by Armando Martinez
Step 1: Obtain a Bill of Sale
You will need to obtain a bill of sale from the seller. This document should include information like the car's make and model, year, VIN (vehicle identification number), as well as the purchase price and names and addresses of both the buyer and seller. It is important to keep a copy of this document for your records.
Step 2: Obtain the Car Title
- Make sure the title is signed over to you and that all of the fields are properly filled out.
- If there are any liens on the vehicle, make sure they're paid off before completing your sale.
- If your vehicle was titled outside of Rhode Island you’ll need to have the vehicle inspected before it can be registered. For information about Rhode Island’s requirements, inspection locations, etc. please visit their website at https://dmv.ri.gov/registrations-plates-titles/inspections-emissions/vehicle-inspection-requirements
Step 3: Obtain Insurance
As of July 1, 2019, Rhode Island requires all drivers to have liability insurance. This includes coverage for bodily injury and property damage. If you're an out-of-state driver who has recently moved to Rhode Island or purchased a new vehicle in the state, make sure to shop around for the best insurance rates and ensure that you have the minimum required coverage before registering your vehicle.
Step 4: Complete the Registration Application
- Complete the registration application. The application will ask for information such as the car's make, model, year and VIN (vehicle identification number). It'll also ask for your personal information and insurance details.
- Take it to a DMV office in person with all of your documents. You can find a list of locations here: https://dmv.ri.gov/locations
Step 5: Pay the Fees
The registration fee is based on the vehicle's weight and can range from $18 to $180. You may also need to pay additional fees for title transfer, license plates, and other services. You are now ready to register your vehicle in Rhode Island!
Step 6: Submit Your Documents and Fees
The next step is to submit your documents and fees. You can do this in person at your local Division of Motor Vehicles office or by mail. You may also purchase a 5 day temporary tag, at your local DMV branch, that’ll allow you to operate your vehicle legally until your license plate and registration arrive. If you choose to mail in your application, make sure to include all required documents and fees.
Step 7: Receive Your License Plate and Registration
Once you've completed all of the steps above, you'll receive your license plate and registration in the mail within two weeks. Keep these documents in a safe place as you'll need them to prove that your car is registered and legally allowed to be driven on Rhode Island roads.
Step 8: Stay Legal and Safe on the Road
You've made it through the process, and your vehicle is now registered. But don't forget to stay legal and safe on the road!
Driving without proper registration and insurance can result in fines and other penalties. So be sure to stay legal, or you could end up paying much more than what you saved by registering your car yourself. If you have any more questions regarding this process check out the Rhode Island DMV page for more information at https://dmv.ri.gov/registrations-plates-titles/registration/new-registration.
This article was written by Armando Martinez. Armando Martinez is among the nation’s experts on automotive titling, registration, DMV services and document operations. With nearly two decades of experience across a broad range of financial services functions and some of the largest names in auto, from Wells Fargo to Uber, Armando combines vision and ingenuity with a wealth of information so auto shoppers and sellers can learn from his experience.
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