Car Registration

General Requirements

Registration Renewals

If you're looking for information on renewals, please see our page devoted to that subject, as this article only looks at initial registrations.

First-Time Registrations

You'll need to register your vehicle if you recently:

• Bought the vehicle

• Moved to the state

• Received the vehicle as a gift

The registration and titling processes are closely related. You must obtain a new title and registration for your vehicle within 30 days of taking ownership of it, or moving to the state.

1) Get Insurance

When you register your car, you may need to provide proof of auto insurance. You can find a list of carriers―as well as shop for the best rates―in our Insurance Center.

2) Prepare the Paperwork

If you bought your car from a dealer, the registration process should be automatically taken of care of by the dealer. However, if that isn't the case, the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) tells you how to handle your situation.

If you bought your vehicle from a private seller, or you just moved to the state, you'll need to gather the following to begin the registration process:

Private Party Buyers

1. Completed and notarized Application for Registration.
2. Either the properly assigned title and a Bill of Sale, or some other sort of proof of ownership and a Bill of Sale.
3. Vehicle inspection number (VIN) inspection certificate from your local police department (if vehicle was purchased out-of-state).
4. Completed tax exempt card (if vehicle was purchased out-of-state and the sales tax was paid there).

New Residents

1. Completed and notarized Application for Registration.
2. Properly assigned title.
3. Vehicle inspection number (VIN) inspection certificate from your local police department.
4. Proof of insurance.
5. One proof of residency document.
6. Power of Attorney form from your leasing company (if leasing your vehicle).
7. Completed tax exempt card.

New residents also need to have their cars inspected within five days of being registered.

If you can't find your title, see our duplicate title article for information on how to replace it.

In case you haven't bought the car yet, consider obtaining a vehicle history report, which gives you a clearer look into the vehicle's past, and can help ensure that you'll know exactly what you're buying.

3) Calculate the Fees

Initial registration fees vary due to a couple of factors, including the 7% sales tax you'll pay based on your vehicle's purchase price (unless you have an exemption).

First-Time Fees

Your initial registration fees will be sharply higher than your renewals costs because of expenses such as the sales tax.

Additional Fees

Need to replace a registration, license plate, or sticker? It will cost you to do so.

4) Go to the DMV

Proceed to a DMV location after you've gathered the paperwork to complete the registration process.

License Plates

If you're content with having a standard, non-personalized state plate, you'll be given your plates on the spot at the DMV location. See the DMV page for instructions on how to transfer plates, if you have plates you want to swap.

If you want a fancier plate, you'll have to pick up the plates at the office when your plates are ready. Visit our license plates section to see the styles and choices available. You can also show off your plates by highlighting them with a nifty frame.

5) Affix Your Stickers

Once you receive the stickers at the DMV office, be sure to properly place them in the lower, right-hand corner of your plates.

6) Get a Deduction

While you can deduct at least a portion of your registration renewal fees on your federal taxes in some states, you can't do so if you live in Rhode Island. That's because in those states, the renewal fees are based partially on the estimated value of the vehicle, and the tax acts as a personal property tax.

See our Registration FAQS page or consult a tax attorney for more information on the subject.

7) Safely Get on Your Way

Having all the registration paperwork behind you is wonderful. But, if you want to help ensure your driving experience will be a safe and pleasant one, you still have more work to do.

Start by looking into purchasing a roadside assistance program and a car emergency kit. Both allow you to better deal with whatever you may encounter on the road, and are a real bonus during the state's harsh winters.

Buying a hands-free headset is a wise move if you're a frequent cell phone user, as it allows you to keep your hands safely on the wheel. Of course, protecting your child passengers with approved child safety seats is required.

But, don't overlook the car itself. While the initial outlay of purchasing an after-market warranty may not seem appealing, having this policy could pay for itself many times over during the life of your vehicle. And, finding a dependable, qualified mechanic will help maintain the safety of your vehicle, while extending its lifespan.