Registration Renewals

1) Determine the Status of Your Registration

You must renew your plates every two years.

Renew RI Registration

Having a valid registration is necessary to keep driving legally. You also need to have valid car insurance. You might want to have another look at insurance quotes to see whether you’re still getting the best deal.

Continue to “Check Your Renewal Notice” to finish learning about how to renew your plates.

Register a Vehicle in RI for the First Time

If you just moved to the state, bought or received a car, or have a car with canceled plates, you will need to apply for a new registration.

Register a Non-Operational Vehicle

If you are planning on not driving your car, or if it simply won’t work anymore, you can cancel your plates. That way, you won’t have to pay any more property taxes on it.

To cancel your plates:

1. Bring the plates to a DMV office or mail them to:
   • Division of Motor Vehicles - Plate Dept.
   • 100 Main Street
   • Pawtucket, RI 02860
2. Get a receipt from the clerk, which you will have to show for taxes. (If you mailed your plates, you'll receive this receipt in the mail.)
3. You can get a refund if you have one full year left on your registration. Allow six months to get the refund.

If you want to drive your car again, you’ll have to reapply for a new registration.

2) Check Your Renewal Notice

The DMV will send your renewal notice to the address on file, so if you moved, you might need to change your address with the DMV. However, you can still renew without a notice.

Before you renew your vehicle, check with your Tax Assessor to see if you owe property taxes on your vehicle. If you do have outstanding taxes, the DMV won't be able to renew your registration. If you run into this problem, pay your property tax and have the Tax Assessor stamp your renewal form as proof of payment.

Smog checks aren’t required to register; however, they are required every two years, and you must show your registration.

3) Calculate Your Fees

Fees are dependent on weight. You must double the annual fee listed and add $1.50 surcharge. For example, if your car weighs over 4,000 pounds but not more than 5,000, you double the annual fee of $40 to $80, then add $1.50, for a registration fee of $81.50.

Insurance rates can vary a lot as well. Rechecking your insurance every couple of years may save you money, especially if your driving record has changed.

Avoid Late Fees and Penalties

There's a grace period for you to renew your registration after it's expired. If it has been less than 90 days:

1. Download a Renewal Application.
2. Alternatively, you can call your DMV office for a registration renewal reminder.
3. Complete the form and mail it to the Pawtucket DMV for a new registration:
   • Pawtucket DMV
   • 100 Main Street
   • Pawtucket, RI 02860

If 90 days have passed, you'll probably have to re-register the car, which will cost a little more than the renewal fee.

4) Renew Online, In Person or By Mail

Renew Online

1. Make sure you're eligible to renew online. This means:
   • Your vehicle type is listed as eligible and you don't lease your vehicle.
   • You do not pay your vehicle's property taxes in Barrington, Central Falls, Exeter, S. Kingstown, or Warren.
2. Locate your registration renewal reminder or registration card.
3. Have your insurance information handy.
4. Have an acceptable form of payment (credit or debit Visa or MasterCard).
5. Be able to print your receipt.
6. Visit the state's Vehicle Registration Renewal section and begin.
7. Look for your new registration and stickers to arrive in the mail within seven days.

In Person

The state no longer accepts walk-in renewals. You must do it online or by mail. However, if you don’t want to send your registration through the mail, you can leave it in a DMV drop box.

By Mail

1. Complete a Renewal Application. Make sure you've filled out all necessary fields.
2. Include check or money order made payable to "Division of Motor Vehicles." Make sure to write your registration number on the lower left-hand corner of your check.
3. Send your completed form to:
   • RI Division of Motor Vehicles
   • 100 Main St.
   • Pawtucket, RI 02680
4. Expect a process time of two weeks.

6) Affix Your Stickers

When you receive your stickers, follow the directions on how to apply them. This will help prevent theft or accidental loss.

6) Get a Tax Deduction

The IRS allows you to deduct your vehicle property tax from your federal income taxes. Read Publication 17 for detailed instructions.

If you need more information, ask a tax attorney.

7) Do Your Part to Keep Our Roadways Safe

The only thing worse than finding yourself stranded on the side of the road is the thought of a loved one stranded on the side of the road.

To help prevent mishaps, car maintenance is important. Find out how often your car needs an oil change, tune-ups, and its tires rotated. Also pay attention to the tire treads, and replace them when necessary.

Also think about what you would do if your car does break down. A roadside assistance program will come to your aid. Already knowing a mechanic will give you peace of mind. Finally, having an after-market auto warranty will help out if something huge breaks.