How To Cancel Vehicle Registration Online in Rhode Island in 2026
Rhode Island maintains an online registration cancellation system through the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which oversees all vehicle registration transactions statewide. Vehicle owners may terminate registration online for convenience, submit plates through DMV branch drop boxes, or mail documentation directly to the department headquarters. The online cancellation service became effective within 24 hours of submission.
Terminating vehicle registration ends the legal authority for that vehicle to operate on Rhode Island highways and roads. After completing cancellation, Rhode Island requires the physical surrender of license plates through approved methods, as plates remain state property. Maintaining proper cancellation records protects owners from future motor vehicle excise tax claims and insurance-related penalties.
When Registration Cancellation May Be Needed
Multiple circumstances require Rhode Island vehicle owners to terminate their registration:
- Transferring vehicle ownership through private sale or dealership purchase
- Gifting your vehicle to a charitable organization or family member
- Establishing legal residence in a different state
- Completing a vehicle lease contract and returning the vehicle to the lessor
- Disposing of your vehicle at a salvage yard or scrap facility
- Receiving a total loss declaration from your insurance carrier
- Reporting your vehicle as stolen to law enforcement without recovery
- Storing your vehicle for extended periods without maintaining active insurance coverage
- Settling an estate and distributing vehicle assets to beneficiaries
- Removing a vehicle from operational service permanently for collection or preservation
- Deploying for military service requiring long-term storage arrangements
- Exporting your vehicle internationally for permanent relocation
Online Cancellation Process
Rhode Island provides an online registration cancellation service that processes transactions within 24 hours. The Online Services portal operates 24 hours a day to provide convenience to its users. Alternative cancellation methods include drop box submission at DMV branch locations and mail-in processing through the Cranston headquarters.
Online Cancellation Through DMV Portal
The Rhode Island DMV developed an online transaction specifically for registration cancellations, accessible through the guest sign-in portal. This service processes active registrations currently on file with the division and provides immediate confirmation.
Required Information:
- Registrant's name exactly as shown on the registration certificate
- Full middle name for Real ID holders
- Street address listed on registration
- City, state, and ZIP code
- Vehicle plate number as displayed on the license plate
- Registration type (passenger, commercial, motorcycle, etc.)
- Last six digits of the vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Valid email address for confirmation receipt
- Leasing company information if the vehicle is leased
Processing Steps:
Access the online cancellation system. Enter all information precisely as it appears on your registration certificate. For individuals holding a Real ID, provide your complete name, including your middle name. For leased vehicles, enter the leasing company details as the registrant information. Submit the completed form and provide an email address for confirmation delivery. The system requires you to enter the plate number again to verify cancellation intent.
Upon successful submission, the division will send a confirmation to the email address provided. Retain this confirmation as proof of cancellation for excise tax purposes and insurance documentation. The DMV processes cancellations within 24 hours of submission, making them effective in the state system. All registration cancellations are final and cannot be reversed.
License Plate Disposal:
After completing the online cancellation process, Rhode Island permits the destruction or recycling of license plates. According to Rhode Island General Laws Title 31, Chapter 47, all registered vehicles must maintain financial security or active liability insurance throughout the registration period. Do not return cancelled plates to any DMV or AAA branch location. Once plates are cancelled through the online service, owners may destroy and discard them at their discretion. Cutting plates in half before disposal prevents them from being misused.
Drop Box Cancellation at Branch Locations
DMV branch offices throughout Rhode Island provide drop boxes for plate cancellation during normal business hours. This method requires the physical surrender of the plate and the completion of all necessary documentation.
Required Documentation:
- Both license plates (front and back if applicable)
- Completed Affidavit for Cancellation of Registration
- Photocopy of owner's photo identification or copy of vehicle registration
- Postage-paid self-addressed envelope (if receipt needed)
Locate the drop box at any DMV branch during operating hours. The drop box is only accessible when the branch is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Include all required documentation with your plates to ensure processing. The DMV must confirm the registered owner through identification or registration documentation. Plates returned without proper identification will not be cancelled.
If you require a receipt (Form TR-3) documenting the cancellation, enclose a postage-paid self-addressed envelope with your submission. Without this envelope, the division will not mail the cancellation receipt. Retain the TR-3 receipt to prevent future excise tax claims if your municipality fails to remove the vehicle from their tax records.
Mail-In Cancellation Process
Rhode Island accommodates vehicle owners without computer or internet access through mail-in plate cancellation. This method requires certified mail submission to ensure delivery confirmation.
Mailing Address:
Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles
Attn: Plate Office
600 New London Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920
Required Documentation:
- Both license plates (packaged securely to prevent damage)
- Completed Affidavit for Cancellation of Registration
- Photocopy of the owner's photo identification or vehicle registration
- Postage-paid self-addressed envelope (if receipt needed)
Send your plates and documentation through certified mail for tracking purposes. The DMV processes mail-in cancellations upon receipt and requires proper identification to confirm the registered owner. Include a postage-paid self-addressed envelope to receive Form TR-3 as cancellation confirmation. Without this envelope, the division will not send the receipt.
Cancellation Through AAA Locations
Rhode Island residents with an AAA membership may cancel registrations at any AAA branch office throughout the state. Appointments are required for all AAA locations. A cancellation receipt is provided to the member documenting the transaction. AAA can cancel plates for the member or on behalf of another member only. This service operates during normal AAA business hours, Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Petition for Refund of Registration Fees
Rhode Island registration fee refund policies changed significantly following legislative action in 2017. The state no longer provides partial or prorated refunds for standard registration cancellations. Refunds are limited to specific circumstances involving full registration periods remaining at the time of cancellation.
Refund Eligibility
The Rhode Island DMV evaluates refund requests according to strict criteria established by the General Assembly:
Full Registration Period Refunds: Passenger vehicle registration fees may be refunded when two full years remain on the registration at the time of cancellation. Commercial vehicle registrations must have one full year remaining to qualify for refund consideration. These requirements apply to voluntary cancellations where the owner seeks reimbursement.
No Partial or Prorated Refunds: Rhode Island eliminated partial and prorated refunds through legislation enacted in August 2017. Vehicle owners who cancel registration with less than the required full period remaining receive no refund, regardless of how much time remains unused. This policy applies to all registration cancellations processed after the legislation took effect.
Refund Application Process
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Review your registration certificate to determine the exact expiration date and calculate the remaining time for cancellation. Passenger vehicles require two full years remaining, while commercial vehicles require one full year. Registrations with shorter remaining periods do not qualify for refunds.
Step 2: Cancel Your Registration
Complete registration cancellation through the online portal, drop box submission, or mail-in process as described in the previous section. The DMV cannot process refund applications until the cancellation appears in the state system, which occurs within 24 hours for online submissions and 7 to 14 days for mail-in requests.
Step 3: Prepare Refund Application
Complete the Application for Refund available from the Rhode Island DMV website. Provide complete information in all sections:
- Your legal name and current mailing address
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- License plate number cancelled
- Registration effective date and expiration date
- Date of cancellation transaction
- Detailed explanation justifying the refund request
- Copy of cancellation confirmation (Form TR-3 or email confirmation)
- Copy of original registration certificate showing fees paid
Step 4: Submit Application
Mail your completed application with all supporting documentation to:
Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles
Cashier's Office
600 New London Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920
Step 5: DMV Review and Payment
The DMV reviews refund applications for compliance with state eligibility requirements. Staff may contact you for additional information if needed to complete the review. Approved refunds are processed within three months of receiving the application. The division issues refund payments by check, mailed to the address provided on your application.
Governing Laws and Regulations
Rhode Island vehicle registration cancellation procedures are established through state statutes and division regulations:
- Rhode Island General Laws Title 31, Chapter 3 establishes comprehensive requirements for vehicle registration, including application procedures, plate issuance, and cancellation processes
- Rhode Island General Laws Title 31, Chapter 47 defines the Motor Vehicle Reparations Act, requiring all registered vehicles to maintain financial security or active liability insurance throughout the registration period
Government Agencies
Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles
Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles
600 New London Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920
Phone: (401) 462-4368
Official Website: Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles
Online Services Portal:
DMV Guest Sign-In Portal
DMV and AAA Branch Offices in Major Cities
The following Rhode Island DMV and AAA branch offices can process registration cancellation transactions through drop boxes during regular business hours. Note that online cancellation is recommended, and in-person appointments are no longer accepted for plate cancellation:
Cranston DMV Headquarters
600 New London Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920
Phone: (401) 462-4368
Official Website: Cranston DMV Headquarters
Middletown DMV Branch
52 Valley Road, Middletown, RI 02842
Phone: (401) 846-5451
Official Website: Middletown DMV Branch
Wakefield DMV Branch
4808 Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, RI 02879
Phone: (401) 789-1430
Official Website: Wakefield DMV Branch
Woonsocket DMV Branch
2000 Diamond Hill Road, Woonsocket, RI 02895
Phone: (401) 356-4021
Official Website: Woonsocket DMV Branch
Providence AAA Office
110 Royal Little Drive, Providence, RI 02904
Phone: (401) 868-2010
Official Website: Providence AAA Office
Warwick AAA Office
65 Centerville Road, Warwick, RI 02886
Phone: (401) 732-5000
Official Website: Warwick AAA Office
Cranston AAA Office
1035 Reservoir Avenue, Cranston, RI 02910
Phone: (401) 944-7300
Official Website: Cranston AAA Office
Cumberland AAA Office
2000 Mendon Road, Cumberland, RI 02864
Phone: (401) 333-9500
Official Website: Cumberland AAA Office
East Providence AAA Office
12 River Road, East Providence, RI 02915
Phone: (401) 519-5900
Official Website: East Providence AAA Office
Middletown AAA Office
49 East Main Road, Middletown, RI 02842
Phone: (401) 841-5000
Official Website: Middletown AAA Office
