Government & DMV
DMV, licenses, registrations, and Rhode Island government services.
43 articles
How to renew your Rhode Island driver's license
Rhode Island driver's licenses can be renewed online, by mail, in person at any Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) branch, or at AAA if you're a member. Standard licenses cost $61.50 to renew for a 5-year period, and you can renew up to 180 days before your expiration date. Most Rhode Island residents are eligible for online renewal at dmv.ri.gov unless they need a REAL ID, have had address changes, or haven't renewed in person in the last two renewal cycles.
How to change your name on a Rhode Island driver's license
To change your name on a Rhode Island driver's license after marriage, divorce, or a court order, visit a DMV office with your current license, a legal name-change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and your Social Security card showing your new name. There is no fee to update your name on an existing license — you just pay the replacement fee of $5. The DMV will issue a new license with your updated name.
How to form an LLC in Rhode Island 2026
To form an LLC in Rhode Island in 2026, you must file Articles of Organization with the Rhode Island Department of State, Business Services Division, which costs $150 and can be done online at business.sos.ri.gov or by mail to 148 W. River Street, Providence, RI 02904. The process typically takes 2-3 business days for online filings and 7-10 business days for mail submissions. You'll also need to file an Annual Report each year (due by the first day of your anniversary month) for $50 to maintain your LLC in good standing.
Rhode Island learner's permit guide 2026
To obtain a learner's permit in Rhode Island in 2026, applicants must be at least 16 years old, pass a written knowledge test at any Rhode Island DMV branch, provide proof of identity and residency, and pay a $40 fee. The permit allows supervised driving with a licensed adult aged 21 or older who has held a license for at least five years, and must be held for at least one year before applying for a full driver's license.
How to get a Rhode Island motorcycle license
To get a Rhode Island motorcycle license, you must pass a written knowledge test, obtain a motorcycle learner's permit, complete a mandatory motorcycle safety course approved by the Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and pass a road skills test at one of the state's DMV branches. The entire process typically takes 2-4 weeks, costs around $72.50 for the permit and license fees plus approximately $275-350 for the required safety course, and requires you to hold a valid Rhode Island driver's license first.
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 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 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.
Rhode Island notary public guide 2026
Rhode Island notaries public are commissioned by the Secretary of State for five-year terms and must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, and either a Rhode Island resident or regularly employed in the state. As of 2026, the application fee is $40, and notaries must complete a state-approved training course, pass an exam, and obtain a $5,000 surety bond before receiving their commission. Rhode Island notaries can perform acknowledgments, jurats, and oaths, and may charge up to $10 per notarial act.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Providence, RI (2026)
Providence has the most expensive car insurance rates in Rhode Island, with full coverage averaging $2,400–$2,900/year due to high population density, vehicle theft rates, and traffic volume. The cheapest options for Providence drivers are USAA (military only), State Farm, Progressive, and Amica. Comparing at least 3 quotes can save $500–$900/year — more than the statewide average — because Providence ZIP codes carry significant rate variation even within the city.
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.