Rhode Island DMV Services

🚗 1. Title & Registration Together

• In Rhode Island you typically title a car at the same time you register it.
  Note: As of January 1, 2024, all vehicles are eligible for a Rhode Island title, including older vehicles that previously did not require one.

📄 2. Documents

Proof of Ownership

• Title (signed by seller) if vehicle is already titled
• Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO) for new vehicles
• If from a state that didn’t require a title (older vehicles), bring valid proof of ownership such as a previous registration or paid tax proof.

Bill of Sale

• Required when buying from a private party (to establish purchase price for tax).

Proof of Insurance

• Must carry Rhode Island liability insurance before registration.

Identification

• A valid Rhode Island driver’s license or state ID; if using an out‑of‑state license, also show proof of Rhode Island residency.

VIN Inspection

• If the title is from another state or the vehicle was registered out of state, a VIN check by local police is required before registration (model year 2001 or newer).

🪪 3. Special Situations

Private‑Party Sale

• Title must be signed by the seller (if model year is 2001 or newer).
• Form TR‑1, bill of sale, proof of insurance, ID, and proof of previous owner if title not required.

Dealer Sale

• Dealer will usually prepare the TR‑1 and tax forms.
• MSO/title, insurance, ID, and tax payment information.

Gifted Vehicle

• Provide the title signed by giver and recipient and a gift letter/affidavit.
• Gift from immediate family may be tax‑exempt; non‑immediate family usually requires a notarized letter.

New Resident / Out‑of‑State Vehicle

• Must title and register within 30 days of moving to Rhode Island.
• Out‑of‑state title/registration, insurance, ID, and have a VIN inspection done before you finalize the RI registration.

💰 4.  Taxes

• Sales tax: 7 % of the purchase price or NADA value, whichever is higher, due when titling/registration paperwork is processed.
• Reciprocal state with CA

🧾 5. Vehicle Inspection 

• VIN inspections for out‑of‑state vehicles are done before registration if applicable.

📋 Quick Checklist 

✔ Original title or MCO
✔ Original odometer
✔ Bill of sale or Purchase order
✔ Proof of RI insurance
✔ Social Security number or EIN/FEIN number
✔ Driver’s License
✔ Original VIN inspection (if out‑of‑state)
✔ Power of attorney
✔ Fees