Free Rhode Island License Plate Search

What is a Rhode Island license plate lookup and what are the benefits?

The Rhode Island license plate search and lookup tool provides a convenient and efficient method to access critical information about a Rhode Island car’s history report, model, make, and other relevant details. This type of search is very beneficial for those engaged in the car buying and selling process, as it can detect possible instances of fraud or other concerns that may affect the transaction. Furthermore, in any event of an accident, a Rhode Island license plate search can furnish valuable insights to determine responsibility and ensure swift and proper processing of relevant insurance claims.

The DMV online vehicle record request tool provided by Rhode Island DMV enables individuals to conduct a license plate search for their own vehicle. However, in case someone wishes to gather more information regarding another person’s vehicle, they need to visit a physical RI DMV office. It should be noted that the vehicle search tool offered by the DMV office incurs charges, unlike VinCheckPro’s license plate search tool, which enables users to acquire a completely free vehicle history report. 

VinCheckPro’s free Rhode Island license plate search offers users access to a range of important information about any vehicle registered in the state. Some of the key information that you can obtain through this vehicle search tool includes:

• NMVTIS vehicle history report
• Vehicle specifications
• Accident records
• Manufacturer recalls 
• Junk & Salvage records
• Lien records
• Odometer Readings 
• Total Loss History 
• Sale history, estimated ownership costs, and market value
• 60+ Problem Checks – signs of odometer rollback, theft, and others
• Taxi, Lease, Police Use – past occupation or line of business
• Safety Report – safety reviews by auto experts and consumers

A Rhode Island license plate search is an extremely useful resource for obtaining critical information about a specific vehicle. Whether you’re in the process of purchasing a car, uncovering a possible scam, or managing the consequences of an incident, conducting a Rhode Island license plate search will furnish you with the facts necessary to make informed choices and safeguard your investments.

What is a Rhode Island license plate?

The Rhode Island license plate is a metal rectangular plate that is often securely attached to both the front and rear of any Rhode Island registered vehicle. This plate, customized with a distinctive collection of numbers and letters, serves as the primary identification tool to recognize both the vehicle itself and the rightful owner of the Rhode Island license plate.

There are several types of license plates available in Rhode Island. Here are some of the most common:

1. Standard License Plate – This is the standard license plate issued to all vehicles in Rhode Island. It features a blue background with white lettering and the state’s official seal in the center.
2. Special Organization Plate – This plate features a special design representing a specific organization or cause. It can only be obtained through that organization and is subject to additional fees.
3. Veteran Plate – This plate is available for Rhode Island residents who are veterans of the armed forces. It features a blue background with a white image of the state and a yellow ribbon representing military service.
4. Passenger Vanity Plate – This is a personalized license plate for passenger vehicles. It allows the vehicle owner to choose a combination of letters and numbers to display on the plate, subject to approval by the DMV.
5. Commercial Plate – This plate is issued to commercial vehicles and features a red background with white lettering. It is required for all vehicles used for business purposes.
6. Temporary Plate – This plate is issued to vehicles without a permanent registration or while waiting for a permanent plate to be issued. It is valid for up to 90 days and displays a unique number and expiration date.
7. Antique Plate – This plate is available for vehicles that are at least 25 years old and used primarily for hobby or exhibition purposes. It features a green background with white lettering and is subject to additional requirements and fees.

For more information, the RI DMV can be reached at:

Phone: (401) 462-4368

How do I get a license plate in Rhode Island?

Before acquiring a Rhode Island license plate, you must register your vehicle with the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which requires satisfying all DMV requirements and settling any expenses. Following state laws, you can then affix your Rhode Island license plates to the front and back of your vehicle. If you happen to purchase a pre-owned vehicle in Rhode Island, it may be necessary to transfer the previous owner’s license plates or get new ones from the DMV. 

If you are a recent resident of Rhode Island, it is mandatory to carry out a vehicle title transfer and register your vehicle within 30 days of moving to the state.

In order to obtain a Rhode Island license plate and register your vehicle, the following documents are usually required:

• Completed Rhode Island Registration/Title Application Form
• Rhode Island Driver’s License or ID card
• Bill of Sale 
• Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin OR Certificate of Title
• Copy of Current Insurance Paper
• Proof of Payment for registration fees and any applicable taxes
• Smog or VIN inspection (if applicable)
• RI Use Tax Form (if applicable)

Rhode Island vehicle registration fees are determined by a few factors such as the weight, year of the model, and the use intended. Additionally, certain services or specialized license plates may have additional fees.

After completing all the required paperwork and payment, you may go to your nearby Rhode Island DMV branch to conclude the registration and/or title  and acquire your Rhode Island license plate.

Rhode Island’s law mandates that license plates must be properly fastened and clearly visible on both the front and back of the vehicle, with a visibility range of at least 60 feet in daylight.

If you require additional details on procuring license plates and finalizing vehicle registrations in Rhode Island, please get in touch with:

Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles

600 New London Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920-3024
Phone: (401) 462-4368

Can I transfer my Rhode Island license plate to another vehicle?

To transfer your Rhode Island license plate to another vehicle, make sure that the vehicle is registered with the Rhode Island DMV. Then, follow these steps:

1. Take off the license plate from your old car.
2. Initiate the Rhode Island license plate transfer procedure by going to the nearby RI DMV office.
3. Simultaneously, finalize the registration and/or title procedure for the automobile.
4. Pay any fees associated with the service. The transfer fee may vary, depending on the type of license plate and the vehicle used in the transfer process.
5. Submit proof of valid insurance coverage and other requirements for the vehicle. 

If your Rhode Island license plate pair has expired or suffered damage, it may not be possible to transfer them to your new vehicle, and you may have to obtain a fresh set of RI plates.

How can I find the owner of a license plate in Rhode Island?

In Rhode Island, you can’t typically find the owner of a license plate through publicly available information. Access to such information is restricted to law enforcement and authorized personnel for legitimate purposes. If you have a valid reason to obtain this information, you should contact your local law enforcement agency or the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for assistance. Remember that accessing someone’s personal information without authorization may be illegal and is subject to privacy laws. Always use this information responsibly and within the boundaries of the law.

Can you look up vehicle records and history by VIN in Rhode Island?

Yes, you can look up vehicle records and history by VIN in Rhode Island. VinCheckPro.com offers a VIN check service that provides valuable information about a vehicle’s history, including its accident history, title information, recalls, and more. Additionally, you can access government database options and explore other online providers to obtain comprehensive vehicle history reports using the VIN. This information can be valuable when buying a used car or assessing the history of a vehicle in Rhode Island. Be sure to choose a reputable and reliable service for accurate and up-to-date vehicle history information.