Rhode IslandCAR REGISTRATION

Easy Guide

5th Edition

Licensed by: Car-Registration.org

Bonus Features

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Table of contents

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Vehicle Registration

Getting a vehicle is always an exciting adventure. It doesn’t matter if it is your first car or if you have already purchased many vehicles in the past, making the decision to obtain a car is a big step and it must be taken carefully to avoid any inconveniences.

Whenever you purchase a car, whether it is new or used, it must be registered to be legally driven in your state of residence. Also, when you change your residential address to another state, you will have to follow the procedure to transfer your registration.

The entire process looks very complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. Our Easy Guide will provide you step-by-step information on how you can register your vehicle. Learn how you can also transfer your out-of-state registration and renew proper credentials at the appropriate time. Additionally, we will make sure you have all the necessary documents and forms on your person, so you do not experience any delay to your car registration process. Sit back and relax while we guide you towards getting your vehicle registration in no time.

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Registration Insurance Requirements

When you go to register your vehicle, you will be required to obtain insurance before you are allowed to continue with the process at the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles. This is a necessary requirement in order to help reduce the number of uninsured drivers on the road which can often result in high costs if you are involved in any vehicle accident.

If you are looking forward to applying for your vehicle registration, it will be required that you obtain liability insurance for your automobile before you can register and legally drive it without penalties. Liability insurance is designed to help you pay for any and all damages or injuries you caused to someone due to a car accident. The coverage plan must be acquired in Rhode Island from a licensed insurance company. Out-of-state insurance plans are not accepted.

You must comply with the following liability coverage minimums:

• For property damage per accident: $25,000

• For body injuries of one person per accident: $25, 000

• For body injuries of one or more persons: $50,000

TipIt is important to always carry proof of insurance when driving, in case an officer or any other authority requests it. The documents must be legible and show that the car is properly covered; otherwise, your vehicle registration may get suspended if you cannot prove your car is insured.

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Registering Your Vehicle In Rhode Island

One of the most important parts of the vehicle registration process in Rhode Island is taking a look at the requirements you will need to meet, as well as the steps you must follow depending on the type of car you own. Whether you are submitting a request for a new, used, out-of-state, military, or special type of vehicle, you should review the specific instructions to correctly register your car so you can make sure the process is as easy and quick as possible. In order to this, you can simply read the outlined steps below to better understand what exactly you must do in order to legally drive your vehicle in Rhode Island and begin driving as soon as possible!

REGISTER A NEW VEHICLE

Usually, if you purchased a brand new car at a dealership, you do not have to worry about registering it since they take care of all the process; nevertheless, in case your dealership didn’t or if you bought it using a different method, you will have to register it yourself.

You will need to go to the RI DMV office in your area and present the following documents:

• Completed Application for Registration

• Valid RI Insurance

• The Manufacturer Statement of Origin or you can even present the title of the car

• If the car has more than one proprietor, every owner must sign the form and must be present at the time of the registration

• If the vehicle is leased, show the power of attorney

• Tax form in case you are registering an out-of-state vehicle

• Gross Vehicle Weight

• Driver’s license or ID card

• Bill of Sale

• Vehicle Identification Number (if applicable)

• Take the dealer sales tax form and be aware the tax must be paid when you go and register your vehicle

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REGISTER A USED VEHICLEThe process to register a vehicle when bought from a private party is slightly different. You would have to take some other documentation to be able to continue with this request.

Take the following documents you will be required to present:

• Completed Application for Registration

• Valid RI Insurance

• The title of the car for 2001 models and newer ones

• If the car has more than one proprietor, every owner must sign the form and must be present at the time of the registration

• If your vehicle was a gift from a non-immediate family member, present a notarized gift letter.

• For vehicles with no title, take the proof of previous car holder

• Gross Vehicle Weight

• Driver’s license or ID card

• Bill of Sale

• Vehicle Identification Number (if applicable)

• Take the sales tax form

REGISTER AN OUT-OF-STATE VEHICLE

Important dates or timeframesWhen you Move to Rhode Island or you acquired a vehicle out of state, you have 30 days to register it.

Once you obtain your RI driver’s license and car insurance, you are ready to register your automobile. You will be required to follow the same outlined steps as when registering your vehicle for the first time or from a private party. Also, you will need to have your car inspected within five days of submitting the registration and present the Out-of-State Transfer form.

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REGISTRATION FOR MILITARY MEMBERSThere are three different situations for military members in or from Rhode Island.

• Non-residents stationed in Rhode Island are not asked to register their vehicles, but they must have a valid insurance and registration with the Division of Motor Vehicles at their hometown.

• Residents will have to follow the same procedure as a regular resident.

• Finally, residents who are stationed out of Rhode Island would have to register their vehicle by calling the RI DMV 401-462-4368 to get instructions on how to proceed and send the request by mail.

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Renewing Your Vehicle Registration

Is it time to renew your vehicle registration? Much like with many things in life, such as your driver license and even food products, your vehicle registration will be at risk of expiring. This can be solved by simply making sure to renew your vehicle’s registration before the expiration date is allowed to pass by unattended. Therefore, allowing your vehicle registration to expire is not a well advised thing to do, as it will mean you are no longer able to legally drive with your vehicle. Having this happen limits your ability to travel as you please or even for emergency purposes.

The following four options are available to renew your vehicle registration:

ONLINEThis is the easiest method you can select to renew your vehicle registration. Simply, access the online registration tool, read the instructions and submit your request.

IN PERSON If you cannot renew online or you do not wish to submit your information using an online application, you can go to the closest DMV location. When you arrive, you will be able to see a drop box you can use to deposit your filled out Renewal Registration Form or notice.

BY MAILOnce you receive your renewal notice, complete it and mail it to:

Registration Renewal

600 New London Avenue

Cranston, RI 02920

In the case that you did not get the renewal notice, you can print the application form to mail it along with the fees which are based on the vehicle’s weight plus $1.50.

AAA MEMBERSIf you are an active member of the AAA, you can go to the AAA agency, show the Renewal Registration Form and renew your vehicle registration. Check the fees for more information.

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Replacing Your Vehicle Registration

Has something happened to your vehicle registration? Well, it doesn’t matter if your vehicle registration was recently lost, stolen, or even damaged, the Rhode Island DMV will help you in obtaining a new one as soon as possible regardless of the situation. You may request a replacement by mail, or in person at the RI DMV office using the drop boxes located in each agency.

There are three methods for you to replace your vehicle registration:

IN PERSON

In case your vehicle registration was lost or stolen, you can go to the nearest DMV office, fill out the Application for Registration and pay the fees.

AAA MEMBERSIf you are an active member of the AAA, you can go to the AAA agency, fill out the Application for Registration and replace your vehicle registration. Check the fee schedule for more information.

BY MAILComplete the Application for Registration and enclose the fee with a money order or check. Mail the documents to:

Division of Motor Vehicles Attn: Registration Duplicate

600 New London Avenue, Cranston RI 02920

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Updating Your Vehicle Registration

Have you gone through big changes in your life that led you to change your name or move neighborhoods? Either way, it is essential to keep this information updated in all your DMV documents, which include your registration card. In case you have never updated your registration card information and you are looking for guidance on how to do it, you have come to the right place. The only thing you will have to do is inform the RI DMV of these changes and ask them to update your information. To better understand the process, you must follow the steps that best fit your situation below.

CHANGING YOUR NAMEChanging your name is not only the result of a big change in your life, but it will also greatly affect your documents and general information in regards to your identity. If you have officially changed your name, you will surely be required to update it on all of your identification documents and cards, including your car registration. Doing this is very simple, but you need to contact the Social Security Administration first so the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles can verify the modification.

Contact your SSA agency and take with you proof of your identity, name change, and U.S citizenship. Check a complete list of accepted documents here. Make sure you are carrying only original documents since the SSA will not receive any copies of your documentation. Download and fill out an Application for a Social Security Card and take it with you when you go request your name change.

The application should be submitted by mail or personally at the SSA office. Allow 10 days for your card to arrive.

When you get your new SS card, you can contact the RI DMV agency, and take with you:

TipRemember that before updating your car registration information, you must always update your driver license or ID information.

Documents• One proof of identity (driver’s license, passport, ID card)• Proof of your name change (marriage certificate, court order,

divorce decree) • RI driver’s license or ID card. • Certificate of title.

• Pay a $6.50 fee.

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CHANGING YOUR ADDRESSIn the case that you may have recently moved to a new address, it is essential that you update it on your car registration as well. All you must do is stick to the process and once you have completed every step properly, your car registration will be updated. You must pay a fee of $6.50. There are three methods you can use to update your address:

OnlineIf you would like to use this method, access this link and submit your application.

In PersonYou can visit the DMV office in your area; take a completed Application for Registration and Title Certificate and pay the fees. Take into account that you will be asked to present your driver’s license/ID card, registration certification/card and proof of insurance.

By Mail Complete the Application for Registration and Title Certificate and enclose the fee. Once you have all the documents ready, mail them to:

Division of Motor Vehicles

Attn: Update Registration

600 New London Ave.

Cranston, RI 02920

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License Plates

When you register your vehicle, the RI DMV assigns a license plate number to you. Whenever you renew your registration, your license plates are also renewed. The DMV will give you a decal that you must attach to the license plate. The decal has the expiration date of your registration and must be up to date at all times.

Besides the regular RI license plates, there are also specialty plates which are made around a specific theme or cause, such as professional associations, sports, universities and environmental themes. They may be purchased at an additional cost which helps fund the particular cause. Obtain your regular and specialty license plates at any of the Rhode Island DMV offices across the state.

REPLACING YOUR LICENSE PLATESYour license plate is what identifies your vehicle to the authorities and is used to keep track of your driving behavior. This is why it must always be in good conditions and completely legible. If your license plate gets lost, stolen or defaced, you may request a new one at a RI DMV office. In case your plates were stolen, you need to report it to the local authorities for them to guide you in filling out a form and filing the incident.

In order to get new license plates, you will need to surrender both of the vehicle’s plates. If one or both of the plates were lost or stolen, you will need to go to the local authorities and take that report with you to the DMV office. You can also print the Affidavit for Cancellation of Registration for Lost Plates.

For damaged license plates, you can mail your Application for Registration plus the Application for Remake of License Plates to the:

Division of Motor Vehicles Attn: Plates

600 New London Avenue

Cranston, RI 02920

To replace your plate stickers, take your vehicle registration and go directly to the DMV office in your area or if you are an AAA member, visit their branch. You will not be required to pay any fee regardless of which method you choose.

GETTING CUSTOM PLATESVanity plates are used for different vehicles types like commercial, motorcycle, livery, private passenger, antiques and camper vehicles. These original plate designs must

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be previously approved; therefore, you can check if the type you want to have on your vehicle is obtainable. These plates are available for Class A motor vehicles and not all of them are available which is why you can verify on the same website and see if you can apply for the one you desire.

A variety of special license plates are offered in Rhode Island. Click here to create your own design, check for availability and apply to get the ones you want. A vehicle must already be titled and registered with a regular license plate before applying for any of the special license plates. Take into account that if your request is approved, you need to submit your current license plates to the DMV within 10 days after receiving the new license plates. The fees will vary depending on the type of plates you own.

You can also mail a complete Vanity License Plate Application along with the fee.

SURRENDERING RHODE ISLAND LICENSE PLATESIf you are going to live out of Rhode Island, you are required to surrender your license plates. It is recommended to go the RI DMV so you can return your license plates. Also, the AAA branch receives the plates as long as you are an active member.

You need to return any out-of-state plates to the original state.

Finally, you can mail your plates, so they can be cancelled to the:

Division of Motor Vehicles Attn: Plates

600 New London Avenue

Cranston, RI 02920

Whenever you finish cancelling or surrendering your plates, keep the receipt as proof that you already returned them.

For any refunds, you may use the Refund Application.

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Vehicle Safety Tips

The most important thing before you begin driving any vehicle is that both you and the vehicle are well prepared for any trip you make. This means checking and making any changes to your vehicle or your behavior to make sure that you are able to drive safely at all times.

EMERGENCY KITOne of the essentials to safe driving is having a basic emergency kit available in your vehicle at all times. This kit should include basic items such as water, extra batteries, rope, First Aid kit, matches, a whistle, etc. During winter months it is also important to carry items such as blankets, non-perishable foods, extra gloves and socks, and a shovel.

WINTER DRIVINGOne of the most dangerous times to drive is during the winter, especially if you live in an area that snows. Therefore, it is best to consider these tips to drive safely during the winter.

• Don’t Rush! Roads are often covered in snow and ice after it snows, so instead

of driving fast and risking an accident in your rush to get to your destination try leaving a few minutes earlier than usual. This will allow you to drive slower and help to avoid rushing other drivers by not tailgating them if they are going slower.

• Don’t Panic If You Skid or Slip In the case that your vehicle does ski or slip while driving make sure

you do not panic and slam down on your brakes. Instead all you need to do is apply slow and even pressure on your brakes until you stop. This will prevent you from spinning further out of control.

• Check Your Vehicle Before you even leave your house make sure your vehicle’s controls,

brakes, tank, tires, antifreeze, exhaust, etc. are all working properly. It is also important that you remove all ice and snow from your car before you begin driving; this prevents the snow from blocking your view while you drive.

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DRINKING AND DRIVINGEvery year thousands are killed as a result of drinking and driving. This is something that is very easily prevented; it only requires that you plan ahead of time by taking these steps.

Even before you begin drinking you should arrange for someone else to be the designated driver. In the case that they also become intoxicated, it is important that you arrange to take a taxi. Never allow someone drunk to drive, instead take away their keys and call for alternative transportation.

If you see someone who you suspect is drunk, and they exhibit signs of intoxication while driving such as making wide turns, weaving, swerving, braking erratically, turning abruptly, etc. call 911 and contact authorities immediately. Also make sure to avoid them on the road to ensure your own safety.

USING YOUR PHONEDriving while using your cellphone is one of the most dangerous things you can do because during those few seconds your attention is diverted to your phone, a major accident could occur. So, make sure you don’t text, use of the Internet on your phone, or receive calls while you drive to prevent accidents as best as possible.

THINGS TO AVOIDDriving isn’t always a relaxing experience. There are certain actions that can be both an annoyance and dangerous to you while on the road driving. These things are often avoidable if you make sure to take the necessary steps towards preventing them, as well as stopping them after you discover them to be occurring.

Car Accidents The best way to avoid car accidents is to ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive and will not cause you any problems. To do this you only need to regularly check that your brakes are functioning properly, your tires are inflated and not worn out, and that the steering and suspensions are checked by a mechanic and will not fail while you drive, especially at high speeds.

Wasting Gas As the price of gas goes up you may begin to start looking for ways to save on those expensive trips to the pump. Well, saving on gas is something that is possible if you take a few steps towards ensuring that you waste less gas.

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Some of the ways you can start saving gas are: not using air conditioning, not leaving your engine running, or speeding above 60 mph. These things are preventable and not necessary for you to drive, therefore you can quickly reduce the amount of gas you waste.

Another way to save on gas is to make sure that your vehicle is functioning properly, you can do this by checking that your tires are properly inflated, your engine is well tuned, and check that your octane level is the correct amount to your vehicle’s needs.

Aggressive DrivingAggressive driving and drivers are both things that should be avoided to prevent any on-road aggression or accidents. Aggressive driving is categorized as exhibiting behaviors such as aggressive tailgating, verbal or physically harassing another driver, preventing another driver from merging or passing.

However, if you are an aggressive driver, you are putting others at risk every time you do any of the above behaviors. If you encounter a frustrating situation on the road, instead of becoming aggressive, take a moment to breathe and relax before moving on.

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DMV Hours and Locations

There are several options available for you in case you need to visit or contact the Division of Motor Vehicles Department of Revenue. Find all the DMV and American Automobile Association (AAA) offices here. If you click on the plus sign on your selected location, you will find the address, phone number, office hours and the holidays they close on.

Have you ever visited the DMV and realized that you forgot a document? Save the trip, time and money by using the online services. Some transactions such as renewing your license, changing your address and getting your driving record can be processed online without the need of calling or visiting the DMV. Check it out here.

If you need to contact the DMV for any other purposes, you can visit their main office or mail them. Find the addresses below:

DMV Headquarters

Division of Motor Vehicles

600 New London Avenue

Cranston, RI 02920-3024

You may also contact them by calling to: 401-462-4368

Or use the phone numbers listed in here which are organized by department.

You can also submit your complaints, questions or concerns here.

DON’T WASTE TIME AND MONEY DRIVING TO THE LICENSING OFFICE.