Applications for a driver’s license renewal in Rhode Island must be submitted online or in person at a DMV office. Out-of-state applications may be sent by mail. However, additional requirements must be met to qualify. The RI DMV sends reminders to residents prior to the card’s expiration date. These notices may be used to complete a renewal application.

In some cases, expired drivers licenses cannot be renewed online or in person. If you are not eligible for a renewal, you must apply for a new license and take all applicable tests. DMV license renewal fees must be paid in full. The RI DMV accepts most forms of payment.

Eligibility for Drivers License Renewal in Rhode Island

Residents applying for a DMV license renewal must have an up-to-date address on file with the DMV. If your address has changed, you must submit a change of address form to the Cranston location. You cannot submit a renewal application if your name has changed and does not match DMV records.

The correct identification documents must be submitted alongside your application to be eligible for a renewal. Residents with visas applying for a DMV license renewal must bring Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) documents with them.

Instances When You Cannot Renew Your Drivers License in Rhode Island

If you have lost your license, you cannot submit a RI DMV license renewal application unless additional documentation is provided. Renewals cannot be processed if the license has been suspended, revoked or has been expired for more than five years. If you have held an expired drivers license for more than five years, you are required to retake the state’s knowledge exam and road test. Similarly, licenses that have been expired for more than 180 days cannot be renewed online but may be applied for in person.

How early can you renew your drivers license in Rhode Island?

Driver’s license renewals are required every five years. Residents are reminded to renew their licenses by the DMV’s reminder notice in the mail. Applicants older than 72 years of age will need to renew their licenses earlier than expected as senior cards expire on the applicant’s 75 birthday, regardless of when the card is set to expire. After which, the license must be renewed every two years.

Where to Renew Drivers Licenses in Rhode Island

The state of Rhode Island allows residents to renew driver licenses online or in person at a local DMV office. Once a renewal request has been submitted, applicants are given a temporary license. If you have not received your new license in the mail after 45 days of completing a DMV license renewal application, you must contact the DMV at 401-462-5862.

How to Renew Drivers Licenses Online

Eligible applicants may renew their driver’s license online. Applicants must have the following items handy before starting the process.

1. Your driver’s license renewal notice or your current DL.
2. A valid method of payment, such as a VISA, Mastercard, Discover card, Amex or eCheck. A $2.75 transaction fee will be applied to renewals paid for with a credit card.
3. A printer or email address.

Rhode Island’s driver’s license renewal requirements state that all information must be updated with the DMV before an application can be submitted. Once you have met all of the state’s requirements, complete the following steps to renew your license.

1. Log in to the online portal using your license number, last name, date of birth and zip code.
2. Answer all the relevant question on the application.
3. Pay the driver’s license renewal fee.
4. Print the receipt or have a copy emailed to you.

DMV license renewal applications are processed within three business days and your new license will be mailed within 60 days. The receipt and your old driver’s license may be presented to law enforcement officers, if required.

How to Renew My License in Person

Renewals may be performed in person at a DMV office or an AAA branch office. Renewals submitted to a AAA office are only available to branch members. In some cases, you may be restricted to submitting a DMV license renewal in person instead of using the online system. Follow the below steps to apply in person.

1. Complete the driver’s license renewal
2. Provide proof of identity, such as a valid United States passport or birth certificate.
3. Present your valid or expired driver’s license. If your license is lost, you must provide one document showing proof of your signature, such as a Social Security card or valid United States passport.
4. Provide Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS) documents, if applicable.
5. Pay the driver’s license renewal fee.

Military & Out of State Renewal in Rhode Island

Out-of-state residents may submit a DMV license renewal application online if they meet all of the state’s requirements. In addition, residents who are temporarily out-of-state due to work, military service or school, may apply by mail. If you apply by mail, your license will only be valid for two years.

After returning to the state, you must visit the DMV to receive an updated license with your picture. Depending on the type of license you hold, the new license may have a digitalized image used from your previous card or the words Valid Without Photo printed on the front. Follow the below steps to complete a driver’s license renewal by mail.

• Complete the Photo Waiver Renewal form.
• Include a completed and signed eye examination card.
• Include the drivers license renewal fee of $25.50 in the form of a check or money order. Do not send cash in the mail.
• Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
• Mail the above items to the below address.

Division of Motor Vehicles
Attn: License and Registration
600 New London Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920

Rhode Island REAL ID Drivers License Renewal

New REAL ID cards may be purchased when submitting a driver’s license renewal application after December 3, 2018. While residents are not required to hold a REAL ID card, they will be the only form of license accepted on domestic flights after 2020. Additional identification documents must be submitted. REAL ID cards are free when applied for during a standard renewal. However, if you purchase a REAL ID outside of your renewal period, a fee of $26.50 will be applied. The following DMV license renewal documents must be provided when submitting an application.

• Proof of identity, such as a United States passport.
• Proof of Social Security Number, such as your Social Security card.
• Proof of residency in Rhode Island in two forms, such as a bank statement and utility bill.

Rhode Island Drivers License Renewal Fees

Depending on the method you use, driver’s license renewals may be paid for using cash, checks, money orders, bank checks and credit cards. All checks must be made payable to the Division of Motor Vehicles. Additional technology surcharges and transaction fee may apply. See below for a list DMV licensing fees.

• Driver’s License (18 years of age and older) $38.50
• Driver’s License Renewal (Five years) $61.50
• Driver’s License Renewal (71 years of age and older) Prorated
• Road Test $26.50
• Update License $26.50
• Duplicate License $26.50

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