Securing a temporary license plate is a mandatory step to legally transport an unregistered vehicle within Rhode Island. If you fail to obtain proper transit authorization before driving, you risk law enforcement citations and the impounding of your vehicle. This guide explains exactly how to acquire a temporary plate, detailing the necessary paperwork, state-mandated fees, and procedural steps required by the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Rhode Island 20-Day Temporary Plate for Dealer Purchases
When you purchase a vehicle from a licensed Rhode Island automobile dealership, the acquisition process is entirely handled for you.
According to Rhode Island DMV regulations, licensed dealers have the authority to issue a 20-day temporary plate directly at the point of sale. You do not need to visit a registry office to obtain this credential. The dealer will print and assign the plate to your vehicle, allowing you to legally operate it while they submit your permanent title and registration paperwork to the state.
RI 5-Day Transit Plate for Out-of-State Vehicles
If you purchase a vehicle from a private seller or bring an out-of-state vehicle into Rhode Island, you cannot get a 20-day plate. Instead, the state issues a strict 5-day temporary transit plate.
The sole purpose of this 5-day plate is to allow you to legally drive the unregistered vehicle to a local municipal police department for a mandatory Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) check. Per Rhode Island state law, any vehicle from the model year 2001 or newer with an out-of-state title must pass this physical inspection before a permanent registration is granted.
How to Apply for a 5-Day Temporary Plate in Rhode Island
The Rhode Island DMV does not issue 5-day temporary plates online or through the mail. You must complete this transaction in person at a DMV branch.
To obtain your temporary plate, follow these exact steps:
- Secure Your Insurance: Purchase active Rhode Island automotive liability coverage that explicitly lists the newly acquired vehicle.
- Gather Your Documents: You must physically present the original out-of-state title (properly signed over to you), a formal bill of sale, and your valid Rhode Island driver’s license or ID. Note: Official DMV policy dictates that temporary plates are only issued to Rhode Island residents.
- Visit the DMV: Bring your paperwork to a local registry branch. To bypass the walk-in queues and process your paperwork efficiently, it is highly recommended that you secure a designated time slot prior to your arrival.
- Pay the Fee: Submit the required $11.50 issuance fee to the DMV clerk (verified via the official RI DMV fee schedule).
Once the clerk processes your paperwork, they will hand you the 5-day temporary plate to affix to the rear of your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. According to the Rhode Island DMV, temporary plates are strictly issued to Rhode Island residents. Out-of-state buyers must obtain a transit plate from their home state’s registry to transport a vehicle purchased in Rhode Island.
No. The 5-day expiration is absolute. If the plate expires before you complete your VIN check and secure your permanent registration, you must have the vehicle towed to the police station. It is illegal to drive it on public roadways.
Not necessarily. If you possess active plates (including custom license plates) from a previously registered vehicle in your name, Rhode Island grants a legal grace period to use those plates on a newly purchased vehicle for a short time. You must carry the bill of sale, the old registration, and proof of active insurance in the vehicle while driving to complete the formal plate transfer.
Conclusion
Proper authorization prevents legal liabilities when transporting an unregistered vehicle in Rhode Island. Whether utilizing a 20-day dealer plate or a 5-day DMV transit credential, securing the correct temporary plate guarantees compliance. Your next logical step is to activate your liability insurance and gather your official documentation before visiting the registry.
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