Rhode Island

Title Fee

$50.00

Who must title a vehicle in Rhode Island?

All motor vehicles, trailers, camping RVs/trailers, and vessels over 14 feet must be titled unless exempt.
Exempt: US government vehicles (unless RI-registered), animal-powered vehicles, wheelchairs/tricycles, trailers ≤3,000 lbs. GVWR, homemade trailers, mopeds, manufactured homes >8.5 ft wide or 60 ft long, ORVs, snowmobiles.

Who issues titles and where are applications submitted?

Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in Cranston.
Application: Registration and Title Certificate (TR-1) or Title for Vehicles (TR-2/TR-9), by mail, drop box, or dealer window.
Fee: $50.00 + $3.50 tech surcharge; boats: DEM, $25.00 title + $15.00 lien; $5.00 transfer fee for titled boats.

What documents are needed as proof of ownership?

New vehicles: Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin + bill of sale.
Used vehicles: Certificate of Title + bill of sale.
Non-title states: Previous registration + bill of sale.
Government surplus: SF97-1.
Foreign vehicles: Foreign docs, CBP 7501, NICB inspection, bill of sale, and proof of transfer/invoice for military.
Boats: Bill of sale on dealer letterhead (new) or notarized (used).

How are special titles or brands handled?

Bonded Title: If ownership is unclear, applicant must file a bond (1.5x value) for 3 years.
Distinctive Certificate: For vehicles from states/countries not naming lienholders; legend “may be subject to an undisclosed lien.”
Non-Negotiable Title: Issued if out-of-state title is held by lienholder.
Brands: Duplicate, Non-Negotiable, Rebuilt Salvage, Reconstructed Flood, Reconstructed/Kit, Reconstructed Salvage, Undisclosed Lien, Unrecovered Theft, odometer brands. Out-of-state brands carried forward.
Salvage: Required if repair cost >75% of FMV; insurer must apply within 10 days. Class A (Parts Only, not registrable) or Class B (Repairable, can be rebuilt).
Reconstructed: Class B salvage rebuilt by licensed rebuilder, must pass safety/emissions and salvage inspection ($55.00 + $3.50 surcharge); title branded Reconstructed Salvage.
Destroyed: Title must be surrendered for cancellation; notify DEM for boats/ORVs/snowmobiles.

How are duplicate/corrected titles handled?

Duplicate: TR-2/TR-9, $50.00 + $3.50 surcharge; boats: DEM, $5.00 ($20.00 with lien).
Correction: Letter of Correction with MVT-10; no fee for DMV error.

Other notes:

Odometer disclosure required for all transfers (exempt for 2010 or older, trailers, trucks >16,000 lbs.).
VIN/HIN inspection required for all out-of-state vehicles; performed by law enforcement or RI dealers.

Are electronic signatures accepted?

What taxes apply to vehicle purchases/registrations?

Sales/Use Tax: 7.0% of purchase price, paid at DMV at registration/titling.Credit for trade-in (passenger vehicle, motorcycle, motor home).
Credit for taxes paid to another state.
Exemptions: New residents (if not brought in within 90 days), nonresidents with reciprocity, gifts, farm equipment, certain rentals/leases, and more.
Property Tax: Collected by cities/towns on vehicles and used manufactured homes.
Mobile Home Conveyance Tax: $1.40 per $500 of sale price (over $100), minus furnishings.
- Boat Sales: Exempt; tax on motors.

How are liens recorded and perfected?

Submit application with title (if any), name/address of lienholder, date of security agreement, and fee.
SI-1 for online Security Lien Statement.
Perfected if delivered within 20 days; otherwise, as of delivery.

How are liens released or assigned?

Lienholder must release within 15 business days (10 for subordinate) and deliver to next lienholder or owner.
Release on title or letter; new owner submits title + release for clear title.

How does repossession work in RI?

Lienholder may repossess if peaceful; must notify local/state police within 1 hour.
Must send disposition notice to owner/lienholder 10 days before sale.
Affidavit of Repossession (TR-7) attached to title for transfer; lien must be released.

Other notes:

Towing/storage liens: 30 days’ notice, 2 days’ newspaper ad, public sale if unpaid.

Enforcement Agency:

Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles600 New London Ave, Cranston, RI 02920
401.462.4368 | dmv.customerservice@dmv.ri.gov
RI DMV

Additional Regulatory/Enforcement Contacts:

Key Regulations:

Insurance required: $25,000/$50,000/$25,000 or $75,000 CSL minimum.
Proof required at registration and must be carried.
Biennial safety/emissions for most vehicles; annual for >8,500 lbs./trailers/motorcycles.
Two plates for most vehicles; one for motorcycles, trailers, etc. Plates transferable within 10 days.
- Title/registration records kept 10 years.