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.
Leased Vehicles Things to Know The Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles will not request a title from a leasing company. New Registration of a Leased Vehicle: Original Lease Agreement A certificate of origin or original title assigned to the leasing company. A TR-5 form (VIN verification) from a local police department if the title is from another state. Certificates of origin do not require TR-5 forms. A Power of Attorney from the leasing company for the person signing the Application for Registration. A completed Application for Registration. The owner listed on the application form is the leasing company. The lessee information is placed in Section B. Gross Weight (found on certificate of origin or on the VIN plate located on the driver's side door of the vehicle). Valid RI Insurance in the lessee's name. Sales or Use Tax Exemption Certificate (Form T-333). Purchaser listed on the form is the Leasing Company. Valid bill of sale. Out of State Transfer of a Leased Vehicle: Within 30 days of moving to Rhode Island you must obtain a new title and registration for your vehicle. Original title is required and must be obtained from the leasing company. The RI DMV will not request the title from a leasing company or financial institution. A TR-5 form (VIN verification) from a local police department. A Power of Attorney from the leasing company for the person signing the Application for Registration. Letter of permission from the leasing company for the out of state transfer. A completed Application for Registration. The owner listed on the application form is the leasing company. The lessee information is placed in Section B. Gross Weight (found on the VIN plate located on the driver's side door jamb of the vehicle). Valid RI Insurance in the lessee's name. Lessee's RI license or Out of State license and proof of RI residency. Sales/Use Tax Exemption Certificate (Form T-333). Purchaser listed on the form is the Leasing Company. Application for Registration TR-1 PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Lease Buyout: Application for Registration TR-1 Valid RI insurance information Original Title (no copies) Seller and buyer must sign the back of the title Bill of Sale from Leasing Company Original Lease agreement Gross Vehicle Weight (GVWR found on VIN plate on driver's side door jamb) RI license or identification card. If a valid Out of State license is presented, proof of residency is required. If two owners on title, both parties must be present during registration, if not, signature of the absent party must be notarized on Application for Registration. VIN Check: If the title is from another state or the vehicle was registered in another state, a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) check is required before you register the car. Sales Tax Form (T-334) PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Leasing Companies: A leasing license or an approved waiver letter (if the leasing company has five (5) vehicles or less registered in the State of Rhode Island) must be on file with the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles, Dealers License and Hearing Board, listing the exact name and address of the leasing company. For additional information please contact Division of Motor Vehicles, Dealers License and Hearing Board at 600 New London Avenue Cranston, RI 02920 (401) 462-5731. A GU-1338 insurance form must be on file with the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles, Financial Responsibility Section, listing the exact name and address of the leasing company. For additional information please contact Division of Motor Vehicles, Financial Responsibility Section at 600 New London Avenue Cranston, RI 02920 (401) 462-9246. Leasing company must have a valid RI leasing license and RI Division of Taxation tax permit number on file. Please Note: Leased vehicles can now be renewed online. However, leased vehicle owners will not be able to update or change the address on the registration.