the absent owner's signature must be notarized on the Application for Registration. A VIN check is required first if the title or registration is from another state.

Cost

See the DMV Registration Fee TableThe page says costs are listed in the DMV Registration Fee Table. Sales tax on dealer and private sales must be paid prior to or at the time of registration.

Your plan

1. Gather your documents

   • Application and insurance · all that apply
     Complete and sign the Application for Registration; see the Checklist for Registration for the documents needed.
     Show accepted documents

     • Application for Registration (TR-1)
     • Insurance information (valid RI insurance)
     • RI license or identification card
     • Gross Vehicle Weight (GVWR is found on the VIN plate on the driver's side door)
   • Title or proof of previous owner
     Title is required unless the vehicle is older than model year 2001 AND the jurisdiction it is coming from does not require a title for that vehicle.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Original title
     • Proof of Previous Owner, such as a registration certificate or paid sales tax form, from a non-titled state
   • Private party sale papers · all that apply
     Show accepted documents

     • Sales Tax Form (T-334)
     • Bill of Sale
     • Seller's signature on the back of the title (if model year 2001 or newer)
   • If there are two owners on the title · all that apply
     Both parties must be present during registration; if not, the signature of the absent party must be notarized on the Application for Registration.
   • If the registrant is under 18 · all that apply
     A GU-1338 certificate of insurance in the minor's name must be on record at the Cranston DMV.

2. Complete and sign the Application for Registration

   Form TR-1. If two owners are on the title and one is not present, the absent owner's signature must be notarized on the Application for Registration.

   New Registration ↗

3. Pay sales tax and fees

   For dealer and private party sales, sales tax is due on the 20th day of the month following the month the sale took place, and must be paid prior to or at the time of registration. For a gifted vehicle there is no sales tax unless outstanding taxes are due, but a signed letter of gift (notarized, with a gift affidavit, if from a non-immediate family member) is required to exempt you. Registration costs are in the DMV Registration Fee Table.