New Registration

Forms and Fees

• You need to complete and sign the Application for Registration.
• Refer to the third page of the Application for Registration for a list of documents needed to perform this transaction.
• Costs are listed in the DMV Fee Table
• Minors under the age of 18 who want to process a registration in their name are required to have a GU-1338 certificate of insurance on record at the Cranston DMV. The GU-1338 certificate of insurance must be in the name of the minor, contact your Insurance Company to obtain this minor filing insurance.

Dealer Sale

• Application for Registration
• Insurance Information (valid RI insurance)
• Dealer Sales Tax form
• Bill of Sale
• Gross Vehicle Weight (GVWR – found on VIN plate on driver’s side door)
• RI license or identification card
• RI Use Tax form (out-of-state dealers only)
• Power of Attorney (if leased vehicle)
• If two owners on title, both parties must be present during registration, if not, signature of the absent party must be notarized on the Application for Registration.
• Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO) or Title (if model year of vehicle is 2001 or newer)
• VIN Check: Vehicles 2001 or newer, 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 must be paid at the time of registration in the State of Rhode Island.

Private Party Sale

• Application for Registration
• Insurance Information (valid RI insurance)
• Sales Tax form
• Title (if model year of vehicle is 2001 or newer)
• Seller must sign the back of the title (if model year of vehicle is 2001 or newer).
• Bill of Sale
• Gross Vehicle Weight (GVWR – found on VIN plate on driver’s side door)
• RI license or identification card
• Proof of Previous Owner, such as a registration certificate (non-titled vehicles)
• Gift letter (notarized and accompanied by a gift affidavit if vehicle gifted is from a non-immediate family member)
• 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: Vehicles 2001 or newer, 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 must be paid at the time of registration in the State of Rhode Island.