How To Get a Car Title in Rhode Island 2026
Rhode Island law under RIGL § 31-3.1 requires every owner of a vehicle in the state for which no certificate of title has been issued by the Division of Motor Vehicles to apply for a certificate of title. The Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles, operating under the Department of Revenue, administers the state's vehicle titling program and maintains ownership records for all motor vehicles within Rhode Island.
Where to Apply for a Rhode Island Certificate of Title
Applications for a Rhode Island certificate of title must be submitted through authorized processing locations. Designated locations include:
- Division of Motor Vehicles Headquarters – Primary state facility located in Cranston, handling all title transactions
- DMV Branch Offices – Service locations in Middletown, Wakefield, and Woonsocket (by reservation only)
- AAA Member Service Centers – Authorized private locations throughout Rhode Island for AAA members
- Mail-In Processing – Applications may be submitted by mail to the DMV headquarters in Cranston
- Drop Box Services – The Westerly drop box at Westerly Town Hall accepts title applications during business hours
Required Documents for Title Application in Rhode Island
Applicants seeking a Rhode Island certificate of title must furnish specific documentation establishing ownership, identity, and compliance with state requirements.
Primary Documentation
| Document Type | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Assigned Certificate of Title or Manufacturer's Statement of Origin | Previous title must show proper assignment from seller to buyer with all fields completed | Out-of-state titles must be in seller's name and properly assigned; non-titled states require valid proof of ownership |
| Application for Title (Form TR-2/TR-9) | Must be completed in full with vehicle information and owner details | All owners must sign; notarization required for duplicate titles and certain transactions |
| Valid Rhode Island Driver's License or Identification Card | Current Rhode Island-issued identification | Out-of-state licenses accepted with proof of residency |
| VIN Verification | Physical inspection of vehicle identification number by local police department | Mandatory for all out-of-state vehicles; obtained from municipal police departments |
Additional Documentation Requirements
Certain transactions or circumstances necessitate supplementary documentation:
| Document Type | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application for Registration (Form TR-1) | Required when obtaining both title and registration simultaneously | Must include vehicle specifications and insurance information |
| Sales Tax Form | Documents purchase transaction and calculates sales tax liability | Required for all private party and dealer purchases |
| Lien Release Documentation | Demonstrates loan payoff and lienholder discharge | Must be original signature on lienholder letterhead; paid loan statements not accepted |
| Power of Attorney | Authorizes representative to execute title transaction | Required for leased vehicles; must be notarized |
| Bill of Sale | Records private sale transaction details including purchase price and date | Used to establish transaction date for sales tax calculation |
| Proof of Rhode Island Insurance | Current insurance identification card showing minimum liability coverage | Mandatory when registering vehicle simultaneously with title |
Rhode Island Title Fees and Costs
The Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles establishes uniform fee schedules for title transactions throughout the state.
Standard Title Fees
| Title Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| New Certificate of Title | $53.50 |
| Title Transfer | $53.50 |
| Duplicate Title | $53.50 |
| Salvage Title | $53.50 |
| Security Lien Statement (add or change) | $53.50 |
Additional Processing Fees
Various supplementary charges apply depending on transaction specifics:
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Sales Tax (Dealer Sale) | 7% of purchase price | Trade-in allowances deducted for passenger vehicles, motorcycles, and motor homes only |
| Rhode Island Sales Tax (Private Party, 7 years or less) | 7% of NADA Clean Retail value or purchase price, whichever is greater | Based on fair market value comparison |
| Rhode Island Sales Tax (Private Party, 8-29 years) | 7% of purchase price | Applies to vehicles not on Cars of Particular Interest (CPI) list |
| Rhode Island Sales Tax (30 years and older) | 7% of NADA/CPI book value or purchase price, whichever is greater | Classic and antique vehicle valuation |
| Registration Fee (Passenger Vehicle, 2 years) | Weight-based, typically $42.50-$85.00 | Includes $20.00 DOT surcharge per year |
| Registration Fee (Motorcycle, 2 years) | $42.50 | Includes $13.00 DOT surcharge |
| Technology Surcharge | $3.50 | Included in all registration and title fees |
| Late Sales Tax Penalty | Varies | Assessed if sales tax not paid by 20th of month following purchase |
| Credit Card Processing Fee | $1.55 minimum or 2.40% for transactions over $65.00 | Charged by third-party payment processor |
Step-by-Step Title Application Process
Step 1: Obtain and Review Ownership Documents
Secure the existing certificate of title from the seller. For vehicles from titled states, the seller must properly assign the title by completing the assignment section on the reverse, including the buyer's name, the seller's signature, the sale date, and the purchase price. For vehicles from non-titled states, obtain valid proof of ownership, such as the previous registration certificate showing the seller's name. Contact any lienholder shown on the title to request an original lien release letter on the financial institution's letterhead if the loan has been satisfied.
Step 2: Arrange Vehicle Identification Number Verification
Schedule a VIN inspection with your local municipal police department. All out-of-state vehicles, regardless of age, require VIN verification effective January 1, 2024. Bring the vehicle and title documents to the police station during designated inspection hours. Fees vary by municipality, typically ranging from free to $10.00. The police officer will physically verify that the VIN matches the title documentation and provide a signed VIN verification form.
Step 3: Complete Required Application Forms
Obtain and fill out Form TR-2/TR-9 completely, entering all requested information, including year, make, model, vehicle identification number, gross vehicle weight, color, number of cylinders, and current mileage. Provide your complete residence address and mailing address if different. If a financial institution holds a lien on the vehicle, include the lienholder's name, address, and date of lien in Section E. Sign the application in the presence of a notary public if required for your transaction type. If you plan to register the vehicle simultaneously, complete Form TR-1 with insurance information and registration details.
Step 4: Calculate Sales Tax and Total Fees
Determine the sales tax amount based on your transaction type. For vehicles seven years old or newer purchased from a private party, calculate 7 percent of either the NADA Clean Retail book value or the purchase price, whichever is greater. For dealer purchases, calculate 7 percent of the purchase price minus any trade-in allowances. Add the $53.50 title fee and any registration fees if applicable. Sales tax must be paid by the 20th of the month following the month of purchase to avoid penalties and interest charges.
Step 5: Submit Application Package
Present the complete application package at the DMV Research Office in Cranston or mail it to the address below. Include: properly assigned title or MSO, completed Form TR-2/TR-9, VIN verification, sales tax form, proof of insurance (if registering), and payment by check or money order made payable to "RI DMV." For mail submissions, include a self-addressed stamped envelope if requesting the return of any documents.
Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles
Research and Title Office
600 New London Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920
Step 6: Receive Certificate of Title
The Division of Motor Vehicles will process the application and issue the certificate of title. Processing time typically ranges from two to four weeks for properly completed applications. If a lienholder is recorded on the title, the DMV will mail the certificate directly to the lienholder's address. The lienholder must retain the title until the secured debt is satisfied, at which time the lienholder will provide a lien release letter to the owner.
Exemptions from Title Requirements
Rhode Island law under RIGL § 31-3.1-2 exempts certain vehicles from certificate of title requirements:
- Vehicles owned by the United States government, unless registered in Rhode Island
- Vehicles owned by manufacturers or dealers and held for sale, testing, or demonstration purposes
- Vehicles owned by nonresidents of Rhode Island are not required to be registered in the state
- Vehicles regularly engaged in interstate transportation with a current title issued in another state
- Vehicles moved solely by human or animal power
- Implements of husbandry used exclusively for agricultural operations
- Special mobile equipment as defined in the Rhode Island statutes
- Self-propelled wheelchairs or tricycles designed for persons with disabilities
- Trailers without motive power having a gross vehicle weight rating of 3,000 pounds or less (excluding travel trailers, fifth-wheel trailers, and park trailers)
- Motorized bicycles
- Mobile homes or nonmotorized dwelling units exceeding eight feet six inches in width or sixty feet in length with complete electrical, plumbing, and sanitary facilities
Contact Information
Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles
600 New London Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920
Phone: (401) 462-4368
Official Website: Rhode Island DMV
