Rhode Island License Plate Lookup

Much like other states, all vehicles in Rhode Island must be registered with the Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). New residents need to apply for a new title and registration within 30 days of moving to Rhode Island. If you’re planning to buy a car in the state, you’ll need to submit specific documents to the DMV, depending on how you purchased the vehicle. If you bought a car from a dealership, the dealership will typically handle the necessary paperwork for you. However, if they don’t, you’ll need to submit the documents yourself.

Ready, Set, Go!

Rhode Island is home to the country’s oldest auto racing track, the Rhode Island State Fairgrounds Speedway, which opened in 1896. This historic track, located in Cranston, was one of the first places in the United States where organized automobile racing took place, marking an important milestone in the history of American motorsports.

Where to Find Your Rhode Island License Plate Number

Except for motorcycles, trailers, semi-trailers, in-transit vehicles, transporters, bailee vehicles, or dealer vehicles, Rhode Island requires all vehicles to display their plates on the front and rear of the vehicle.

If you aren’t with your vehicle at the moment, you can check the vehicle registration card or any documents related to the vehicle.

How Do I Apply for a Rhode Island License Plate?

Requirements for the registration process include:

• Completed Application of Registration TR-1 form
• Dealer Sales Tax form
• Bill of Sale
• Your driver’s license or identification documents
• Proof of valid insurance (insurance is mandatory in Rhode Island; the insurance provider must also be licensed to do business in the state)

Other documentation that may be required depends on the manner in which you purchased your car. If, for example, you bought it from an out-of-state dealership, you might also have to submit a Rhode Island Use Tax form.

For new residents, you’ll need to have a vehicle inspection done within 5 days of being registered.

There are also registration fees you’ll need to pay as well. More details can be found on the DMV’s website.

What License Plates Are There in Rhode Island?

The standard passenger plate is the Wave plate, although there is also a Sailboat plate available.

Rhode Island used a six-digit, fully numeric format until the plate 399 999; new plates now follow a five character alphanumeric format (AB 123).

Other available plates include:

• Preferred Plates: these are only available by requesting through the Office of the Governor, and are not under the DMV’s purview. They have a specific license plate number format.
• Vanity Plates: these plates can be obtained in either the Wave, Sailboat or Antique (only for antique vehicles) design. You can use a “combination of two to six letters or up to six letters and numbers.” Do note that fees for vanity plates are higher than a standard passenger plate.
• Electric Hybrid plates: These plates are specifically for vehicles “powered in whole or in part by a storage battery.” They are designated as either Electric (E) or Hybrid (X) when registered.
• Charity Plates: these plates are issued for various charitable causes and/or organizations
• Firefighter/Veteran Plates

If you’re swapping your current plates for new ones, you can request a plate change with the DMV. Make sure to fill up their TR-1 form.

Preventing Car Fraud

Look out for possible signs of tampering, especially with its odometer readings. You can also take the vehicle to an independent mechanic to conduct a thorough check of the vehicle’s overall condition. This is a small price to pay for long-term reassurance when you decide to buy a car.

If you suspect the possibility of fraud, you can contact the state Department of Human Services’ Fraud Unit at (401) 574-8175. You can also anonymously complete a fraud allegation form at the following link.