Plate Surrender in Rhode Island

The Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles wants your license plates back if you move to another state or cancel your registration. Otherwise, you might want to transfer them to another vehicle.

Moving to Rhode Island

Welcome to Rhode Island!

You have 30 days to transfer your registration and get new license plates, but don’t worry about surrendering your old plates to the RI DMV. Nobody there wants them.

However, your old state might want them back. To find out, scroll to the top of this page and choose that state from the drop down menu.

Moving from RI

The RI DMV does want your plates if you move to another state. You must cancel the registration and return the plates.

For your convenience, you can mail the plates to the following address after you register your car in your new state:

• RI DMV

• ATTN: Plates

• 600 New London Ave.

• Cranston, RI 02920

You might get a registration refund if you have at least one year remaining on your registration, so send a completed refund application if that applies to you.

NOTE: For your protection, the RI DMV recommends using registered mail with a return receipt request. Also, keep your plate cancellation receipt to protect yourself against any future property tax claims.

Selling a Used Car

You can keep your plates after you sell your used car if you want to transfer them to another vehicle you own. You have 48 hours from the date on the bill of sale to complete any required title and registration transactions.

Otherwise, you can cancel and return the plates using the address above or at any DMV branch location.

Buying a Used Car

When you buy a used car, the former owner will remove the plates. You can then transfer your own plates (if you have some, and if the name on the registration is the same), or apply for new plates.

If you choose to transfer existing plates, you have 48 hours from the date on the bill of sale to complete the title transfer and car registration with the DMV.

Your Opinion Matters To Us!