How to Transfer a Car Title in Rhode Island?
A certificate of title is a legal document that proves ownership of a vehicle. Whether you're selling a used car in Rhode Island or looking to buy one, transferring a car title is one of the most important steps of the private-party vehicle transaction process.
An essential part of every private car sale is ensuring that car title transfer is legal and correct. Our RI vehicle title transfer guide will give you all the info you need to know about signing over a vehicle title in Rhode Island.
The Process of Transferring a Car Title In Rhode Island
There are two stages to a Rhode Island car title transfer.
1. The two parties (seller and buyer) meet in person. The buyer pays the seller. Both fill out the physical certificate of title, and sign. The buyer is now the legal owner of the car.
2. The buyer finalizes the title transfer process with the Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). At the same time, the buyer registers the car and applies for new license plates.
1. The two parties (seller and buyer) meet in person. The buyer pays the seller. Both fill out the physical certificate of title, and sign. The buyer is now the legal owner of the car.
2. The buyer finalizes the title transfer process with the Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). At the same time, the buyer registers the car and applies for new license plates.
The first step (buyer and seller meeting) is the most crucial. The second step is a necessary formality.
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As the seller, you’ll formalize the entire transaction when you transfer the ownership of the car by signing the title over to the buyer. You’ll remove the license plates and be done with the vehicle.
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As the buyer in a private car sale, you become the legal owner of the car as soon as the seller transfers the title to your name. You’ll finalize with DMV to get title and registration in your name. You’ll also get new Rhode Island license plates and auto insurance.
Crucial Info for Signing a Rhode Island Car Title
When you are signing the title certificate, always keep the following info in mind.
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Only use black or blue ink. Using any other color ink will void the title.
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Always write neatly.
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Only use your legal name.
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Never use white-out.
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Never erase anything.
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Any spelling mistakes void the document.
Front of Title
The front of a Rhode Island title has a section for lienholders. If there is a lien on the title, the lienholder will need to release the lien in the red-colored section shown below
Back of Title
The back of the title has sections for the seller (red), and the buyer (teal). Here is the process for filling out the back of a Rhode Island title.
The buyer enters their info in the rectangle shown in red (full name, and address)
1. In the red rectangle marked “2”, the seller enters the exact odometer disclosure reading, and prints and signs their name.
2. The buyer signs and prints their name in the teal rectangle marked “3”.
The buyer enters their info in the rectangle shown in red (full name, and address)
1. In the red rectangle marked “2”, the seller enters the exact odometer disclosure reading, and prints and signs their name.
2. The buyer signs and prints their name in the teal rectangle marked “3”.
Rhode Island Bill of Sale
In the state of Rhode Island, a bill of sale is not required for transferring the title. A bill of sale is still a good idea, though, as it’s a legal document that acts as a receipt to protect both buyer and seller.
Here are the necessary elements in a bill of sale:
PrivateAuto includes an official Rhode Island bill of sale as part of our standard in-app transaction process. At the appropriate stage in the transaction, the buyer and seller will be prompted to e-sign the Rhode Island bill of sale within the PrivateAuto app.
Here are the necessary elements in a bill of sale:
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Your full name and signature
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The other party’s full name and signature
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Price of the car
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The make, model, and year of the car
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Vehicle Identification Number
PrivateAuto includes an official Rhode Island bill of sale as part of our standard in-app transaction process. At the appropriate stage in the transaction, the buyer and seller will be prompted to e-sign the Rhode Island bill of sale within the PrivateAuto app.
The whole transaction, including the bill of sale, can be compelled in just a few minutes when you meet up for the initial test drive. It is convenient and fast. This way you won't have to keep track of all the paperwork; you will always have the e-bill of sale accessible in your PrivateAuto account.
Finalizing the Title Transfer with the RI DMV
When buying a car from a private seller, the buyer will have to finalize the title transfer at their local RI Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). At the same time, the buyer will register the car in their name and get license plates.
To apply for a vehicle title transfer in Rhode Island, you need:
For those who are not able to transfer the title in person at the local RI DMV office, they can mail the necessary documents to the following address:
Division of Motor Vehicles
600 New London Ave
Cranston, RI 02920
To apply for a vehicle title transfer in Rhode Island, you need:
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The RI title certificate
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Completed bill of sale
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Completed application for title (form TR-2/TR-9)
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Your RI driver’s license or government-issued ID card
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Payment for the Rhode Island vehicle title transfer of $52.50
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Payment for the Rhode Island sales tax of 7%
For those who are not able to transfer the title in person at the local RI DMV office, they can mail the necessary documents to the following address:
Division of Motor Vehicles
600 New London Ave
Cranston, RI 02920
Rhode Island Title Transfer Fees
The following fees are the standard vehicle title transfer fees in Rhode Island:
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Vehicle title transfer fee: $52.50
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Filing fee: $11
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Security interest assignment: $1
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Per lien recordation fee: $2
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Vehicle transfer tax: $10
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Public safety vehicle fee: $3.50
Perform Emissions Testing
In order to complete a title transfer in Rhode Island, you will need to perform emission testing.
Rhode Island Emissions and Smog Check Requirements
In the state of RI, all gas passenger cars weighing less than 8500 lbs must pass emissions testing.
The Rhode Island emissions testing fee is $55.
The Rhode Island emissions testing fee is $55.
Emission Check Exemptions in Rhode Island
If your car falls under one of the following categories, you are exempt from emissions testing:
Failure to comply may result in registration suspension.
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Newly purchased car exempted for its first two years or when the car reaches 24,000 miles
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Fully electric cars
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Cars 25 years or older and registered as an antique
Failure to comply may result in registration suspension.
Rhode Island License Plates
Some states allow the license plates to remain with the car when sold. Unfortunately, Rhode Island requires that the plates be removed from the car. As the buyer, you’ll apply to DMV for new license plates, and pay the $42.50 Rhode Island license plate fee.
Buying or Selling A Car with PrivateAuto
Complete private car transactions easily and legally with PrivateAuto. Our innovative platform connects buyers and sellers and gives them all the tools to complete the deal, from in-app financing to secure messaging to integrated payments.
See how it works today to buy and sell your used Rhode Island car today!
See how it works today to buy and sell your used Rhode Island car today!
Steps for Selling Your Vehicle with PrivateAuto
PrivateAuto makes selling your used car hassle-free. The sales process consists of a few simple steps:
1. Gather the necessary documentation
2. Register on PrivateAuto and get verified
3. List your car
4. Set your terms
5. Go tough incoming offers
6. Choose your favorite buyer
7. Schedule a test drive
8. E-sign documents
9. Get paid instantaneously
10. Transfer title
1. Gather the necessary documentation
2. Register on PrivateAuto and get verified
3. List your car
4. Set your terms
5. Go tough incoming offers
6. Choose your favorite buyer
7. Schedule a test drive
8. E-sign documents
9. Get paid instantaneously
10. Transfer title
Interested in Buying a Used Car in Rhode Island?
If you’re looking to buy a used car, look at our used cars for sale in Rhode Island. Whether you’re looking for a Chevy Silverado, a Toyota Tacoma, or a Tesla Model X, you’re sure to find a great deal on the car of your dreams.
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Rhode Island Title Transfer FAQ
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