How Much Does It Cost To Register a Car in Rhode Island From Out of State
Registering a vehicle from another state in Rhode Island necessitates adherence to statutory provisions codified under Rhode Island General Laws Title 31, Chapter 3, administered by the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles. Individuals relocating to Rhode Island must complete vehicle registration within 30 days of establishing residency.
Base Registration and Title Fees
Transferring out-of-state vehicle registration entails multiple financial obligations encompassing registration charges, certificate of title fees, technology surcharges, and Department of Transportation infrastructure assessments.
Standard Registration Fees
Registration fee calculations incorporate vehicle weight classifications, registration duration, and vehicle categories. All transactions include a mandatory $3.50 technology surcharge per transaction.
Passenger Vehicle Registration Fees (2-Year Renewal)
| Vehicle Weight | Annual Base Fee | 2-Year Registration | Technology Surcharge | DOT Surcharge (2 years) | Total 2-Year Cost* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 - 4,000 lbs | $30.00 | $30.00 | $3.50 | $26.00 | $59.50 |
| 4,001 - 5,000 lbs | $40.00 | $40.00 | $3.50 | $26.00 | $69.50 |
| 5,001 - 6,000 lbs | $48.00 | $48.00 | $3.50 | $26.00 | $77.50 |
| 6,001 - 7,000 lbs | $56.00 | $56.00 | $3.50 | $26.00 | $85.50 |
| 7,001 - 8,000 lbs | $64.00 | $64.00 | $3.50 | $26.00 | $93.50 |
| Over 8,000 lbs | $70.00+ | $70.00+ | $3.50 | $26.00 | $99.50+ |
*Note: Total includes base registration + technology surcharge ($3.50) + DOT surcharge ($13.00 per year × 2 years = $26.00)
Commercial Vehicle Registration Fees (Annual)
| Vehicle Weight | Annual Base Fee | DOT Surcharge | Technology Surcharge | Total Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 - 4,000 lbs | $34.00 | $15.00 | $3.50 | $52.50 |
| 4,001 - 5,000 lbs | $40.00 | $15.00 | $3.50 | $58.50 |
| 5,001 - 6,000 lbs | $48.00 | $15.00 | $3.50 | $66.50 |
| 6,001 - 8,000 lbs | $56.00 - $64.00 | $15.00 | $3.50 | $74.50 - $82.50 |
| 8,001 - 10,000 lbs | $70.00 - $78.00 | $15.00 | $3.50 | $88.50 - $96.50 |
| 10,001 - 20,000 lbs | $106.00 - $194.00 | $15.00 | $3.50 | $124.50 - $212.50 |
| 20,001 - 40,000 lbs | $210.00 - $554.00 | $15.00 | $3.50 | $228.50 - $572.50 |
| 40,001 - 60,000 lbs | $608.00 - $816.00 | $15.00 | $3.50 | $626.50 - $834.50 |
| 60,001 - 80,000 lbs | $876.00 - $1,044.00 | $15.00 | $3.50 | $894.50 - $1,062.50 |
| 80,001 - 100,000 lbs | $1,068.00 - $1,284.00 | $15.00 | $3.50 | $1,086.50 - $1,302.50 |
Other Vehicle Categories
| Category | Fee Structure |
|---|---|
| Motorcycle (new) | Prorated by date + $3.50 + $13.00 DOT surcharge |
| Motorcycle (2-year renewal) | $42.50 (includes surcharges) |
| Motorcycle vanity (2-year renewal) | $110.50 ($42.50 + $68.00 vanity fee) |
| Farm plate | $19.50 + $10.00 DOT surcharge |
| Temporary registration | $13.50 |
| Duplicate registration | $20.50 |
| Update registration | $8.50 |
| Plate change (single) | $23.50 |
| Plate change (two-way) | $43.50 |
Certificate of Title Fees
Rhode Island imposes uniform title fees across transaction categories. Comprehensive title fee information encompasses all ownership transfer scenarios and lien-related transactions.
Title Transaction Fees:
| Transaction Type | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| New title | $53.50 |
| Transfer title | $53.50 |
| Duplicate title | $53.50 |
| Salvage title | $53.50 |
| Security lien statement | $53.50 |
| Security lien statement (change) | $53.50 |
New Resident Fee and Use Tax
Rhode Island levies sales and use tax obligations on motor vehicle acquisitions. The Rhode Island Division of Taxation administers tax collection protocols applicable to vehicle transactions.
State Sales and Use Tax
Rhode Island imposes a 7% sales tax on motor vehicle purchases. Use tax applies at an equivalent 7% rate when sales tax was not remitted at the time of purchase. The Division of Motor Vehicles collects applicable taxes during registration transactions.
Sales and Use Tax Rates:
| Tax Category | Rate |
|---|---|
| Sales tax (new and used motor vehicles) | 7.0% |
| Consumers use tax (motor vehicles) | 7.0% |
Tax calculations for dealer sales apply to the purchase price minus trade-in allowances. Private party transactions assess tax based on the greater of purchase price or published book value as established by industry valuation guides.
Vehicle Inspection Requirements and Fees
Rhode Island mandates biennial safety and emissions inspections for passenger vehicles. The Rhode Island Vehicle Inspection Program administers testing protocols through certified inspection stations.
Combined Safety and Emissions Inspection Fees
Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 8,500 pounds or less undergo combined safety and emissions testing every two years. The inspection fee structure established by R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-47.1-11 remains consistent statewide.
Inspection Fee Schedule:
| Inspection Category | Fee Amount | Validity Period |
|---|---|---|
| Combined safety and emissions inspection (vehicles 8,500 lbs GVWR or less) | $55.00 | 2 years |
Vehicles failing initial inspection receive a complimentary retest within 30 days at the same inspection facility.
Government Agencies and Contact Information
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
The Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles maintains jurisdiction over all motor vehicle registration, titling, and licensing functions throughout the state. The division operates branch facilities and collaborates with AAA Northeast to provide convenient access to registry services for Rhode Island residents.
Rhode Island Motor Vehicle Services Locations
The Division of Motor Vehicles operates branch offices and authorizes AAA Northeast locations to conduct registration and titling transactions on behalf of the state.
Rhode Island DMV - Cranston Headquarters
600 New London Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920
Phone: (401) 462-4368
Official Website: Rhode Island DMV
Rhode Island DMV - Middletown Branch
52 Valley Road, Middletown, RI 02842
Phone: (401) 846-5451
Official Website: Rhode Island DMV
Rhode Island DMV - Wakefield Branch
4808 Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, RI 02879
Phone: (401) 789-1430
Official Website: Rhode Island DMV
Rhode Island DMV - Woonsocket Branch
Diamond Hill Plaza, 407 Diamond Hill Road, Woonsocket, RI 02895
Phone: (401) 356-4031
Official Website: Rhode Island DMV
AAA Northeast - Cranston Office
1035 Reservoir Avenue, Cranston, RI 02910
Phone: (401) 944-7300
Official Website: AAA Northeast
AAA Northeast - Warwick Office
65 Centerville Road, Warwick, RI 02886
Phone: (401) 732-5000
Official Website: AAA Northeast
AAA Northeast - East Providence Office
12 River Road, East Providence, RI 02915
Phone: (401) 519-5900
Official Website: AAA Northeast
AAA Northeast - Cumberland Office
2000 Mendon Road, Cumberland, RI 02864
Phone: (401) 333-9500
Official Website: AAA Northeast
AAA Narragansett Office
14 Woodruff Avenue, Suite 15, Narragansett, RI 02882
Phone: (401) 789-3000
Official Website: AAA Northeast
AAA Greenville Office
445 Putnam Pike, Greenville, RI 02828
Phone: (401) 232-5100
Official Website: AAA Northeast
