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.
License Plates Obtaining Plates: Please refer to the New Registration Section of our website. New Registrations can be completed at any DMV Branch Location, by mail, or by DMV Drop Box. Cancellation of Plates: Plates may be cancelled at any DMV branch location through their Drop Box, at a AAA Branch office (members only) or online through our Online Plate Cancellation page. Additional information is located in the Cancel Plates Section of our website. Preferred Plates: Preferred plates are requested through the Office of Governor, State House Room 144, 82 Smith Street, Providence, RI 02903. Phone: (401) 222-2080. Fax: (401) 222-8096. Email: preferredplates@governor.ri.gov Preferred Plates are defined as: Passenger plates with 1 letter with 1-3 digits; 2 letters with 1-2 digits; and 1-4 digits (1-9999); Commercial, Combination, Motorcycle plates with 1-4 digits (1-9999) and Antique plates (1-2000); Suburban and Veteran plates with 1-3 digits (1-999), and National Guard and Public plates with 1-2 digits (1-99). Application for Preferred License Plates