Rhode Island Registration Renewal

You have two registration renewal choices: online and through the mail. See below for details on how to do both,

One cautionary note from the DMV, though: If you owe property taxes, you can't renew your vehicle registration. So, you must pay these taxes in full at your tax assessor's office and have the renewal card stamped before you can renew your registration.

Renew RI Registration Online

You can renew most passenger car registrations online. However, if you lease your car or pay your property taxes in Barrington, Central Falls, Exeter, South Kingstown, or Warren, you can't renew online.

Grab your registration or reminder renewal card - along with your insurance card - before starting the process. When you've secured them, visit the registration renewal page on the DMV site and follow the instructions provided. You must pay your renewal fees with a valid debit or credit card.

You should receive your registration and stickers in the mail within two weeks.

Renew RI Registration by Mail

Before sending your renewal application and check or money order to the DMV for processing, verify that you've filled the form properly. That means including your insurance information.

Then, send everything to:

RI Division of Motor Vehicles
100 Main St.
Pawtucket, RI 02680

If you want to save on postage, you can place your mail-in registration in a DMV office drop-off box. However, you can't renew your registration in person.

Need a mail-in renewal form? You can download one through the DMV site.

Expect to receive your registration and stickers in the mail within two weeks.

RI Car Registration Renewal Fees

Rhode Island bases the registration renewal fees on the weight of the vehicle, so the fees owed will vary. However, your charge should be listed on your renewal reminder card.

RI Smog Check/Emissions Testing

Most vehicles need to pass a safety and emissions/smog inspection every two years. Cars purchased new from dealers don't have to be tested until 24 months or 24,000 miles have been reached, whichever happens first.

If your vehicle fails the testing, its registration could be suspended.

Other Register Car Questions

Call the DMV at (401) 462-4368 to learn more about car registrations.