Official State of Rhode Island website

State of Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles Department of Revenue

Surviving Spouse

Forms and Fees

  • You need to complete and sign the Application for Registration.
  • You need to complete and sign the Sales or Use Tax Exemption Certificate form.
  • Refer to the Checklist for Registration below for a list of documents needed to perform this transaction.
  • No costs are associated with this transaction.

No Cost Policy: Applies only to spouses not to any other family member of the deceased. Please refer to the Transfer at Death section for all other death related transfers.

Things to Know

  • If model year of the vehicle is 2001 or newer, a title in the name of the deceased person is always required.
  • Rhode Island vehicles model year 2000 and older first registered to the deceased person prior to 1/1/2024 require a valid proof of ownership (e.g. old registration, or paid sales tax form) in the name of the deceased person
  • Since Rhode Island is titling all vehicles beginning 1/1/2024, Rhode Island vehicles model year 2000 and older first registered to the deceased person on or after 1/1/2024 require a title in the deceased person's name.
  • If the vehicle has a loan/lien, the original title is required to update owner. A permission letter from the bank to remove or add the new owner is also required.
  • The current registration in the name of the deceased person is required.
  • An original death certificate is required. The DMV will make a photocopy and return the original to you.
  • Sign the vehicle over to yourself by printing and signing your name in both the buyer and seller areas on the back of the title. Be sure to include the vehicle's current mileage reading.
  • There is no tax owed as long as the vehicle was registered in the deceased spouse's name (not to a business).