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LicensePlates Rhode Island

Rhode Island Temporary License Plate

What Is a Temporary License Plate in Rhode Island?

A temporary registration license plate in Rhode Island, according to R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-17.3, allows short-term road use while the buyer completes permanent registration. The license plate fills the gap for dealer purchases, private sales, and title transfers from other states to Rhode Island.

Licensed new and used car dealers issue temporary license plates at the point of sale. The Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles issues them at branches for private sales and title transfers. Rhode Island does not issue temporary license plates to non-residents.

The license plate is a printed paper tag placed on the rear of the vehicle.

What Types of Temporary License Plates Are There in Rhode Island?

Class Official Name Trigger Issuing Authority
Dealer Sale Dealer-Issued Temporary Registration Plate Purchase of a vehicle from a licensed dealer Rhode Island Licensed Dealer
Private Sale / Transfer DMV-Issued Temporary Registration Plate Private sale or title transfer from another state DMV Branch
Bailee Bailee Plate Use in garage, repair, or repossession Division of Motor Vehicles
Transit Transit Plate Special mobile equipment Division of Motor Vehicles

There is no published procedure for extending or reissuing temporary registration plates issued by dealers or the DMV, according to 280 RICR 30-10-7.

When Is a Temporary License Plate Required in Rhode Island?

  • A licensed dealer must attach a dealer-issued temporary registration plate at the point of sale before the buyer drives the vehicle.
  • A Rhode Island resident purchasing a vehicle through a private sale requires a DMV-issued temporary registration plate to legally operate it.
  • A new Rhode Island resident transferring a title from another state must obtain a temporary registration plate at a DMV branch.
  • Garages and repossession businesses use bailee plates to move customer vehicles or repossessed vehicles according to § 31-3-14.

How to Get a Temporary License Plate in Rhode Island?

  1. When purchasing from a dealer, the dealer issues a temporary registration plate upon delivery via the dealer’s online portal.
  2. For a private sale or title transfer, gather the signed title, bill of sale, valid Rhode Island insurance, and Rhode Island license or ID.
  3. Visit any DMV branch in Cranston, Woonsocket, Middletown, or Wakefield.
  4. Pay the fee outlined in the next section.
  5. Receive the printed paper plate at the counter and attach it to the rear of the vehicle.

Only vehicles model year 2001 or newer are eligible for DMV-issued temporary registration plates.

How Much Does a Temporary License Plate Cost in Rhode Island?

Class Fee Automation / Add-on Who Pays
Dealer-Issued Temporary Plate $26.50 per plate None Buyer (via dealer)
DMV-Issued Temporary Plate $13.50 Includes $3.50 technology fee Buyer
Bailee Plate Set by DMV schedule None Business applicant
Transit Plate Set by DMV schedule None Business applicant

The dealer portal fee of $26.50 covers issuance through the Temporary Plate On Demand system, as currently published by the Rhode Island DMV. DMV branch fees reflect the registration and title fee schedule.

How to Get a Temporary License Plate Online in Rhode Island?

No. Individual consumers cannot purchase temporary registration plates online.

The Temporary Plate On Demand portal on ri.gov is restricted to licensed Rhode Island dealers and approved out-of-state dealers selling to Rhode Island residents. Dealers log in through the RI.gov subscription system.

The in-person route goes through any of the four DMV branches. For dealer purchases, the dealer handles issuance upon delivery.

Purchasing from a licensed Rhode Island dealer is the simplest route, as the dealer prints the plate on-site during the sale.

How Long Can I Run a Temporary License Plate in Rhode Island?

Class Validity Mileage or Geographic Cap Extension
Dealer-Issued Temporary Plate 20 days from the date of sale Statewide None
DMV-Issued Temporary Plate 5 days from the date of issuance Statewide None
Bailee Plate Annually (registration period) Business use only Annual renewal
Transit Plate Annually (registration period) Special mobile equipment only Annual renewal

Operating a vehicle after the expiration of a temporary plate or without any registration is a civil violation according to R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-1.

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