Free Rhode Island VIN Check

What to know when buying used cars in Rhode Island

If you’re considering buying a car, it’s really important to find out about its history first. Doing a Rhode Island VIN check can tell you things like if the car has been in a crash or had other owners. This can help you avoid buying a car that might have problems and make sure you get a good ride.

According to a CBS42 report, Rhode Island has the lowest average price for used cars in the entire USA. If you check a Rhode Island vehicle history report, you might find a great deal and save more money.

Rhode Island Vehicle History: If you want to buy a car in Rhode Island, it’s smart to do a Rhode Island free VIN check. This will give you a report on the car’s history and current status. This will help you decide if you should buy the car or not. You can also learn more about the car by checking with NMVTIS.

A Rhode Island vehicle history report by Rhode Island VIN lookup may show the following details:

• Vehicle specifications – basic features, dimensions, performance, and appearance of a car. 
• Accident history – data on past accidents or damages the vehicle has sustained previously
• Title information – shows whether a car possesses a clean title record or if it was branded as salvage, reconstructed, total loss, or others in the past. 
• Ownership history – details on past ownership and the length of time they legally owned the car as well as the dates and frequency of ownership transfer.
• Mileage history – the distance tracked by the odometer since a vehicle was first driven; it can help identify any manipulation of a vehicle’s mileage.
• Vehicle use – checks if a car has past personal or professional purposes, and whether it has ever served as a rental, taxi, or transport car.
• Manufacturer recalls – displays recall data initiated by the car manufacturer, along with a brief description of a defect and proposed solutions (if there is any). 
• Theft record – shows any status that the vehicle has been marked as stolen or if it is connected to a theft recovery effort. 
• Liens and finance history – shows if a car has outstanding debts or liens that are not yet paid off, or if it has been confiscated for non-payment of loans.
• Others – information on active and expired warranties as well as car insurance policies.

Required Documents: If you want to buy a used car in Rhode Island, make sure you check the title, registration, and bill of sale. This will help you make a good choice and avoid issues later on.

Lemon Law Protections: The Rhode Island Lemon Law applies to cars, trucks, motorcycles, and vans that weigh less than 10,000 pounds and were sold, leased, or replaced by a dealer or manufacturer on or after May 11, 1984. It covers used vehicles, but not motorized campers. If a new vehicle has the same problem four times within a year or 15,000 miles or is out of service for more than thirty days for repairs, it qualifies. If a used vehicle has the same problem three times or is out of service for 15 days during the dealer warranty period, it qualifies.

Rhode Island VIN Check: Safeguard Your Purchase with Vital History

If you want to make sure the car you’re buying is in good condition, you can do a Rhode Island or RI VIN check. This will give you a Rhode Island vehicle history report that shows if the car has been in any accidents, has had problems, or has been stolen. It’s a great way to find a reliable car that meets your needs and gives you peace of mind.

Rhode Island DMV

The Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles helps with processing vehicle registration, title, and license plates in the Rhode Island State. When you buy a new car in Rhode Island, you have one month to get it titled and registered. You’ll need to provide the car’s title, and if you just moved to the state, you’ll need to get a new title and registration within that same 30-day timeframe. 

Here is a short list of Rhode Island DMV services car buyers and owners can avail of:

• Title and registrations for vehicles
• Title/registration transfers
• Replacement/Renewals of titles and registrations
• Issuance of Rhode Island license plates
• Vanity or Personalized License Plate Requests
• Motor Vehicle Records

DMV FAQs

How to register and title a vehicle in Rhode Island?

Here is a general overview of the process in Rhode Island:

1. Obtain insurance: To drive in Rhode Island, you have to get insurance that abides by the state’s regulations.

The minimum insurance coverage required in Rhode Island is as follows:

• Bodily Injury – $25,000/50,000 
• Property Damage Liability – $25,000 
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist – $25,000/50,000

2. Get a vehicle inspection: If you register a vehicle in Rhode Island, it needs to have a valid inspection certificate or pass a safety and emissions inspection within 5 days. If you don’t do this, you might not be able to use your vehicle until you do. This only applies to vehicles that aren’t brand new.
3. Apply for a vehicle title and registration: As a start, an applicant may submit a completed registration/title application form to an authorized Rhode Island DMV office.
4. Pay the fees: Make sure to pay the fees to RI DMV to avoid any problems.
5. Submit the documents: When you go to the Rhode Island DMV, follow their guidelines and give them all the requirements they need to complete your transaction.
6. Get the DMV materials: To receive important papers such as the ownership certificate and registration, you need to give the right documents to the Rhode Island DMV.

In Rhode Island, it is a law (Rhode Island General Laws Section 31-3-18) that all vehicles must have two license plates: one in the front and one in the back. This law does not apply to motorcycles, trailers, farm vehicles, or dealer-owned motor vehicles.

How much does it cost to register and title a vehicle in Rhode Island?

The cost to register and title your vehicle in Rhode Island varies based on its age, type, and location. If you want to know how much it might cost, you can check the regular fees.

Registration: $17.50 + calculations based on weight and age

Title: $52.50

License Plate: $32.50

Car Sales Tax: 7%

For other fees and charges, click here. 

What are the usual requirements when registering or titling a vehicle in Rhode Island?

The standard documentation needed for registering and titling a vehicle in Rhode Island includes:

• Proof of ownership: Bill of sale, past registration, and past title qualify. Provide a bill of sale and/or title with signatures from both parties (buyer and previous owner/seller) if transferring ownership. 
• Proof of identity and/or address: Driver’s license or any government or company-issued ID/paper
• Completed application form(s): Document(s) required for the official Rhode Island DMV recognition of ownership. 
• Insurance: Proof of liability insurance, such as an insurance card, might be required by DMV agents.
• Smog/Safety/Odometer certification: This may be required by an attending agent.

Payment of fees/taxes: Fees and taxes must be settled to complete the process.

Other Resources for Car Drivers/Owners

Motor vehicle review websites can help you gain deeper knowledge about different types of cars. Furthermore, these sites can tell you how well the cars perform, how safe they are, and how much they are in demand. If you’re thinking of buying a car, you can visit sites like Edmunds, Car and Driver, and Motor Trend for expert reviews. 

Vehicle safety rating websites tell you how safe a car is in a crash based on crash test results and how valuable its safety features are. NHTSA and IIHS give you lots of information about car safety.

Vehicle market value websites can help you calculate the value of your car. They take into account your car’s brand, model, age, and mileage to give you an estimate of what it’s worth. Two popular websites for this are  Kelley Blue Book and NADA Guides.

Rhode Island crash report. In 2019, there were 66 crashes that caused 67 deaths in Rhode Island (source: 2019 FARS report), and some of those cars might still be up for sale. So always look at the report before you buy any car in Rhode Island to stay safe.

Rhode Island crime report. According to the 2019 FBI Crime Report, Rhode Island had a lot of car thefts in 2019 – 1,358 to be exact! If you’re buying a used car there, make sure it’s not stolen. You can check its history with a Rhode Island vehicle history report. A Rhode Island car report will tell you everything you need to know to make sure the car is safe to buy.

Rhode Island natural disasters. Rhode Island has experienced a variety of natural disasters like freezing rain, winter storms, and heavy snowfall, which can be dangerous for cars in the area, according to Primal Survivor. There is a real chance that your prospective car might be one of those affected by these natural disasters. 

If you’re planning to buy a car in Rhode Island, it’s wise to check out a Rhode Island car report first through a Rhode Island VIN decoder. This report highlights any issues with the car that you may not be aware of at first. Doing so will help you make a more informed decision and pick a car that suits you better.

Run the Rhode Island VIN Check to generate a full Rhode Island vehicle history report.