How to Renew Car Registration in Rhode Island

To apply for a car registration renewal in Rhode Island, you may submit your request online, by mail or at a local Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) drop box location. If you pay for an American Automobile Association (AAA) membership, you can also choose to renew your credentials at an AAA branch office. 

However, you cannot apply for DMV registration renewal in person at a local office of the Division of Motor Vehicles, as walk-in requests are not accepted. 

To explore the steps you must take to renew your registration credentials before they expire, review the information below. 

Performing a Car Registration Check in Rhode Island

Typically, you will receive a license plate renewal notice from the Rhode Island DMV before your vehicle’s registration credentials expire. This reminder card provides you with specific instructions on how to renew your tags, as well as any additional requirements you must meet. 

If you do not receive this notice, you must contact your local tax collector’s office to check the status of your vehicle’s registration credentials. For instance, if you owe property taxes on your registered vehicle, you may not receive a renewal notice from the DMV.

When performing a car reg check through your tax collector’s office, you will find out whether you need to settle any unpaid property taxes prior to renewing your license plates with the Rhode Island DMV. 

Download our free guide to learn more about the possible requirements you must meet to renew your registration. 

Applying for Tag Renewal in Rhode Island

To apply for DMV car registration renewal in RI before your vehicle’s license plates expire, you can submit your request in one of three ways: online, by mail or in person at a local drop box location or AAA office. Learn more about these application methods in the sections below. 

In Person

When renewing your RI car registration in person, you must visit a local AAA office or DMV drop box location to submit a completed application or the official renewal notice you received from the division. 

By Mail

To renew your registration credentials by mail, forward your completed renewal notice or application to the DMV’s renewal office in Cranston. 

How to Renew Online

One of the quickest ways to renew registration online in RI is by accessing the DMV’s online renewal portal. To start, you must input your name and address as it appears on your current registration credential. 

Then, you will enter your vehicle details, along with other pertinent information, and pay the applicable fee.

Before renewing your registration credentials online, you may want to verify that your license plate type is eligible for an online renewal. Download our free guide for tips on how to check vehicle registration status online, review the DMV’s Table of Plate Types, as this will help you to determine if you qualify.

If you cannot renew your license plates online, you must submit your application materials by mail or in person at an AAA office or DMV drop box location.  

Download our free guide for more tips on obtaining your registration renewal.