Rhode Island requires every licensed motorcycle operator to register his or her bike with the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

First Time Registration

You will need to complete an Application for Registration and Title (TR-1). If you cannot download this form, you can pick up an application at any one of the state's eight DMV branch locations.

The application must be notarized. You can initiate this on your own, or take it to any DMV office and have the clerk notarize it for you. Since you must register in person, having a DMV clerk notarize the form is usually the most convenient option.

In addition to the application, you will also need to provide the motorcycle's Bill of Sale and the previous owner's title or a Manufacturer's Statement of Origin provided by the dealer.

Once all of your information is verified and approved, you must pay a 7% sales tax based on the price of your motorcycle. You can pay by check, Visa, MasterCard, or Discover.

At the end of the process, you will receive new license plates and a registration certificate. Your title will be mailed to your home in about 30 days.

Your motorcycle registration is valid for two years.

Renewal

You should receive a renewal notice in the mail about three weeks prior to your registration's expiration. If your notice is misplaced, you can request a duplicate by calling the DMV at (401) 462-4368.

In Rhode Island, you have the option to renew your motorcycle registration by mail or the Internet.

If you choose to renew by mail, you must send the completed renewal form to the address indicated. The fee is $27.50, (add $34 if you have vanity plates). It will then take about two weeks for your new registration certificate to be processed and mailed to your home.

If you opt to renew by Internet, the state provides a handy online form that takes only minutes to complete. The only possible kink in this method is that you must pay the registration fee by credit card.

After submitting your renewal, you should receive a new registration certificate within five to seven days. However, it is recommended that you make a copy of your confirmation page to avoid any potential problems.

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