Drivers License Replacement in Rhode Island
It is important to replace lost drivers license in Rhode Island so that you have proper identification and proof of legal driving privileges should you get pulled over by law enforcement. Not having a current Rhode Island copy of drivers license credentials could result in a fine or worse consequences, depending upon your circumstances. The cost of replacement documentation is far cheaper than having to go to court and pay legal fees and court costs.
If you are looking for an answer to the question, “Where can I get a copy of my drivers license in RI?” then you will find the answer, plus many helpful tips, in the sections below. Continue reading to learn how to replace drivers license documents in Rhode Island including which document you will need and the steps you must take to get a new drivers license card.
When is a replacement drivers license required in Rhode Island?
The DMV will replace drivers license cards for drivers who have a stolen or missing card or who have damaged their license to the point that the photograph or text is illegible. The State of Rhode Island takes obtaining a duplicate drivers license seriously, requiring all new drivers to sign an affidavit that applies whenever a license is missing.
Drivers will also need to update their driving records if they change their address or name. To meet the legal requirements of the affidavit and get new credentials as soon as possible, follow the guidelines below and act immediately.
How to Replace Your Drivers License in Person in Rhode Island
A replacement drivers license in Rhode Island is available in person at a DMV branch location. Members of the American Automobile Association (AAA) may also obtain a copy at their local AAA office. At this time, RI does not offer motorists the option of obtaining a drivers license copy online or by mail.
If your license is damaged, stolen, lost or outdated, contact your local branch office of the RI DMV and apply in person during that location’s normal business hours.
You will need to submit an application for replacement driving material. This RI replacement drivers license form is available online or you may obtain it at the DMV. Make sure to complete section pertaining to the affidavit of lost credentials. This affidavit helps prevent fraudulent duplicate documentation and protects legitimate cardholders from being the victim of wrongful replacement.
The affidavit then requires your signature and date. It is important to make sure you have signed this to get copy of drivers license credentials in RI; otherwise, your application will not be approved.
The affidavit states:
“I, the undersigned, declare under penalty of perjury that the Rhode Island license, identification card or permit issued to me was lost, destroyed or stolen. If the Rhode Island license, identification card or permit again comes into my possession, I will immediately return the same to the Division of Motor Vehicles.”
In addition to the application form, to receive a Rhode Island DMV duplicate license, you will need to show two types of supporting documentation. One must be an identity document that shows your legal name and date of birth and the other must be a document that verifies your signature.
The identity documents required can include an original or certified copy of a birth certificate or a U.S. or foreign passport, noting that B1, B2 or expired passports are not accepted.
Other document options to replace drivers license credentials include a U.S. Naturalization Certificate, a U.S. Active Service, Retiree or Reservist Military ID card, or a valid U.S. Territory or Canadian Driver’s License with photograph, signature and date of birth not expired more than one year.
When replacing drivers license in RI, be sure to bring a government-issued marriage certificate if your legal name differs from the name printed on the documents listed above. You will need to complete the name change on your drivers license before the new card will be issued.
Some of these documents may also serve for signature verification purposes, such as the passport, Canadian driver’s license and military ID card. Other options for signature verification when you replace lost drivers license credentials include a signed Social Security Card, a student photo ID or a work ID card. The final step in completing your application is to submit your fee payment.
Rhode Island Drivers License Replacement Fees
The cost to obtain a drivers license replacement in Rhode Island can vary. If you choose to renew driver license credentials, then you cost will be different than a simple replacement since the expiration date will not be the same and the new card will, therefore, be valid for longer.
Acceptable forms of payment include cash, money orders, bank checks, personal checks and credit cards, including American Express, Visa, MasterCard and Discover.
When paying for your duplicate drivers license by check or money order, make documents payable to “Division of Motor Vehicles.” The standard drivers license replacement fee is $26.50.
Related Forms
Note: DMV forms change regularly. The forms provided above are current based on the date of writing.
Sources
- Lost or Damaged Licenses from DMV.RI.gov
- Fee Schedule from DMV.RI.gov