Title & Proof of Ownership
Rhode Island titles motor vehicles, trailers, camping recreational vehicles and trailers, and vessels more than 14 feet in length unless exempt. Implements of husbandry and special mobile equipment may be titled at the owner’s option.
Title-Required and Exempt Units
Title Required
Motor vehicles, trailers over 3,000 lbs. GVWR, camping recreational vehicles and trailers, and vessels more than 14 feet in length.
Optional Title
Implements of husbandry and special mobile equipment may be titled at owner’s option.
Title Exempt
Vehicles owned by the U.S. unless registered in Rhode Island, vehicles moved solely by animal power, self-propelled invalid wheelchairs or tricycles, trailers 3,000 lbs. GVWR or less, homemade trailers, motorized bicycles or mopeds, certain manufactured homes greater than 8½ feet wide or 60 feet long, ORVs, and snowmobiles.
Boats / Vessels
Boats are titled through the Department of Environmental Management. Vessels more than 14 feet must be titled; motorboats and boats over 12 feet must be registered.
Application for Title
Application for Registration and Title Certificate (TR-1) is used when registering, and Application for Title for Vehicles (TR-2/TR-9) may be mailed to the DMV in Cranston or deposited at a DMV Drop Box Location. Dealers must mail applications to Cranston Headquarters or drop off work at the dealer window on the 2nd floor at Cranston headquarters. Drop box submissions are limited to two envelopes per day per dealership, with 10 transactions per envelope.
| Title Item | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Vehicle title | $50.00 plus $3.50 technology surcharge |
| Duplicate vehicle title | $50.00 plus $3.50 technology surcharge using TR-2/TR-9 |
| Boat title | $25.00 through DEM |
| Boat lien filing | $15.00 plus title fee if applicable |
| Boat transfer fee | $5.00 for boats already titled in Rhode Island |
| Duplicate boat title | $5.00; $20.00 if there is a lien |
| Salvage inspection | $55.00 plus $3.50 technology surcharge using TR-5 |
| SI-1 online lien filing | $2.00 enhanced access fee plus title fee and technology surcharge |
| Dealer temporary registration | $20.00 plus $3.00 enhanced access fee |
| 5-Day Temporary Plate | $10.00 |
Make checks payable to the Division of Motor Vehicles. Boat title checks are payable to State of RI-DEM. A Credit Card by Mail form may be submitted for mail-in and drop-box applications; credit card service fees apply. Standard title delivery is approximately 4–6 weeks. Dealer drop-off turnaround is approximately 7–14 business days. Vehicle Title Inquiry is available online.
Electronic Registration & Title System
Rhode Island is implementing an electronic registration and titling system. Businesses conducting 25 or more transactions annually must use the system. It will support electronic applications and secure digital vehicle titles in lieu of paper titles. Per-transaction fees will apply.
Electronic Signatures
Applications must generally be signed in ink. Electronic signatures are accepted on the Rhode Island Dealer’s Statement of Sale – Motor Vehicle (T-336-1).
Identity / Notary
Valid identity documents must be presented. Owners’ signatures must be notarized if the owner is not present during the transaction. Documents must be notarized if completed by mail or drop box.
Title Only
Title only is issued upon completion of Application for Title for Vehicles (TR-2/TR-9).
Proof of Ownership
New Vehicles
Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin and bill of sale.
Used Vehicles
Certificate of Title and bill of sale.
Non-Title Issuing Jurisdiction
Previous registration certificate and bill of sale.
Government Surplus Vehicles
U.S. Government Certificate to Obtain Title to a Vehicle (SF97-1).
Foreign Vehicles
Foreign ownership documents plus Entry Summary (CBP 7501) and NICB inspection from DMV Enforcement Division in Cranston. Military personnel must provide original bill of sale, proof of transfer, or invoice and submit Federal Air Pollution Regulations Declaration (EPA 3520-1). Must be processed at DMV headquarters. If NHTSA HS-7 box 2 is checked, EPA or CBP form is not required.
Boat Sales
Boat bill of sale must be on dealer letterhead if new or notarized if used.
Surrender / NMVTIS: Proof of ownership must be surrendered. Titles are not returned to the issuing state, but are cancelled through NMVTIS. Rhode Island provides data to and inquiries NMVTIS before issuing new titles; non-negotiable titles are not reported to NMVTIS.
Insufficient Evidence, Special Titles, Brands, Duplicate, Odometer & VIN/HIN
Bond / Insufficient Evidence
If DMV is not satisfied as to ownership or undisclosed security interests, the vehicle may be registered while title is withheld until proper documents are submitted, or DMV may require a bond equal to 1½ times vehicle value. A Bond Application is required. Bond may be returned after three years if there has been no recovery action, or sooner if the vehicle is no longer registered and title is surrendered.
Special Titles
Distinctive Certificate of Title may be issued for vehicles last registered in jurisdictions that do not require lienholders on title and includes the legend “This vehicle may be subject to an undisclosed lien.” Effective January 1, 2024, non-negotiable titles are no longer issued; a valid title is required.
Title Brands
Legends appear in the “Title Legend(s)” section and brands in the “Title Type and Brands” section. Out-of-state reconstructed and flood-damaged legends are carried forward. Brands/legends include Duplicate, Non-Negotiable, Rebuilt Salvage, Reconstructed Flood, Reconstructed/Kit, Reconstructed Salvage, Undisclosed Lien, Unrecovered Theft, and odometer brands.
Duplicate / Corrected Title
Duplicate title is issued when the original is lost, stolen, mutilated, destroyed, or illegible using TR-2/TR-9 and the required fee. All owners must sign and signatures must be notarized. If there is a lienholder, the lienholder must apply. A Letter of Correction with Application for Dealer Reassignment/POA (MVT-10) may correct a title assignment.
Odometer Disclosure
Odometer disclosure is required upon transfer. Vehicles model year 2010 or older, trailers and other vehicles without odometer devices, and trucks over 16,000 lbs. GVWR are exempt.
VIN / HIN Inspection
VIN check or Verification of VIN and Foreign Title (TR-5D) is required on all vehicles brought into Rhode Island from another state. Inspection may be performed by law enforcement or Rhode Island licensed new car dealers. For out-of-state purchases needing registration before vehicle returns to Rhode Island, VIN inspection may be performed by law enforcement where the vehicle is located. New boats require pencil tracing or photo of the HIN. Homemade boats require DEM Enforcement Division inspection.
Stolen, Salvage, Reconstructed, Destroyed & Abandoned Units
Stolen Vehicle / Boat
Owner, lienholder, or insurer may notify DMV of vehicle theft by submitting police report, TR-2/TR-9, vehicle title, and title fee. Insurer taking possession of a total-loss stolen vehicle must apply for Unrecovered Theft title. If recovered with no damage, submit Recovery Report, TR-2/TR-9 removing Unrecovered Theft brand, and title fee. Boat or outboard motor theft should be reported to local law enforcement and DEM Division of Law Enforcement at 401.222.3070.
Salvage Vehicle
Salvage applies when total repair cost to rebuild or reconstruct for legal operation exceeds 75% of fair market value. Insurers taking possession after total loss or theft must apply for salvage certificate of title within 10 days. Insurance companies classify salvage vehicles as Class A-Parts Only or Class B-Repairable. Class A vehicles cannot be registered.
Salvage Title Application
Submit TR-2/TR-9 marked Salvage Title to DMV headquarters with existing title, insurer total-loss letter, insurer damage estimate/appraisal, and title fee. Salvage Certificate of Title is printed in red ink. If insurer cannot obtain title within 30 days after claim payment, an Affidavit for Salvage Title in Lieu of Certificate of Title may be used with proof of attempts to obtain title.
Reconstructed Vehicle
Class B salvage vehicles restored by a Rhode Island licensed salvage rebuilder must pass safety/emissions inspection and salvage inspection before registration. Out-of-state salvage vehicles cannot be registered unless repaired by a licensed salvage rebuilder and Rhode Island salvage inspection is completed. Use Application for Salvage Inspection (TR-5) with salvage title copy, insurer letter, appraisal, Certificate of Salvage Repair, parts receipts with source VIN, used-parts list, damage photos, repair order, and fee. Passing vehicles are branded Reconstructed Salvage.
Destroyed Vehicle
Title to a vehicle that has been scrapped, dismantled, or destroyed must be surrendered for cancellation. DEM must be notified within 15 days of destruction of an ORV or snowmobile. Registration card and plates must be surrendered for cancellation.
Abandoned Vehicle / Manufactured Home
Owners/lienholders are notified when a vehicle is taken into custody. Vehicle must be reclaimed within three weeks after notice or sold at public auction. Failure to pay charges within 30 days may result in penalty and suspension. Vehicles left more than 10 days in a commercial garage may be deemed abandoned if reported to law enforcement. Abandoned manufactured homes may be removed after court notice procedures and may be disposed of or sold at public auction free and clear of liens.
Lien Law
A Rhode Island lien is perfected by submitting the existing title, if any, an application for title showing lienholder name, address, and security agreement date, and the title fee. A second lien may be added in the same manner. A lien may also be perfected by submitting Security Lien Statement (SI-1) with the title fee, and SI-1 filing may be completed online.
Perfection Timing
A security interest is perfected as of its creation if delivery is completed within 20 days; otherwise, it is perfected as of delivery.
Boat Liens
Boat liens are entered on the application for title or duplicate title application. Boat lien filing fee is $15.00 plus title fee and transfer fee if applicable.
Responsible Party
Dealer must list the lienholder on the title application and on the MCO or title for vehicles purchased from a dealer. The owner is responsible on private-party sales.
Lien Expiration
Liens are valid until an original lien release is submitted.
Assignment, Towing/Storage Lien, Release, UCC & Records
Assignment of Lien
Assignee may have the title endorsed or issued with their name as lienholder by submitting the title and assignment of lien. Lienholder remains liable for obligations as lienholder until the assignee is named as lienholder on title.
Towing / Storage Lien
A licensed wrecker providing towing and storage services may retain possession until charges are paid. An owner who fails to pay within 30 days of written notice may be fined up to $200.00. If charges remain unpaid for at least 60 days after tow, vehicle may be sold after required notice procedures.
Release of Lien
Lien release is generally due within 15 business days. Original lien release is required for Rhode Island processing. Dealer payoff files should retain release evidence before resale or title transfer.
Title with Lien
Reference lien records indicate Rhode Island titles with liens are held by lienholder and Rhode Island has electronic lien capabilities. Verify current DMV electronic-title/lien system rules for high-volume business users.
UCC / Non-Titled Units
Liens on title-exempt or non-titled collateral may require UCC filing or another security-interest process. Verify current filing location and requirements before relying on non-title collateral.
Records
Title and lien records are maintained by the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles in Cranston.
Transfer of Title
Rhode Island transfer is completed by assignment of title and required DMV title/registration forms. Applications must be made promptly, and registration application is generally required within 30 days of purchase.
Transfer Requirements
Transfer packets generally include assigned title, bill of sale, TR-1 or TR-2/TR-9, valid identity documents, lien release if applicable, odometer disclosure, VIN check for out-of-state vehicles, use tax return or dealer statement of sale, and payment of title/registration fees and technology surcharge.
Boat Transfer
DEM handles boat title and registration. Boat transfer fee is $5.00 when already titled in Rhode Island. Bill of sale must be on dealer letterhead if new or notarized if used.
Add / Remove Owner
Use the same procedures as a standard transfer. Existing liens must be addressed, and all required signatures must be present or notarized according to the ownership wording and submission method.
Joint Ownership
Reference transfer table shows “and” requires all signatures; “or” and “and/or” allow one signature. Verify the exact title wording before transfer, payoff, or lien release.
Transfer on Death
Rhode Island does not have a title beneficiary/TOD procedure in the reference table.
Notarization
Notarization of title is not generally required by the reference table, but owner signatures must be notarized when the owner is not present, and mail/drop-box documents must be notarized.
Power of Attorney
Dealer reassignment or POA correction may use MVT-10 where applicable. Use original, properly executed POA documents when an agent signs for an owner.
Registration Timing
Vehicle registration application must generally be made within 30 days of purchase. New residents must register within 30 days of establishing residency.
Plate Handling
Plates remain with owner and may be transferred to another vehicle within 10 days or surrendered to DMV for cancellation.
Repossession
Rhode Island does not show a repo-title requirement in the reference lien table. Repossession transactions should still document the lienholder’s authority, security interest, release/assignment rights, title status, and any DMV requirements before resale.
Before Resale
Confirm perfected lien, possession rights, lienholder shown on title or supporting security documents, original lien release or assignment authority, and proper title transfer documents.
If Lienholder Not Shown
If the lienholder is not shown on title, transferee may need the last title if available, proof of transfer, notarized TR-1, and title fee.
Salvage / Theft
If the unit is total-loss, recovered theft, Class A parts-only, or Class B repairable, follow Rhode Island salvage, unrecovered-theft, or reconstructed title procedures before resale or registration.
Dealer / Lender Checklist
Verify lien, release, security agreement, title status, odometer disclosure, VIN check if out-of-state, use tax documents, insurance/registration eligibility, and whether title brand restrictions apply.
Registration
Rhode Island requires registration for motor vehicles, trailers, semitrailers, pole trailers, motorized campers, tent trailers, travel trailers, pickup coaches, pickup campers, motorcycles, motorized bicycles, motorized tricycles used upon highways, ORVs, snowmobiles, motorboats, and boats over 12 feet in length. Low-speed vehicles are registered at owner’s option.
Application for Registration
Application for Registration and Title Certificate (TR-1) is submitted in person or by mail to DMV in Cranston or at any DMV Drop Box Location. Application must be made within 30 days of purchase, and new residents must register within 30 days of establishing residency. Registration must be carried in the vehicle. Registration status, expiration dates, blocks, and suspensions may be checked online.
- An Affidavit of Motorcycle is required to register motorcycles, motorized bicycles or tricycles, mopeds, scooters, and autocycles.
- An Affidavit for Antique License Plates is required for antique vehicles or motorcycles.
- Boat Registration Application, Outboard Motor Registration Application, or RV/Snowmobile Registration Application is submitted to DEM Boating and Licensing Office in Providence. Allow approximately four weeks by mail.
- Registrations may be suspended due to tax or child support delinquencies, adjudication, insurance lapses, emission violations, and toll evasions.
IRP
Division of Motor Vehicles, IRP Services, 150 Midway Road Suite 153, Cranston, RI 02920. Phone 401.946.0090; fax 401.946.0033. IRP permits may be purchased online. Questions: RIIRP@mcarrier.com.
Nonresidents
Nonresidents may operate properly registered home-state vehicles with reciprocity. Vehicles operated for compensation or merchandise transportation in Rhode Island regularly or for 30 days or more must be registered in Rhode Island. Nonresident businesses owning and regularly operating vehicles/trailers in Rhode Island must register them in Rhode Island. Boats must be registered in Rhode Island if the principal mooring area is Rhode Island for more than 90 days per year.
ORV / Snowmobile Nonresidents
A special permit is required to operate snowmobiles and ORVs from a state or country where registration is not required in Rhode Island for up to 30 days.
Registration Only
Titling is a prerequisite to registration unless an out-of-state lienholder is in possession of the title.
Planned Non-Operation
An Inspection Exemption – Off-Road Verification Form is used when a vehicle is in storage and will miss required safety/emissions inspection. Registration may be cancelled online or by submitting Affidavit for Cancellation of Registration.
Renewal
Renewal reminders are mailed. Vehicle renewal may be by mail, drop box, online, or at Rhode Island AAA Branch Offices for AAA members. Boats, ORVs, and snowmobiles may be renewed through DEM in person, by mail, or online. Convenience and credit-card service fees may apply.
Expiration, Permits, Military & Plates
Expiration
Vehicles generally renew every two years and are staggered by first letter of owner/company name. Farm vehicles renew every two years in February. Boats expire the last day of February. Commercial/combination plates renew annually in March. Noncommercial trailers expire every two years in April. Antique plates expire every two years in May. Apportioned vehicles expire May 31. Motorcycles, mopeds, autocycles, and scooters expire every two years in June. Public plates renew every two years in July. Campers, wagons, SUVs, vans, and rear-hatch vehicles renew every two years in September. ORVs and snowmobiles expire October 31. Dealer plates expire December 31.
Temporary / Trip Permits
20-Day Temporary Permits are issued by dealers pending registration. 72-Hour Trip Permits are issued through IRP in special circumstances and cost $25.00. Hunter’s Permits are issued through IRP, cost $25.00, and are valid 30 days. Intransit Plates are used to move special mobile equipment solely to and from construction locations. 5-Day Temporary Plates are issued for vehicles with out-of-state titles before Rhode Island titling and cost $10.00.
RIDOT Oversize / Overweight
Oversize/overweight trucking permits may be issued online by Rhode Island Department of Transportation. Single Trip Permit fee is $44.50, Blanket Permit fee is $412.00, and Annual Divisible Load Permit fees vary.
Dealer Temporary Plates
Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut dealers may produce official temporary plate registrations for Rhode Island residents online. Fee is $20.00 plus $3.00 enhanced access fee. Out-of-state dealers may perform Customer Inquiry checks for suspensions or blocks that would cause rejection.
Military / Veteran
Nonresident active-duty military stationed in Rhode Island are exempt from Rhode Island registration. Resident military stationed out of state may submit an Inspection Exemption – Out-of-State Vehicle and must inspect within five days of return. Certain disabled veteran, ex-POW, Purple Heart, Veteran, Gold Star Family, and National Guard plates have fee exemptions or reduced charges.
Plates
Two plates are issued; one plate for motorcycles, trailers, semitrailers, in-transit vehicles, transporters, bailee vehicles, and dealers. Plates remain with owner and may be transferred within 10 days or surrendered to DMV for cancellation. New residents are not required to surrender out-of-state plates.
Fees, Plates & Registration Costs
Rhode Island fees vary by title type, technology surcharge, boat lien/title status, registration class, permit type, dealer plate type, credit-card/service fee, and whether the transaction is processed through DMV, DEM, IRP, RIDOT, or dealer temporary plate systems.
| Common Fee | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Vehicle title | $50.00 plus $3.50 technology surcharge |
| Duplicate vehicle title | $50.00 plus $3.50 technology surcharge |
| Boat title | $25.00 |
| Boat lien filing | $15.00 |
| Boat title transfer | $5.00 when already titled in Rhode Island |
| Duplicate boat title | $5.00; $20.00 if lien exists |
| Salvage inspection | $55.00 plus $3.50 technology surcharge |
| 72-Hour Trip Permit | $25.00 |
| Hunter’s Permit | $25.00; valid 30 days |
| 5-Day Temporary Plate | $10.00 |
| Dealer online temporary plate registration | $20.00 plus $3.00 enhanced access fee |
| RIDOT Single Trip Permit | $44.50 |
| RIDOT Blanket Permit | $412.00 |
| Dealer/manufacturer plates | $30.00 for up to three plates; $10.00 each additional |
| Motorcycle / boat dealer plate | $12.50 per plate |
| Snowmobile / ORV dealer plate | $25.00 |
| Snowmobile / ORV manufacturer plate | $100.00 per year |
| Technology surcharge | $3.50 per transaction where applicable |
Dealer Fee Reminder
Dealer estimates should account for title fee, technology surcharge, registration class fee, plate fee, inspection/emissions status, insurance verification, lien filing, tax, dealer temporary plate fees, and any DEM, IRP, or RIDOT permit fees that apply.
Taxes
Sales and Use Tax
Rhode Island sales/use tax is 7.0% of purchase price. Tax is due on or before the 20th of the month following the month of purchase to avoid penalties and interest. Tax is paid to DMV at registration and/or titling or to the Rhode Island Division of Taxation before registration and/or titling.
Required Tax Forms
Use Tax Return (T-334) must be submitted with title application for private-party sales and out-of-state dealer sales. Rhode Island dealers use Rhode Island Dealer’s Statement of Sale – Motor Vehicle (T-336-1).
Trade-In Credit
Credit is allowed for trade-in of a passenger vehicle, motorcycle, or motor home.
Out-of-State Tax Credit / New Resident
Credit may be allowed for tax legally due and paid to another state. New residents are exempt on vehicles purchased in the previous home state by filing SU-NR-1 or SU-NR-2; however, use tax is due if the vehicle was brought into Rhode Island within 90 days of purchase.
Nonresident Purchasers
Nonresidents purchasing a vehicle for registration in their home state are generally exempt from Rhode Island use tax, except residents of Arizona, California, Florida, Hawaii, Indiana, Massachusetts, and Michigan, who must pay Rhode Island at a rate equal to their state rate, not to exceed 7.0%.
Gift / Exemptions
No sales tax is due on gifted vehicles with Sales or Use Tax Exemption Certificate – Motor Vehicles (T-331-1) and a Vehicle Gift Letter for family transfers. Non-family gifts require Sales and Use Tax Affidavit of Gift of Motor Vehicle (SU 87-65) and notarized non-family gift letter. T-331-1 may also claim exemption for homemade trailers, leased vehicles, and sales to exempt organizations with current Rhode Island Exemption Certificate.
Other Taxes
Reference fee/tax tables identify Rhode Island property, conveyance, and rental surcharge considerations. Farm equipment may be exempt with a valid Certificate of Exemption for Farm Equipment.
Official Forms & Resources
Key Rhode Island DMV, DEM, IRP, RIDOT, Division of Taxation, title, lien, boat, ORV, snowmobile, salvage/reconstructed, abandoned, repossession, registration, permit, tax, inspection, insurance, and dealer resources commonly used for dealer and lender workflows.
General Information
Dealer Workflow
Dealer packets should include TR-1 or TR-2/TR-9, assigned title or MSO, bill of sale, use tax form or dealer statement of sale, lienholder information, odometer disclosure, VIN check where applicable, notarized signatures where required, title/registration fees, and technology surcharge. Dealers must mail to Cranston Headquarters or use the Cranston dealer window/drop-off process.
Boat / Outboard Motor Workflow
DEM handles boat title, boat registration, and outboard motor registration. Boat title application must be notarized, and HIN tracing/photo or DEM inspection may be required. Theft, abandonment, or destruction of boats/outboard motors should be reported according to DEM rules.
ORV / Snowmobile Workflow
ORVs and snowmobiles are not titled but must be registered. DEM handles ORV/snowmobile registration and renewal. DEM must be notified within 15 days of destruction or abandonment of an ORV or snowmobile.
Inspections
Out-of-state vehicles require VIN check or TR-5D. Salvage/reconstructed vehicles require safety/emissions inspection and salvage inspection. Vehicles stored out of operation may use inspection exemption forms where applicable.
Records
Rhode Island vehicle title inquiry, registration status, expiration dates, blocks, and suspensions may be checked online. Titles are cancelled through NMVTIS when surrendered.
Insurance / Registration Blocks
Registrations may be suspended or blocked for tax delinquencies, child-support delinquencies, adjudication, insurance lapses, emission violations, and toll evasions. Dealers may check customer blocks through the dealer temporary registration process.
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Fees, requirements, forms, taxes, and procedures may change. Always verify current information with Rhode Island DMV, Department of Environmental Management, Division of Taxation, Rhode Island Department of Transportation, Rhode Island State Police, IRP Services, or another applicable agency before submitting paperwork or payment.