How to Get a Rhode Island License Plate: A Complete Guide for Drivers
Why You Can Trust EverQuote
EverQuote powers millions of shopper requests every month, teaming up with industry-leading insurance specialists to address real-world challenges faced by people every day. We partner with the largest insurance providers in the nation, and our content is carefully crafted by experts and reviewed by licensed insurance agents for accuracy and relevance.
If you own or are planning to own a car in Rhode Island, having a valid Rhode Island license plate is required by law. License plates show that your vehicle is registered with the state and help police, insurance companies, and other drivers identify your car.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting a license plate in Rhode Island. Whether you’ve just moved to the state, bought a new or used car, or lost your plates, we’ll explain what you need to apply for new plates and how to renew your plates when the time comes.
Who Needs To Get a Rhode Island License Plate?
Any vehicle driving on public roads in Rhode Island requires a license plate. There are a few situations where you will need to get new or replacement plates:
- You just moved to Rhode Island and brought your car from another state.
- You bought a new or used car, and it doesn’t have valid plates yet.
- Your license plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, and you need a replacement.
- You want to order a Rhode Island custom plate or change the design.
Any time the vehicle changes owners or enters the state, it must be registered with the RI Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This includes getting valid plates.
Required Documents To Apply for a Rhode Island License Plate
To get your new RI license plate, you’ll need to bring the proper documents. The documents vary by reason for needing a new plate, but you can find everything you'll need on the Rhode Island TR-1 application.
Common documentation required includes:
- Completed TR-1 Application for Registration
- Identity document, such as an RI driver’s license or ID, out-of-state license, passport, etc.
- Auto insurance policy that meets Rhode Island car insurance requirements
- Gross vehicle weight
- Original title or proof of previous ownership for non-titled vehicles
- Vehicle identification number (VIN) check from a local police station (out-of-state transfers only)
- Bill of sale
- Completed sales tax form (T-314)
How To Get a New License Plate in Rhode Island
Getting a new Rhode Island plate is generally simple if you follow these steps:
- Gather the required documents listed on the TR-1 form.
- Visit a Rhode Island DMV office.
- Submit your paperwork and pay the fee.
- Receive your new license plates and registration card.
Fees and Payment Methods
Here’s what you can expect to pay:
- New plate fee: Free to $48.50
- Remake plate for lost or damaged plates: Around $33.50
- Rhode Island custom plates: $43.50 to $83.50
The DMV accepts cash, check, money order, and credit or debit cards.
How To Replace a Lost or Damaged Rhode Island License Plate
If your Rhode Island license plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, don’t wait to get a replacement. Driving without a plate or with an unreadable one can lead to a ticket.
You can either follow the steps above to get a new plate or follow these steps to get a plate remake if your plates are just damaged:
- Navigate to the Rhode Island Plate Remake/Design Change webpage
- Click “Begin”
- Complete all required information and submit the application
- Await your new plate(s) arrival via USPS mail
If your plates are lost or stolen, you must:
- File the plates as lost or stolen with the local police and get a police report
- Complete an Affidavit for Cancellation of Registration for Lost Plates
- Mail or drop off your application at a local DMV
- Surrender your remaining plate to the DMV if only one of the two was stolen
- Complete the process for getting all-new plates (not remakes) above
Where To File for Your Rhode Island License Plate
You can file for your license plate in person at any Rhode Island DMV branch. Find locations on the DMV’s website.
Here are a few tips for visiting the DMV:
- Try to go early in the morning or midweek to avoid long lines.
- Bring copies of all your documents in case they need to keep one.
- Check the DMV website ahead of time for forms you can fill out before your visit.
Renewing and Maintaining Your Rhode Island License Plate
When your registration is about to expire, it’s time to renew to ensure you remain within the scope of RI laws. The DMV will send you a registration renewal notice in the mail. You can renew in three ways:
By Mail
Mail your registration renewal form and all associated fees to Division of Motor Vehicles, Attn: Registration Renewal, 600 New London Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920.
Online
You may be able to renew online via Rhode Island’s online renewal interface.
In-Person Dropbox
You can also place your registration renewal notice or registration renewal form in the dropbox at any Rhode Island DMV office. Keep in mind, these drop boxes are only accessible Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Compare Car Insurance Quotes Before Registering Your Vehicle
Before you all register a car or apply for your plate, you must have Rhode Island car insurance.
Everquote can help you find cheap car insurance in Rhode Island with our online interface that allows you to compare multiple insurance quotes in one place. Use our guide to Rhode Island insurance to explore your options and find the best deal.
FAQs
What is a Rhode Island license plate?
+
What license plates are available in Rhode Island?
+
Is Rhode Island a two-plate state?
+
Why is Rhode Island changing license plates?
+
Premiums are sourced from over 30,000 zip codes across 200 insurance companies. We estimate premiums based on public filings for policies seeking 50/100 in liability with $500 deductibles for collision and comprehensive coverage. Estimated rates are based on a 35-year-old single female with a good credit score and no history of accidents or violations driving a 2023 Toyota RAV4 LE. We partner with Quadrant Information Services to source our data and assume no unique benefits or discounts are applied for these rates (unless otherwise stated). Your own rates may be different.