Government & DMV
DMV, licenses, registrations, and Rhode Island government services.
44 articles
Rhode Island vanity license plate rules 2026
Rhode Island vanity license plates cost $62.50 initially, with a $42.50 annual renewal fee, and can contain 2-7 characters including letters, numbers, and spaces. You can order vanity plates through the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles online at dmv.ri.gov, by mail, or in person at any DMV branch including the Cranston headquarters at 600 New London Avenue. The DMV reviews all requests to ensure they meet content guidelines and aren't already taken, with processing typically taking 4-6 weeks once approved.
How to get a Rhode Island state ID
To get a Rhode Island state ID (non-driver ID), visit a DMV office with proof of identity, your Social Security number, and two proofs of RI residency. A standard 4-year state ID costs $26.50. Rhode Island also offers a free ID to residents who are 65 or older, or who receive SSI or SSDI. The state ID can be issued as a REAL ID (gold star) at no extra cost.
Rhode Island Auto Insurance Laws: What Every Driver Must Know (2026)
Rhode Island requires all drivers to carry liability insurance with minimums of $25,000/$50,000 for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage, plus $25,000/$50,000 uninsured motorist coverage. Driving without insurance can result in fines up to $500, license suspension, and vehicle impoundment. Rhode Island is a tort (fault) state, meaning the at-fault driver's insurance pays for damages.
Rhode Island road test tips and requirements 2026
To take your Rhode Island road test in 2026, you must be at least 18 years old (or 16-17 with completed driver's education and permit requirements), schedule an appointment through the Rhode Island DMV, and bring your valid learner's permit, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. The road test costs $60 and is administered at DMV locations in Cranston, Woonsocket, and other testing sites throughout the state. You'll need to demonstrate basic driving skills including parallel parking, three-point turns, and safe navigation through various traffic scenarios.
TF Green Airport Providence guide 2026: parking, terminals, and tips
T.F. Green Airport (PVD) in Warwick, Rhode Island operates from a single terminal with two concourses serving 4+ million passengers annually. Parking rates range from $3/hour for economy to $28/day for terminal parking. The airport offers direct flights to 30+ destinations, accessible via I-95 Exit 13 or Route 1. RIPTA buses, Amtrak, and the InterLink train station provide public transit connections.
How to get a Rhode Island Real ID 2026
To get a Rhode Island Real ID in 2026, visit any Rhode Island DMV branch with proof of identity (like a valid passport or certified birth certificate), proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of Rhode Island residency. The Real ID costs $51.50 for a new license or $11.50 if you're upgrading an existing license before its expiration date. You can make an appointment online at dmv.ri.gov or walk in, though appointments typically have shorter wait times.
How to transfer an out of state license to Rhode Island
To transfer an out-of-state driver's license to Rhode Island, you must visit a Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) branch in person within 30 days of establishing residency. You'll need to bring your current valid out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of Rhode Island residency, Social Security card or proof of SSN, and pay a $61.50 fee for a standard license. Rhode Island accepts valid licenses from all U.S. states and territories without requiring a written or road test, though you must pass a vision screening.
How to form an LLC in Rhode Island 2026
To form an LLC in Rhode Island, file Articles of Organization with the RI Secretary of State online at business.sos.ri.gov. The filing fee is $150. You'll also need a registered agent with a Rhode Island address, an EIN from the IRS (free), and an Operating Agreement. Most Rhode Island LLCs are approved within 5–7 business days. Annual report fee is $50 due by November 1 each year.
How to Sell a Car in Rhode Island: Title Transfer, Plates, and Paperwork
To sell a car in Rhode Island, sign over the title to the buyer with the odometer reading and sale price, remove your license plates (plates stay with the seller in RI, not the car), give the buyer a bill of sale, and cancel or transfer your registration and insurance. The buyer then has a limited window to register the vehicle and pay sales tax on the purchase price at the RI DMV.
Rhode Island small business licenses guide
Rhode Island small businesses typically need a business registration through the Secretary of State's office, a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, and various state and local licenses depending on their industry and location. Most businesses register online through the RI Business Portal at business.ri.gov, with costs ranging from $50 for a sole proprietorship to $150 for LLC formation. Additional licenses and permits may be required from the Department of Business Regulation, Department of Health, or individual municipalities like Providence, Warwick, or Cranston.
How to change your address on your RI license
To change your address on your Rhode Island driver's license or ID card, you must visit a Rhode Island DMV branch in person within 30 days of moving. Bring your current license, proof of your new Rhode Island address (such as a utility bill or lease agreement), and payment of $21.50 for a replacement license. You cannot change your address online or by mail; the DMV requires an in-person visit to issue a new license with your updated address.
How to file for unemployment in Rhode Island 2026
To file for unemployment in Rhode Island, apply online at ui.ri.gov or call the RI Department of Labor and Training (DLT) at 401-415-6772. You can file 7 days a week, 24 hours a day online. Rhode Island unemployment pays up to 60% of your average weekly wage, with a maximum weekly benefit of $775 in 2026. You must be actively seeking work and certify weekly to continue receiving benefits.