How to Register a Vehicle

Visit your nearest Rhode Island DMV facility along with the standard following arranged materials:

• Title to the vehicle with buyer information accompanied by the seller’s signature (this applies to any vehicle built in 2001 or newer due to RI Gen L § 31-3.1-38).
• A Rhode Island Application for Registration and Certificate of Title (Form TR-1) filled out and signed in the presence of an official notary public.
• A completed and endorsed Rhode Island Use Tax (form T-334-2).
• A bill of sale finalized with accurate information on vehicle, buyer, seller, purchase, and signatures.
• Provided evidence of current automobile insurance in the state of Rhode Island.
• A valid Rhode Island-issued driver’s license or identification card.
• A form of payment for registration fees and taxes.

For vehicles built in the year 2000 or earlier:

• You must supply evidence of the previous owner, either appearing at the DMV with the owner(s) or furnishing a notarized signature of the previous owners on the Application for Registration and Title.
• You are required to produce a credible VIN check report on the vehicle. This can be obtained at your nearest police department location.