Official State of Rhode Island website

State of Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles Department of Revenue

Titles

RHODE ISLAND'S TITLE LAW HAS CHANGED

*Effective January 1, 2024*

  • ALL USED VEHICLES coming into Rhode Island from out of state, regardless of model year, require a VIN Inspection from a local municipal police department. 
  • If an out of state used vehicle 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 used vehicle 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. 
  • ALL USED VEHICLES, regardless of model year will now be issued a Rhode Island Certificate of Title upon payment of Sales Tax and/or Registration. 

Taxes and Titles

When you purchase a vehicle in Rhode Island, you are required to pay sales tax on the vehicle and obtain a title in your own name, even if you do not register the vehicle.

  • You will need to complete both a Sales Tax form and a Application for Registration (TR-1) form.
  • For Out of State vehicles, a VIN check from the police department is required.
  • This transaction may be processed by mail, please send documents and payment to Division of Motor Vehicles, 600 New London Ave., Cranston, RI 02920.
  • Costs are listed in the DMV Title Fee Table.

Previously Non-Titled Vehicles

Prior to January 1, 2024 Rhode Island did not title vehicles model year 2000 and older. 

Effective January 1, 2024 ALL vehicles are now eligible for a title including model years 2000 and older previously registered under the old law.

To obtain a title for a previously untitled vehicle registered in your name, present a valid registration, expired registration, or stamped paid sales tax form and a completed TR2/TR9 and a payment of $52.50 to the Research Office at the Cranston DMV.

Duplicate

Duplicate titles are processed at the DMV Headquarters in Cranston only.

  • You must complete the Application for Title (TR-2/TR-9) form.
  • Costs are listed in the DMV Title Fee Table.
  • The Research Office at the DMV headquarters in Cranston can assist you in documenting the vehicle's information.
  • Duplicate titles can only be issued to active RI titled vehicles.

Notes on liens and lienholders:

  • Rhode Island does not require a person to apply for a new title once the lien has been satisfied. RI only requires the lien to be released by your lien holder signing off on the title and/or providing you with a letter of lien release to attach to the title.
  • You can only apply for a duplicate title if you are the owner listed on the original title. If you still have a lien on the vehicle, the lienholder can apply.
  • If your original title was issued with a lienholder listed on the title, you will need to supply an original lien release with an application in order to receive a lien-free title in your name.

Salvage

The following documents and fee must be submitted when the Owner of the vehicle is applying for a Rhode Island Salvage Title:

  • Salvage application completed by the Owner listed on the face of the existing Rhode Island title.
  • Existing Rhode Island title in the Owner's name.
  • A letter from the insurance company stating the vehicle is a total loss and the owner is retaining the vehicle AND indicating Class A (parts only) or Class B (repairable) classification.
  • Written estimate/appraisal of the damage from the insurance company.
  • $52.50 fee (check or money order).

All required documents and the fee can be mailed to the Cranston DMV, 600 New London Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920 or dropped off at the Cranston DMV Drop Box. The drop box is accessible only during normal business hours - Monday thru Friday, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm. If a Research Office reservation is needed, please follow the DMV's instructions on making a reservation.

All repairs to a "salvage" vehicle must be performed by a Rhode Island licensed salvage rebuilder. For additional information or a list of salvage re-builders, you can visit the Department of Business Regulations website.

Once the vehicle is restored, a salvage inspection is required.

 

Affidavit in Lieu of Certificate of Title for Salvage Vehicles

The Affidavit in Lieu of Certificate of Title for Salvage Vehicle form is only to be used by Insurers or by Rhode Island Dealers, the primary business of which is the sale of salvage motor vehicles on behalf of insurance companies, applying for a Salvage Title to certify that a valid Certificate of Title for the vehicle acquired by the applicant is not available due to circumstances as detailed in RIGL 31-46-1. Do not use this form if you have the vehicle’s Certificate of Title. Mail this completed form, along with a completed Application for Title (TR-2 / TR-9) and any supporting documents, to the address at the top of the form. Attach originals of 2 written attempts sent by certified mail to contact the vehicle’s former owner and any known lienholder (originals required). Fee: $52.50. The Registrar may refuse to accept an incomplete filing.

Custom Builds

A custom built car or motorcycle can be registered or just titled and re-sold. You must present the DMV with documentation for all parts used to build the vehicle. The Enforcement Office of the Division of Motor Vehicles will verify all your documents.

  • Additional information about Kit Vehicles and Custom Builds
  • If you have questions, you can call the Enforcement Office of the Division of Motor Vehicles at (401) 462-5736 or visit the Enforcement Office located at the DMV headquarters in Cranston.