RHODE ISLAND’S TITLE LAW HAS CHANGED ***Effective March 1, 2024*** The Rhode Island DMV will no longer be accepting photocopies, images, or electronic copies of titles. All new registration and/or new title transactions will now REQUIRE THE ORIGINAL TITLE to be submitted to the RI DMV at the time the transaction takes place. Your lienholder or leasing company can send the original title to the RI DMV, ATTN: Research Office, 600 New London Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920 or to you directly. We highly recommend that the title and other documents are sent with tracking information to enable customers and lienholders to know when the title was received. As long as your contact information (name, address, phone and e-mail) is included with the title, the RI DMV will contact you once your original title has been received so you can complete your transaction. Be advised that this process can take several weeks for the original title to be sent to the RI DMV. Please also be advised that the RI DMV cannot request a title from a lienholder or lease company. A VIN check is required for all transactions involving an Out-of-State title/vehicle. Reservations are required for all visits. PLEASE PLAN ACCORDINGLY. For more information on RI’s new title laws, and new requirements for registration and title transactions, CLICK HERE and scroll down.
Buying Advice Important instructions to follow when buying a used car from a licensed Rhode Island dealer: Independent mechanic: Bring vehicle to an independent mechanic and include any issues on the bill of sale. Title: Look at title for taxi-cabs, police cars, leasing cars, rental cars, salvage, out of state title- tr5 form. Inspection sticker: Dealer must inspect vehicle at a point no more than 90 days before the date of sale or 500 miles, whichever occurs first. Bill of sale: Should have dealership address and license number on it. The address should be the location where the vehicle is located, and all paperwork filled out, with the agreed price on the bill of sale. Warranty: Make sure warranty is spelled out on bill of sale. Tax Form: Tax form with dealer name typed on it. Receipts: Request and keep all repair order receipts either under warranty or not. Payment: Pay by check or money order. (If pay by cash you must get a receipt for exact amount you gave). Repairs: Get all repairs agreed to, by both you and the dealer in writing.