Before Starting The Engine | RI Division of Motor Vehicles

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.

Before Starting The Engine

Most motorists can drive safely for years by using care, courtesy, and caution. Most motor vehicle collisions are caused by errors of the driver and occur within a few miles of people’s homes. Before entering your vehicle, check in front and behind the vehicle for objects, animals, or persons in your path. Safe driving starts before you turn on the engine. Please take the following steps every time you get in your vehicle:

Lock the doors

Key in ignition/key fob in vehicle

Adjust the seat

Adjust the inside and outside mirrors

Adjust ventilation

Fasten and adjust your seat belts

Ask passengers to fasten their seat belts

Adjust your feet to the pedals

Adjust the steering wheel

Adjust the head restraint

Adjust your audio system, radio, podcast app., etc.