NOTE: The term "vehicle" includes motorcycles,
automobiles, trailers, vans, and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight in
Rhode Island.
Main Registry office is in Pawtucket, RI
Rhode
Island state law requires you to obtain a Rhode Island driver's license and
register your vehicle with the DMV within 30 days of becoming a resident.
To get your Rhode Island driver's license, you need to bring your
current license and one document showing proof of residency to the nearest DMV
branch office. If your license is either current or has not expired over one (1)
year, you can convert your license for a $17.00 fee. You must turn in your
current license to the DMV. The first license will be valid for just under two
years. After that, licenses are renewable for a five-year period. Minimum age to
operate a motor vehicle in Rhode Island is 16-1/2.
To register your
vehicle in Rhode Island, you must first bring the vehicle to your local police
department along with proof of ownership and proof of residency for a VIN
inspection. If your vehicle is more than 10 years old, this step is not
necessary. You must then appear at a DMV branch office with your title or other
proof of ownership, the VIN verification form that the police department will
give you, proof of insurance and proof of residency. A registration for a
passenger vehicle is $30.00 per year and the title fee is $25.00.
Insurance is mandatory in Rhode Island. You must carry liability at the minimum
and your insurance company must be licensed to do business in the State of Rhode
Island. Check with your current insurance company to make sure they are
licensed; if not, you will have to switch companies. For more information,
contact the RI Department of Business Regulation.
Sales Tax on new and
used vehicles is 7%. There is no state personal property tax, but property taxes
assessed by individual cities and towns must be paid before renewal of
registration can be obtained.