Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I obtain a duplicate car title?
Residents who have stolen, damaged or lost car titles in Rhode Island must apply for a car title copy with the Rhode Island DMV. The documents needed to replace a lost car title or stolen vehicle title in RI include:
  • A completed Application for Title
  • Proof of identity
  • Proof of residency
  • Car title replacement fee of $51.50

You can submit the request in person at your local RI DMV or send it by mail to the following address:

Division of Motor VehiclesResearch/Title Office600 New London Ave.Cranston, RI 02920

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in New Jersey

How do I obtain a salvaged car title?
Vehicles that have been pronounced a total loss by an insurance company need to get a salvaged car title. To obtain a title transfer for a vehicle, which is deemed salvaged, you must get ready with a large set of documents which prove various facts in regards to the vehicle salvaged condition and schedule an appointment.
  • First, mail completed Salvage Inspection Application and attach:
    • Copies of receipts for replaced parts and labor with VIN.
    • Check or money order for $56.50 payable to DMV.
    • Copy of the salvage car title.
    • Certificate of salvage repair by a licensed salvage re-builder.
  • Second, schedule a salvage inspection appointment and present:
    • Original receipts for replaced parts and labor with VIN.
    • Drivers license or ID card.
    • Insurance appraisal report.
    • Repair work order.
    • Properly assigned salvage car title.
    • Vehicle must be completely restored.
    • Photos of vehicles before repair.
    • Bill of Sale.

More information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Rhode Island

How do I transfer my car title between states?
Transfer of title in Rhode Island and another state can be done if you prepare the documents and observe requirements from the checklist below:

You must make sure that you do the title transfer within 30 days from your arrival in the state and that you put the vehicle in inspection within five days. It is advisable that you check the requirements made by the other state before you enter the process to observe both legislations.

More information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Rhode Island

How do I transfer my car title if I lost the original?
Before you go ahead to transfer car title, you will first need to obtain a new one following the regulations and the procedure pertaining to obtaining a first title. If you are not the owner, you may need to get in touch with the original owner so that they assist you on this.

In addition, it is a good idea to report your lost car title at the police as you may want to avoid misuse of vehicle ownership.

Make sure to contact DMV in Cranston in advance to be able to efficiently carry on with the transfer of title procedure.

More information:Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Rhode Island

How do I transfer my car title?
Car title transfer is an intricate procedure that needs to be completed whenever you want to get a document, which serves you as a proof of ownership. It does not matter if the vehicle that requires transfer of title has been purchased, inherited, gifted or if it does not need to be registered just at the moment.

Transferring car title in Rhode Island will expect that you:

  • Mail or submit the application for title transfer in person.
  • Prepare supporting documentation.
  • Pay appropriate fees.

Supporting documentation depends on the reason behind the concrete title transfer. Note that title transfer in Rhode Island is mandatory only for vehicles manufactured in 2000 or later.

If you decide to use the mail option you can send the application to the main DMV Cranston office at:

Division of Motor Vehicles

600 New London Avenue

Cranston, RI 02920

More information: How To: Deal with your Vehicle Registration and Titling Issues

How do I transfer the title of my RV?
If you wonder how and where to transfer car title of your RV or trailer the best place to look is at DMV locations as there are requirements that refer to various trailer categories. Usually, the requirements for title transfer of purchased trailers include submitting the following documents:
  • Bill of sale
  • Proof of ownership
  • Copy of the registration application
  • Sales and Use Tax form
  • Valid car insurance
  • $51.50 title transfer fee

More information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Rhode Island

If a family member dies and leaves his or her car to me, how do I switch over the title?
Transferring car title in Rhode Island for family members depends on the relation you have with the old car title owner. Various rules apply to various relatives, including:
  • Surviving spouses:
    • Complete and sign the Application for Title/TR-2/TR-9
    • Tax exemption certificate
    • No fee is required
    • For vehicles made 2001 or newer, a car title in the name of the deceased person
    • For vehicles made 2001 or newer with a loan/lien, the original car title
    • Permission letter from the bank to remove or add the new owner
    • Car registration in the name of the deceased person
    • Original death certificate
    • Current mileage reading
  • Other family members fall under four categories:
    • Death with appointment as administrator or executor
    • Next of kin or adult children: no surviving spouse and no executor
    • Parents of the deceased: no surviving spouse or executor
    • No survivors and no executor

A title transfer for all four categories will need to have the following submitted to DMV Cranston:

Fees may vary so you are encouraged to locate a DMV and check the most recent applicable fees and procedures.

More information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Rhode Island

What are some reasons that may require me to transfer my car title?
Some of the most common reasons that may take you to engage into transfer of title include:
  • Purchasing a car
  • Inheritance from a family member
  • Gift or donation of vehicle
  • Moving into the state

If you want to know more on how to proceed with each one of these situations locate a DMV office in Rhode Island and ask for relevant information.

More information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Rhode Island

What documents do I need to transfer my car title?
If you want to know how to transfer car title and what documents you will need to provide in support make sure that you first learn if the vehicle has been manufactured before or after 2000.

As the documents and fees that need to be submitted with the application also vary due to the origin of the title transfer, it is best if you check the document list at DMV offices. Moreover, Rhode Island DMV is a form-friendly office and issues many prearranged forms and will be able to provide optimal advice on the transfer of interest.

More information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Rhode Island

What is the process to get a title for a scooter or motorcycle?
It is an official requirement in Rhode Island to register all motorcycles and scooters. Therefore, when you want to transfer title you will need to pay attention to follow the usual preconditions stipulated for motor vehicles.

For additional information on relevant state requirements for transferring car title on motorbikes you may want to get in touch with the Enforcement Section of DMV located in the main office in Cranston.

More information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Rhode Island

When should I complete a Bill of Sale?
Bill of Sale is the mandatory document that needs to be completed whenever the transfer of title is done for the reasons of car purchasing and if it is done interstate.

Both parties of the sale need to sign it, and the further title transfer procedure is the responsibility of the buyer.

More information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Rhode Island