License Plate FAQs

I've lost one of my plates. How do I get a new one?

Unfortunately, losing one or both plates isn't an uncommon occurrence. If you have the vehicle registered in your name, you have two options.

Option 1

The first and easiest option is to get completely new plates. You'll need to do the following:

• Fill out a plate change application.

• Provide a police report number, which you can get by filing a report to your local law enforcement agency.

• Pay the $21.50 fee for replacement plates.

• Turn in any remaining plate.

• Show your current Rhode Island driver's license and proof of insurance.

Once you provide the DMV with these materials, it will give you a set of new plates, new registration and new expiration stickers.

Option 2

The second option, though less practical, is to have your original plates to be remade. You need to provide the same materials as Option 1, but you'll have to wait for 90 days before you can pick up the plates.

Note on Liens

If the vehicle is titled under a different name such as a leasing company, you will need to bring a Power of Attorney authorizing you to change the plates.

What if I've damaged my plates? Should I get new ones?

In the case that your plates are damaged and you just need new ones, you can fill out either Wave Plate Order Form or a Designer Plate Order Form, depending on the plate type you have. Mail the forms and the appropriate payment to the following address:

• RI Division of Motor Vehicles

• Attn: PLATES

• 100 Main Street

• Pawtucket, RI 02860

Note: you must surrender both plates to get new ones. Otherwise, the DMV will process the transaction as lost plates and require you to provide a police report number.

I've just moved out of the state. Do I need to surrender my license plates?

Yes. Mail your license plates back to the DMV and request a receipt as proof that you've canceled your plates. Try to use registered mail with the option of getting a return receipt. Mail the plates to the following address:

• Division of Motor Vehicles

• Attn: PLATE DEPARTMENT

• 100 Main Street

• Pawtucket, RI 02680

I've just canceled my plates because I've sold my car. Is there any way to get a refund?

Yes, but only if you have at least one full year left on a two-year registration. If you do, DMV will issue you a $30 refund after you've completed a refund application. You'll need to include your registration plate number and license plate number, as well as have the form notarized. Mail the application to the following address:

• Division of Motor Vehicles

• 100 Main Street

• Pawtucket, RI 02860

Note: if you have a lease on your car, the leasing company or owner must fill out the application.

How do I transfer my plates from my old car to my new car?

As long as the name on the registration is the same, you shouldn't run into any problems. Visit your local DMV branch with your registration, current driver's license and proof of insurance. The fee for a plate transfer is $16.50, plus surcharges like tax and technology fees. Note that DMV will only issue you a new registration; you'll have to physically transfer the plates on your own.

Can I get vanity plates for my motorcycle?

Yes. You can have a combination of five letters and numbers. Fees vary depending on what plate design you choose. Here's a breakdown of the costs:

Wave design: $37.50 + $27.50 vanity fee.
Sailboat design: $51.50 + $27.50 vanity fee.

For more information, visit our license plate resource page.

Can I get temporary plates

You can get temporary plates only if you've purchased a vehicle ten years old or newer. In most cases, this is necessary if you've bought from a private party or an out-of-state party who needs to turn in the original license plates. To get a 5-day temporary plate, bring the following materials to your local DMV branch:

• Bill of sale

• Title

• Driver's license

• Proof of residency

• Proof of insurance

What's the scoop on antique license plates?

To qualify, your vehicle must be at least 25 years old and be used only for parades, exhibitions, car club functions, and any other event that might generate public interest.

If you want to also use your vehicle for everyday functions, you can opt for dual registration.

To apply you must submit:

• A completed Application for Registration and Title Certificate

• A bill of sale

• Proof of valid insurance

• Valid identification

If you purchased the vehicle from a private party, you'll also need to provide the title or proof of prior registration.