For Rhode Island drivers whose registration sticker is not received after completing the registration renewal process or with the rest of their registration documents, getting a new car decal by renewal or replacement is an obligation. While a DMV sticker not being received could be due to several causes, it often indicates an issue with the driver’s registration application or account information at the RI Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The DMV oversees all documentation services for vehicles and drivers throughout the state.

To resolve the problem of a license plate sticker not received in Rhode Island, vehicle owners can order a renewed registration packet if his or her vehicle’s expiration date is coming up. Alternately, he or she may simply renew their registration to receive a renewed registration card and decal for Rhode Island license plates. If the decal is the only thing missing, RI drivers can simply request a duplicate set of car decals from their nearest DMV location. Keep reading for more details about how to replace your missing car registration decal in the state of Rhode Island.

Common Reasons for a Registration Sticker Not Being Received in Rhode Island

Before a driver can figure out where to get a registration sticker replacement, he or she must identify the cause for not receiving the decal in the first place. For drivers who recently submitted an application for the initial titling and registration process or renewed registration, there could have been a problem with the processing of the application. Sometimes, drivers forget to include all required documents or sign all necessary pages, resulting in a delay or even cancellation of a driver’s registration and decal request.

In other cases, Rhode Island drivers who try to replace a sticker online through registration renewal may have incorrectly entered their address or other identifying information that has caused their registration documents and decal to get lost in the mail. Similarly, a DMV registration sticker not received in Rhode Island could be due to a mistake with the driver’s local post office, especially if he or she recently moved and put in a forwarding address for future mail. Some unlucky drivers lose or destroy their car decals and must order a replacement for this reason.

Can I legally drive if my Rhode Island registration sticker was not received?

Regardless of whether a driver submits a request for a renewal or replacement registration sticker online or by paper, he or she cannot legally operate a motor vehicle without these required registration documents. In Rhode Island, the DMV registration sticker is required to be placed on the vehicle’s license plate in clear and plain view. New residents to the state of Rhode Island have 30 days to update their car registration and plates before facing penalties.

Additional Consequences of a Car Sticker Not Received in Rhode Island

When a decal for vehicle registration is not received in Rhode Island, the vehicle owner is required by law to renew or replace his or her car decals and missing registration card (if applicable). Drivers operating a motor vehicle in RI can face penalties for not having the correct registration documents or not displaying these documents correctly, if pulled over by the police for any reason.

Steps to Take If Your Rhode Island DMV Sticker Was Not Received

The procedures to receive a DMV sticker replacement in Rhode Island vary according to the driver’s situation and needs. RI drivers who have chosen to receive a new decal through registration and license plate renewal can submit an application online or by paper. To successfully submit an online application, RI drivers should gather the following information:

  • Valid vehicle registration card or recent renewal notice
  • Valid vehicle insurance card or other proof of insurance
  • Payment by a major credit card

Vehicle owners in Rhode Island who would like to order a complete set of replacement or renewal DMV registration stickers and documents by mail can do so. RI drivers in this situation will be required to provide the following documents:

  • Valid RI driver’s license or ID card
  • Completed registration application form
  • Proof of valid auto insurance
  • License plate number
  • Proof of Ownership via original title or previous registration (only for registration renewals)

RI drivers who choose to only receive new car tag stickers must visit their nearest DMV in person to pick up new decals. These drivers can simply bring their current vehicle registration card to a nearby DMV or AAA location to receive replacement decals without charge.

Where to Get Registration Sticker Replacements in Rhode Island

Once the driver with the registration sticker not received has gathered all of the abovementioned documents for registration replacement or renewal, he or she can submit the complete application packet to the RI DMV. Car plate sticker renewal registration applications are accepted online, by mail and in-person at both DMV locations and AAA offices (for members) throughout the state.

Get Online Assistance to Replace Your Registration Stickers

Residents can complete the vehicle registration replacement process in-person or by mail. Free replacement of missing car stickers, however, only occurs in-person at DMV and AAA locations. The RI DMV welcomes questions about new, replacement and renewal registration applications along with questions about missing car decals by phone and in-person at a local DMV office.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.