License Renewal in Rhode Island

Renew Your Rhode Island Driver's License

If you plan to drive a vehicle in Rhode Island, you'll need to make sure to renew your driver's license with the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) before it expires.

For information about other type of driver's licenses or permits, please visit our other pages:

Check Your RI Driver's License Status

Is your driver's license valid or suspended in Rhode Island? Find out by ordering your driving record online today.

When to Renew Your RI Driver's License

To maintain your status as a legal driver, you must renew your Rhode Island driver's license every 5 years, or 2 years if you are 75 years old or older.

You should receive a renewal form in the mail before your driver's license expires. If you don't receive a renewal notice, just bring in your expiring driver's license with you when you go to renew.

Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Driver's License

You can still renew your driver's license even if it is lost, stolen, or damaged. If you'd like to get a replacement driver's license, follow the steps on our Replacing a Lost License page.

Expired Driver's License

You won't be charged with a fine for renewing an expired RI driver's license, but you will face a high-priced citation if a police officer catches you driving with it.

You cannot renew a driver's license that has been expired for 5 years or longer. Instead, you must re-apply for a driver's license, which involves re-taking the written and road tests.

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Renew Your Rhode Island Driver's License

You can renew a valid RI driver's license online, if eligible, or in person at your local DMV branch office.

Online

You can renew your driver's license online using the RI DMV License Renewal system as long as:

You'll need:

  • Your renewal notice or current driver's license.
  • A credit card to pay the renewal fee. (See “Fees to Renew Your RI Driver's License" below.)
  • Your billing address.
  • To print your receipt, which will double as your temporary driver's license.

Your renewal should be processed within 60 days and you can expect to receive your driver's license in the mail within 60 days.

NOTE: The online system will ask you about vision examination, voter registration, and organ donation.

In Person

To renew your driver's license in person, visit your local Rhode Island DMV office and bring:

  • A completed Application for License, Identification Card and Permits (Form LI-1).
  • Your expiring driver's license and/or renewal notice.
  • 1 document proving your identity.
    • For a complete list of documents, please see the application form.
  • Your Social Security card for verification purposes.
  • A credit card or check to pay your renewal fee.
    • See “Fees to Renew Your RI Driver's License" below.

You will receive a temporary driver's license to use until your permanent driver's license is mailed to you. If your permanent driver's license does not arrive in the mail within 60 days, call (401) 462-5862 to check the status of your renewal.

Out-of-State RI Residents & Military Members

Notice for Military Members Stationed in Germany

If you are currently stationed in Germany, please be aware that some states require you to have a valid U.S. driver's license in addition to your USAREUR license. Read our article for more information.

If you are currently out of state or out of the country on a temporary basis due to work, school, or active military duty, you can renew your driver's license by mail (or online) if you meet certain requirements.

You'll need the following items:

Follow the instructions for online renewals above, or mail all of the above and a self-addressed and stamped envelope to:

Division of Motor Vehicles  
600 New London Ave
Cranston, RI 02920

Your renewed driver's license will be valid for 2 years. When you return to Rhode Island, visit your local Rhode Island DMV location in person to obtain a new driver's license with your picture.

NOTE: If you have a digital driver's license, your license waiver renewal will have a picture. Otherwise, you will receive a license with the words “Valid Without Photo" in lieu of the picture.

Fees to Renew Your RI Driver's License

You must pay the following fees to renew your driver's license in Rhode Island:

  • Driver's license valid for 5 years: $62.50.
  • Driver's license for those 71 years old and older: Pro-rated.

Accepted Payment Methods

DMV offices in Rhode Island accept the following payment methods:

  • Cash.
  • Personal checks.
  • Money orders.
  • Credit card (American Express, VISA, MasterCard, Discover).

Online transactions must be paid by credit card.

NOTE: If you use a credit card, there's a minimum $1.55 fee per transaction. If the transaction is $65 and more, there is a 2.40% service fee. Checks and money orders should be made payable to the Division of Motor Vehicles.

We recommend you contact your local Rhode Island DMV office for specific details on how to pay your driver's license renewal fees.

Forms

LI-1
Application for License, Identification Card and Permit
Apply for an original, renewal, OR duplicate learner's permit, driver's license, motorcycle license, OR identification card with the Rhode Island DMV.
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