How to Renew Motor Vehicle Registration in Rhode Island?
Vehicle registration renewal is required for all Rhode Island residents to maintain legal driving privileges. The Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) oversees the state's vehicle registration system and processes registration renewals through multiple convenient methods including online services, mail-in submissions, drop-box deposits at DMV branch locations, and in-person services at AAA branch offices for members.
Rhode Island Vehicle Registration Renewal Requirements
Essential Documentation and Requirements
Rhode Island vehicle owners must satisfy the following requirements when renewing their registration:
- Valid Vehicle Insurance: Proof of current liability insurance meeting Rhode Island minimum requirements
- Vehicle Identification: Current registration certificate or renewal notice, license plate number, or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Payment Method: Credit card for online renewals, or check/money order for mail-in and drop-box submissions
- Application for Registration: Form TR-1
Renewal Timeline and Registration Periods
- Early Renewal: Vehicle registration can be renewed up to 30 days prior to the expiration month
- Registration Period: Rhode Island vehicle registrations are issued for two-year periods
- Expiration Date: Registrations expire on the last day of the expiration month shown on the registration certificate
- Late Renewal: Vehicles with registrations expired beyond 90 days may require complete re-registration
- New Residents: Must obtain a new title and registration for their vehicle within 30 days of moving to Rhode Island and establishing residency
Outstanding Property Tax Requirements
Check with your municipal Tax Collector to verify that you do not owe property taxes on your vehicle. If you have outstanding taxes and your city or town has placed a block against you in the DMV system, you will not receive a renewal notice and the DMV will not be able to renew your registration. Pay your property tax and have the Tax Collector send the clearance to the DMV before attempting to renew.
How Much Is Car Registration Renewal in Rhode Island in 2025
2025 Rhode Island Vehicle Registration Fee Schedule
Rhode Island vehicle registration fees are based on the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and vehicle type. The following table shows the biennial (2-year) registration fees effective in 2025:
| Vehicle Type | Weight Classification | Base Registration Fee | DOT Surcharge (Annual) | Technology Surcharge | Total Biennial Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger Vehicles | 0 - 4,000 lbs. | $30.00 (annual) | $15.00 | $3.50 | $93.50 |
| Commercial Vehicles | 0 - 4,000 lbs. | $34.00 (annual) | $15.00 | $3.50 | $101.50 |
| Passenger Vehicles | 4,001 - 5,000 lbs. | $40.00 (annual) | $15.00 | $3.50 | $113.50 |
| Passenger Vehicles | 5,001 - 6,000 lbs. | $48.00 (annual) | $15.00 | $3.50 | $129.50 |
| Passenger Vehicles | 6,001 - 7,000 lbs. | $56.00 (annual) | $15.00 | $3.50 | $145.50 |
| Passenger Vehicles | 7,001 - 8,000 lbs. | $64.00 (annual) | $15.00 | $3.50 | $161.50 |
| Motorcycles | All weights | $42.50 (biennial) | N/A | $3.50 | $46.00 |
| Trailers | All weights | Varies by weight | $15.00 | $3.50 | Varies |
Note: All fees include $3.50 technology surcharge per registration period. Passenger vehicle fees are charged annually and multiplied by two for the biennial registration period.
Heavy Vehicle Registration Fees
Commercial vehicles and heavy trucks weighing more than 8,000 lbs. pay the following annual registration fees:
| Weight Range | Annual Registration Fee | DOT Surcharge | Total Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8,001 - 9,000 lbs. | $70.00 | $15.00 | $88.50 |
| 9,001 - 10,000 lbs. | $78.00 | $15.00 | $96.50 |
| 10,001 - 12,000 lbs. | $106.00 | $15.00 | $124.50 |
| 12,001 - 14,000 lbs. | $124.00 | $15.00 | $142.50 |
| 14,001 - 16,000 lbs. | $140.00 | $15.00 | $158.50 |
| 16,001 - 18,000 lbs. | $158.00 | $15.00 | $176.50 |
| 18,001 - 20,000 lbs. | $176.00 | $15.00 | $194.50 |
| 20,001 - 26,000 lbs. | $210.00 - $230.00 | $15.00 | $228.50 - $248.50 |
Note: Fees shown include $3.50 technology surcharge. Heavy commercial vehicles are registered annually, not biennially.
Additional Mandatory Fees and Surcharges
Registration renewal includes the following state-mandated fees:
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Technology Surcharge | $3.50 | Included in all registration fees |
| DOT Surcharge (Annual) | $15.00 | Applies to most vehicle types |
| Credit Card Processing Fee | $1.55 minimum | Applies to online and credit card transactions |
| Electric Vehicle Fee (Annual) | $200.00 | Battery electric vehicles |
| Plug-In Hybrid EV Fee (Annual) | $100.00 | Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles |
| Hybrid Vehicle Fee (Annual) | $50.00 | Standard hybrid electric vehicles |
Electric vehicle fees became effective July 1, 2025, and apply for the remainder of fiscal year 2026 and subsequent years.
How To Renew Vehicle Registration Online in Rhode Island
Online Renewal Platform
The Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles provides a secure online renewal system for eligible vehicles. Access the Rhode Island DMV Online Registration Renewal Portal to complete your renewal transaction.
Eligible Vehicle Types: Passenger vehicle registrations can be renewed online. However, restrictions may apply to some vehicles. Review the complete list of vehicle types eligible for online renewal to determine if your vehicle qualifies.
Leased Vehicles: Leased vehicles can now be renewed online. However, leased vehicle owners cannot update or change the address on the registration through the online system. The registration will be mailed to the address that appears on the current registration. If this is the address of the leasing company, you may need to contact the leasing company to obtain a copy of your new registration and decals.
Online Renewal Process
Step 1: Verify Eligibility
Before beginning the online renewal process, confirm the following:
- Your vehicle type is eligible for online renewal
- Your registration has not been expired for more than 90 days
- You have no outstanding property taxes blocking renewal
- Your vehicle has a valid Rhode Island inspection certificate (if applicable)
Step 2: Gather Required Information
Prepare the following documents and information before starting your online renewal:
- Current vehicle registration certificate or renewal notice
- License plate number
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Current vehicle insurance card with policy information
- Credit card and billing address for payment
- Printer or email address to receive confirmation receipt
Step 3: Complete Online Application
- Access the Rhode Island DMV Online Registration Renewal Portal
- Enter your personal information, including registrant's name and complete address
- Provide your vehicle's license plate number
- Enter registration or renewal notice details
- Input current insurance policy information including company name, policy number, and policy dates
- Review all information carefully for accuracy
- Submit payment using a credit card (minimum processing fee of $1.55 applies)
Step 4: Receive Confirmation
- Print or save the confirmation page immediately upon completion
- The confirmation serves as temporary proof of registration
- Your new registration certificate and decals will be mailed to your address on file
- Allow two weeks for processing and delivery of registration materials
Alternative Renewal Methods
Mail-In Renewal
Submit the following documents to the Division of Motor Vehicles:
- Registration Renewal notice (if received by mail) or completed Registration Renewal Form
- Check or money order for the total renewal fee
- Current insurance information
Mail to:
Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles
Attn: Registration Renewal
600 New London Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920
Drop-Box Renewal
Deposit your Registration Renewal notice or completed Registration Renewal Form with payment in drop-boxes located at all DMV branch locations.
Drop-boxes are accessible only during normal business hours:
- Monday through Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Closed on State Holidays
In-Person Renewal at AAA Branch Offices
AAA members can renew their vehicle registration at any AAA Northeast branch office. Appointments are required for all AAA locations.
Required documents for AAA renewal:
- Completed Registration Renewal Form including valid auto insurance information, company name, policy number, and policy dates
- Payment for renewal fees
- Current registration certificate
AAA branch office hours:
- Monday through Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- Sunday: Closed
Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles
600 New London Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920
Phone: (401) 462-4368
Official Website: Rhode Island DMV
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. by reservation only
