Camping Recreational Vehicle / Trailer

"Camping Recreational Vehicle/Trailer" means a vehicular type camping unit, certified by the manufacturer as complying with ANSI A119.2 Standards, designed primarily as temporary living quarters for recreation that has either its own motor power or is mounted on, or towed by, another vehicle. The basic units are tent trailers, fifth-wheel trailers, motorized campers, travel trailers, and pick-up campers (as defined in RIGL 31-1-3).

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) check from a local municipal police department is required for all Camping Recreational Vehicles/Trailers previously registered or titled in another state.

If an out of state camping recreational vehicle/trailer is being registered in Rhode Island, and the state from which the vehicle is coming is a state that required a title for that vehicle, that title MUST be in the name of the seller, properly assigned to the buyer, and be presented, along with VIN Inspection at the time of sales tax payment or registration at the RI DMV.

If an out of state camping recreational vehicle/trailer is being registered in Rhode Island, and the state from which the vehicle is coming is a state that did not require a title for that vehicle, a valid proof of ownership (e.g. old registration, or paid sales tax form) in the name of the seller must be presented, along with a VIN Inspection at the time of sales tax payment or registration at the RI DMV.

NOTE: If the Camping Recreational Vehicle/Trailer is coming from a private seller make sure the title is in the seller’s name and signed.

All Camping Recreational Vehicles/Trailers require Camper plates (as defined in RIGL 31-3-42). Camper registrations renew every 2 years in September.

All Camping Recreational Vehicles/Trailers require a safety inspection, except for trailers with a GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight) of 1,000 lbs. or less. The vehicle or trailer registration must be valid at the time of inspection. See below for a list of RI Inspection Stations.

Registering a Camping Recreational Vehicle/Trailer

  • Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO) or original Title or Proof of Previous Owner (such as a registration certificate or paid sales tax form) from a non-titled state.
    • Title is required unless the vehicle is older than model year 2001 AND the jurisdiction from which the vehicle is coming is one that does not require a title for that vehicle
  • Vehicle Identification Number Check (VIN) for all Camping Recreational Vehicles/Trailers previously registered or titled in another state
  • Bill of Sale (Sample)
  • Dealer Sales Tax form (From RI dealer if applicable)
  • Sales Tax Form (T-334) (out-of-state dealers or private sales only)
  • Gross Vehicle Weight and length
  • RI Insurance Information for the Camping Recreational Vehicle or vehicle pulling the Trailer
  • Application for Registration (TR-1)
  • Costs are listed in the DMV Registration Fee Table