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.
State ID What do I need to bring with me to get a STATE ID for the first time? One (1) proof of identity document, such as a valid or expired (less than 5 years) driver’s license, a certified copy of a birth certificate filed with a State Office of Vital Statistics or equivalent agency in the individual's State of birth OR an unexpired passport. Proof of name change, such as a government issued marriage license is required if your name differs from your name listed on your identity document. AND Social Security Number (must be listed on application) OR a letter issued by the Social Security Administration stating the applicant is not eligible to receive a Social Security Number AND two (2) proof of Rhode Island residency documents, such as a utility bill (gas, electric, telephone, cable, oil, water, sewer, satellite, heat, cell phone) with the address of residence clearly stated in the applicant’s name. Refer to the third page of the License/ID/Permit Application (Checklist for License/ID Cards/Permits) for a more extensive list of documents accepted to perform this transaction. Forms and Fees You need to complete and sign the License/ID/Permit Application Costs are listed in the DMV State ID Fee Table License/ID/Permit Application (LI-1 Form) PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Need a Social Security Card? PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes SSA Frequently Accessed Online Services PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Things to Know You must be a Rhode Island resident. You can not have a valid license in Rhode Island or any other state. If you are 59 years of age or older, there is no cost. You must list your Social Security Number on the application, or a letter issued by the Social Security Administration stating the applicant is not eligible to receive a Social Security Number. If you do not know your number, please contact the Social Security Administration. Checks are not accepted for State Identification Cards. Identification cards from US territories and other US states do not transfer into the State of RI. They must be done as a “new” state ID. Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN): The Rhode Island DMV does not accept an ITIN as a form of identity. You must have a valid social security number or an acceptable denial letter from Social Security with an acceptable visa code.