Military FAQs

 

  • No, if you are an active-duty member of the Armed Forces stationed in RI, you, your spouse, and dependent children may drive with a valid driver’s license issued by your home state or country. It is not necessary for you to obtain a RI credential.

 

  • You can renew online through the License Renewal section of our website.
    • If you plan on Changing Your Mailing Address, you must change it at least 24 hours prior to renewing your license for it to take effect in the system.
  • You can renew through the mail with proper applications, payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. See the License Renewal section of our website for more info.
  • You can apply for a Special Operator’s License if you’re a legal resident of RI and the holder of a valid RI driver’s license. The special license will be valid during your term of service and must be carried with your original RI driver’s license and evidence that you are a member of the Armed Forces on active duty. After your period of service ends you must renew your RI driver’s license within thirty (30) days.
  • No, if you are an active-duty member of the Armed Forces Stationed in RI, you, your spouse, and dependent children may drive with a valid registration issued by your home state or country. It is not necessary for you to obtain a RI registration.
  • Yes, if you plan to make RI your permanent home. Please refer to the Registration / Out of State Transfers section of our website for more info.
  • Yes, one person can do multiple transactions with one appointment. We recommend doing all license, registration(s), and placard (if applicable) transactions at the same time. This will avoid having to bring in your documents multiple times and making multiple appointments. NOTE: Each individual will need their own appointment.

 

  • Yes, the RI DMV has multiple service-related plates and commemorative stickers for each branch of service. Please refer to the Support Our Troops page or refer to the Veteran Plates section of our website for more info and requirements.

 

  • Everyone is required to pay the Sales and Use Tax when purchasing a vehicle in RI. If you have any questions regarding the sales and use tax, please contact the RI Division of Taxation at (401) 574-8955.

 

  • If you are registering your vehicle in another state, you must cancel your RI plates. This can be done online through the Cancel Plates section of our website or by mailing in an Affidavit for Cancellation of Registration.
  • If your home of record remains RI, you may keep your RI license and RI plates and may change the mailing address on your record.
  • Contact the State DMV/RMV in which you will be moving to for their requirements to transfer your license and registration from out of state.

 

  • Operation Stand Down Rhode Island offers a wide range of life-changing services including supportive permanent and transitional housing, intensive case management, basic human needs assistance (for example, food and clothing) and an employment training and placement program. “Stand Down Weekend” is an event that can help with existing suspensions or other DMV related issues such as state IDs. Reach out to them by calling (401) 383-4730 or visit their website (www.osdri.org).

 

  • Veterans Inc. is the largest provider of support services to Veterans and their families in New England. Veterans Inc.’s clinical case management approach addresses the “total Veteran”, incorporating job training and employment services, health and wellness, and supportive services ranging from transportation to legal advice. Veterans in need can connect to Veterans Inc. by calling (800) 482-2565 or visiting their website (www.Veteransinc.org).