The Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles all services for drivers in the state, including driver licensing and ID card applications and renewals; vehicle titles, registrations, and renewals; and driving records. The RI Department of Environmental Management is responsible for boat/vessel registrations as well as boater education and certification.
When you move to Rhode Island, you must exchange your driver’s license and apply for a vehicle registration within 30 days of establishing residency in the state. Your vehicle will need to undergo a VIN inspection at your participating police department before it can be titled and registered in Rhode Island. Within 5 days of registration, it will also need to undergo an emissions inspection.
Non-residents stationed in Rhode Island on military orders are not required to get a RI license or registration while serving in the state.
Online and Third-Party Services
The Rhode Island DMV offers several online services, including:
- Road test scheduling
- Driver license/ID card renewal
- Driver license/ID card replacement
- License status check
- Reinstatement fee payments
- Registration renewal
- Registration cancellation
- Duplicate registration issuance
- Specialty plate reservations
- Driving records
- Address changes
- Organ donor registration
You can access many licensing and registration forms online. You can also access the Rhode Island Driver’s Manual online, in addition to the Commercial driver handbook.
The DMV also partners with third-party servicers for title and registration tasks, vehicle inspections, emissions testing, driver education, motorcycle rider courses, and CDL skills testing in the state.
Contact Information
Division of Motor Vehicles
600 New London Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920
Phone: (401) 462-4368