Motorcycle Registration in Rhode Island
In order to ride a motorcycle on Rhode Island's roads, you must register your bike with the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Use this guide to learn more about Rhode Island motorcycle registration for new residents AND current residents who recently bought a bike.
If you need to renew your motorcycle registration, head over to our RI registration renewals guide.
New to Rhode Island
Upon establishing Rhode Island residency, you'll have 30 days to register your motorcycle.
If your motorcycle is model year 2001 or newer, you need to have a vehicle identification number (VIN) check completed at a RI police department BEFORE registering your bike. Contact your local police department for details.
To complete the registration process, visit your local DMV office with the following items:
- All the following completed forms:
- Application for Registration and Title Certificate (Form TR-1).
- This must be notarized if you are not able to be present for the registration transaction.
- Sales or Use Tax Exemption Certificate (Form T-333-1).
- Affidavit of Rhode Island Sales and Use Tax Exemption (Form SU-NR-1).
- Application for Registration and Title Certificate (Form TR-1).
- Your motorcycle's title if it's model year 2001 or newer.
- If a lienholder has the title, a copy of the title is sufficient as long as the lienholder's name is listed.
- A power of attorney document if the motorcycle is leased.
- Proof of:
- Identity.
- RI residency.
- Check out the state's list of acceptable documents for help.
- Proof of Rhode Island motorcycle insurance.
- Payment for all applicable motorcycle registration fees.
Additionally, you'll need to complete a safety and emissions inspection within 5 days of receiving your RI motorcycle registration. For details, visit our guide to vehicle inspections.
How to Register a Motorcycle in Rhode Island
The process for registration varies depending on whether you purchased your motorcycle from a dealership OR private seller AND if the bike is leased.
Below are the steps required to register your newly purchased bike with the RI Division of Motor Vehicles.
Motorcycles Purchased at Dealerships
After buying a motorcycle at a Rhode Island dealership, the dealer will usually complete the registration process for you. See below for an idea of the motorcycle registration fees and taxes you'll be required to pay.
If the motorcycle you purchased does not have license plates, the dealership may issue you temporary plates and registration until your permanent documents arrive in the mail. Check with the dealership before leaving to see if any additional action is required on your end.
Motorcycles Purchased Through Private Sellers
If you purchased your motorcycle through a private seller in Rhode Island, you'll need to register the motorcycle yourself by presenting the following items at your local RI DMV:
- A completed:
- Application for Registration and Title Certificate (Form TR-1).
AND - Use Tax Return (Form T-334-2).
- Application for Registration and Title Certificate (Form TR-1).
- The signed-over title, IF the bike is model year 2001 or newer.
- See below for details on leased vehicles.
- A valid safety and emissions inspection sticker.
- If the inspection sticker has expired, you must complete a safety and emissions inspection within 5 days of registering your motorcycle with the DMV.
- New bikes must be inspected within 2 years of their purchase date OR before being driven 24,000 miles, whichever is sooner.
- Proof of RI motorcycle insurance.
- Your Rhode Island motorcycle license.
- A bill of sale.
- All applicable RI motorcycle registration fees and taxes.
Leased Motorcycles
If you're leasing a motorcycle, the following registration documents may be required in addition to those listed above:
- Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO).
- Power of attorney from the leasing company.
- Sales or Use Tax Exemption Certificate (Form T-333-1) with the leasing company listed as the purchaser.
To learn more about the ins and outs of leasing, hop over to our Leasing 101 guide.
RI Motorcycle Registration Fees & Taxes
When you register or renew your motorcycle registration in Rhode Island, you may be required to pay the following fees and taxes:
- Original motorcycle registration: Prorated by date, plus $1.55.
- Duplicate registration: $19.50.
- Motorcycle license plates:
- Regular: $32.50.
- Vanity: $42.50.
- Sales tax: 7% of the motorcycle's purchase price.