History of DMV

Prior to 1991, Rhode Island's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) served as an arm of the Department of Transportation (DOT). Since then it has operated under the encompassing reach of the Department of Administration, a massive state government division that oversees 35 departments.

Locations

The DMV currently has eight office locations evenly dispersed across the state:

• Middletown

• Pawtucket

• Wakefield

• Warren

• Warwick

• West Warwick

• Westerly

• Woonsocket

Pawtucket serves as DMV headquarters and is located at:

• 262 Main St.

• Pawtucket, Rhode Island 02860

Duties

The DMV's duties include titling, license processing for all drivers including bus and chauffer, license plate requests, dealer applications, conducting licensing exams, and monitoring vehicle inspections.

The DMV also governs Operator Control. This department serves as the DMV's legal voice in hearing every individual case involving license and/or registration reinstatement following a suspension. Operator Control's decision determines whether a driver is fit to legally resume driving again. Operator Control can be found at:

• John O. Pastore Complex

• Harrington Hall - Lower Level

• 30 Howard Ave. Bldg. #58

• Cranston, RI 02920

In addition, the DMV oversees the Motor Vehicle Safety and Emission Control Division. This department, as its name clearly states, inspects vehicles for safety and pollution control purposes. Its main office can be found at:

• 325 Melrose St.

• Providence, RI 02907