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License Plates in Rhode Island

Updated on Thu, 4/28/2011

LOST OR STOLEN LICENSE PLATES

As soon as license plates are lost, stolen or illegible they must be replaced. Stolen or lost plates must also be reported to the local police.

In order to replace your plates you must:

  • Download and complete the Application for Plate Change for regular license plates. If you want vanity license plates download the appropriate form, depending on your choice of plates, lost or damaged plates section of the Rhode Island DMV.
  • Fill in all the information including vehicle, registration and insurance detail.
  • If your existing plates were lost or stolen, attach a copy of the police report. If your existing plates have become damaged or illegible, send them along with the form.
  • A fee of $21.50 will be charged for a new set of license plates, registration, and expiration stickers. Additional fees will be charged for vanity plates.
  • Mail the completed form along with a check for the applicable fees to the following address: 
    Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles
100 Main Street
Pawtucket, RI 02860

CUSTOM AND PERSONALIZED PLATES

Vanity Plates

Vanity Plates can be availed of for private and commercial motor vehicles and motorcycles with a gross registered weight of 9,000 pounds or less. Private motor vehicles can obtain a vanity plate in any unique combination of up to 6 letters and numbers. Commercial vehicles and motorcycles can choose from a unique combination of any 5 letters and numbers. You can reserve your personalized vanity plate online.

Special Interest Plates

Special interest plates such as the Mr. Potato Head plate, Audubon Society plate, or Save the Bay plate can be availed of from the websites of these respective organizations. A portion of the plate fees is donated to your chosen organization.

Antique Plates

A motor vehicle that is more than 25 years is defined as an antique and qualifies for antique license plates. If you intend to use the motor vehicle for everyday use you will have to obtain regular license plates in addition to antique plates. For more information on antique license plates visit the Rhode Island DMV section on antique plates.

Veteran Plates

Veteran plates are available for members of the armed forces. These include Veteran plates, Purple Heart plates, and National Guard plates. Visit the specialty plates section at the Rhode Island DMV website for more information on veteran plates.

FEES

The fees for replacing a license plate or getting new plates vary depending on the type of plate you need. For more information on these fees see the Rhode Island DMV section on vanity plates. You can even select a vanity plate online. Online transactions will attract an additional $5 fee. Veteran and National Guard plates cost $21.50 in addition to registration fees. Purple heart plates are issued free of charge. Antique plates for vehicles more than 25 years old cost $6.50. Note: For more information on special plates and fees for drivers with disabilities visit our section on disabled drivers.

WHAT TO DO WITH PLATES WHEN BUYING/SELLING A VEHICLE

Under Rhode Island Law it is NOT mandatory to retain standard license plates from a vehicle when selling. The plates will remain with the buyer once the ownership of the vehicle has been transferred; however, if the plates are special interest or personalized then there are two options for the seller. One, keep the plates for another vehicle and two, release the plate to the buyer.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION