When you sell a vehicle and do not replace it, or when a vehicle is junked, you must cancel the registration and plates. This tells the DMV that you no longer own the vehicle and takes the vehicle off the property tax rolls in your city or town.

• You must bring in the registration card and both plates.
• If you do not have one or both plates, you must report the plate(s) lost or stolen to your local police department and present a copy of the police report to the DMV in order to cancel plates.
• You need to fill out and sign a plate cancellation form (TR-3)
• A DMV clerk will sign the form and give you a receipt. You should keep this receipt for property tax purposes.
• If you move out of state, you must mail the plates back to the main DMV and be sure to request a plate cancellation receipt. This is your ONLY proof in the event that your former Rhode Island city or town still has your vehicle on their property tax rolls. The DMV recommends that you use registered mail, return receipt requested.
• Mail plates to:

  Division of Motor Vehicles
  100 Main Street - Plate Dept.
  Pawtucket, RI 02860