Rhode Island License Plate Lookup /License Plate Cost

How Much Does It Cost to Get a License Plate in Rhode Island in 2025?

Factors That Influence the Total License Plate Cost in Rhode Island

The cost of obtaining a license plate in Rhode Island is influenced by several factors. These factors include:

Type of Vehicle: The vehicle type, such as passenger cars, motorcycles, or commercial vehicles, affects the cost. Passenger vehicles typically have a different fee structure compared to commercial vehicles.
Type of Plate: Standard plates, specialty plates, and personalized plates each have different costs associated with them.
Registration Period: The length of the registration period can impact the total cost. Rhode Island offers different registration periods, and fees may vary accordingly.
Additional Fees: Administrative fees, such as processing fees, may be added to the total cost.
Taxes: Local taxes may also apply, influencing the overall cost of obtaining a license plate.

Specialty License Plates in Rhode Island

Rhode Island offers a variety of specialty license plates that allow vehicle owners to support specific causes or organizations. These plates often come with additional fees, which typically include:

Initial Issuance Fee: Ranges from $40 to $60, depending on the specific specialty plate.
Annual Renewal Fee: An additional fee of $10 to $20 may be required each year to maintain the specialty plate.
Contribution to Cause: A portion of the fee often goes to the organization or cause associated with the specialty plate.

Examples of specialty plates include those supporting universities, environmental causes, and charitable organizations.

Personalized License Plates in Rhode Island

Personalized license plates allow vehicle owners to customize their plate numbers. The process and costs associated with obtaining a personalized plate in Rhode Island include:

Application Fee: A non-refundable fee of $50 is required when applying for a personalized plate.
Annual Renewal Fee: An additional $30 is charged annually to maintain the personalized plate.
Character Limitations: Personalized plates must adhere to character limits and are subject to approval by the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Rhode Island License Plate Renewal Fee

License plate renewal in Rhode Island is a periodic requirement, and the associated fees are as follows:

Standard Plate Renewal: Typically costs $30 to $60, depending on the vehicle type and registration period.
Specialty and Personalized Plate Renewal: Additional fees apply, as mentioned in the respective sections above.
Late Renewal Penalties: A late fee of $15 may be imposed if the renewal is not completed by the due date.

Rhode Island License Plate Replacements Fee

In the event that a license plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, a replacement can be obtained. The fees for replacing a license plate in Rhode Island are:

Replacement Fee: $20 for a standard plate replacement.
Specialty and Personalized Plate Replacement: Additional fees may apply, depending on the type of plate.
Required Documentation: Proof of vehicle ownership and a completed application form are necessary to process the replacement.

How Much Is the Tag Transfer Fee in Rhode Island

When transferring a license plate from one vehicle to another, a tag transfer fee is applicable. The details are as follows:

Transfer Fee: $10 for transferring a license plate to a new vehicle.
Eligibility: The transfer is only allowed between vehicles owned by the same individual or entity.
Required Documentation: Proof of ownership for both vehicles and a completed transfer application form are required.

Exemptions and Discounts

Certain exemptions and discounts are available for license plate fees in Rhode Island. These include:

Veterans and Active Military: Eligible veterans and active military personnel may receive discounts or fee waivers for specific types of plates.
Senior Citizens: Discounts may be available for senior citizens, depending on the type of vehicle and plate.
Non-Profit Organizations: Vehicles owned by qualifying non-profit organizations may be eligible for reduced fees or exemptions.
Low-Income Individuals: Assistance programs may be available to help low-income individuals with the cost of license plates.

To qualify for these exemptions or discounts, appropriate documentation and proof of eligibility must be provided to the Rhode Island DMV.