How to Order Your Rhode Island Vanity Plate
The Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles offers three convenient methods for ordering vanity plates. The fastest option is online through the DMV's website at dmv.ri.gov, where you can check availability and submit your application 24/7. You'll need your current vehicle registration information and a valid credit card for payment.
For in-person applications, visit any Rhode Island DMV branch, including the main office at 600 New London Avenue in Cranston, the Middletown branch at 1415 West Main Road, the Woonsocket office at 201 Social Street, or the Wakefield branch at 259 New London Turnpike. Branch hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, though it's advisable to check current hours before visiting as they occasionally change.
Mail applications require downloading Form TR-6 from the DMV website and sending it with a check or money order payable to "Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles" to: RI DMV, License Plate Unit, 600 New London Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920.
Character Rules and Restrictions
Rhode Island vanity plates must contain between 2 and 7 characters. You can use any combination of letters (A-Z) and numbers (0-9), and spaces count as characters. The DMV doesn't allow special characters like punctuation marks, hyphens, or symbols except for spaces.
The state prohibits vanity plate combinations that are offensive, vulgar, or could be considered inappropriate. This includes profanity, sexual references, drug references, and anything the DMV deems contrary to public decency. They also reject combinations that might impersonate law enforcement or emergency vehicles. Additionally, you cannot request a combination that's already assigned to another Rhode Island vehicle or that closely resembles existing standard-issue plate formats to avoid confusion.
Popular Rhode Island-themed vanity plates often reference local landmarks (like "NEWPRT" or "BLOKISL"), sports teams, nautical themes fitting the Ocean State's identity, or expressions in the distinctive Rhode Island accent and vocabulary.
Costs and Renewal Requirements
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The initial fee for a Rhode Island vanity plate is $62.50, which includes the one-time plate manufacturing cost and the first year's fee. Annual renewals cost $42.50 and must be paid each year when you renew your vehicle registration. These fees are in addition to your standard registration fees.
If you decide you no longer want your vanity plate, you must return it to the DMV and can switch back to a standard Rhode Island plate. However, the vanity plate fees are non-refundable. Once you surrender a vanity plate combination, it becomes available for others to request after a brief holding period.
Processing Time and Receiving Your Plates
After the DMV approves your vanity plate application, manufacturing and delivery typically takes 4-6 weeks. During busy periods, particularly spring and early summer when many Rhode Islanders purchase new vehicles or make changes, processing may take slightly longer.
The DMV will mail your new vanity plates to the address on your vehicle registration. If you've moved recently, update your address with the DMV before ordering to ensure proper delivery. You'll receive two plates for most standard vehicles. Once they arrive, you must display them within 10 days, removing your old plates and properly mounting the new ones with the registration sticker in the designated area.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't submit payment before checking availability online—many applicants waste time and money requesting plates already taken. The online availability checker at dmv.ri.gov is updated regularly and will save you frustration.
Avoid requesting combinations that are "close enough" to prohibited content, thinking you'll slip past reviewers. DMV staff review every application carefully, and rejections delay the entire process. You won't receive a refund for rejected applications, though you can typically submit a revised request.
Don't forget that vanity plates require annual renewal beyond just your registration renewal. Some Rhode Island drivers miss this additional fee and face penalties or plate cancellation.
Ensure your combination is visible and readable. While creative spacing can make phrases work, if the DMV determines your configuration could cause confusion or isn't clearly readable, they may reject it.
FAQ
Can I transfer my vanity plate if I sell my car and buy a new one?
Yes, Rhode Island allows you to transfer vanity plates between vehicles you own. Visit any DMV branch with both vehicle registrations, or complete the transfer when registering your new vehicle. There's typically no additional fee beyond standard registration transfer costs.
What happens if someone complains about my existing vanity plate?
The DMV can recall any vanity plate if they receive complaints and determine upon review that it violates their content standards. You'd be required to return the plates and would receive standard-issue replacements, but fees are not refunded.
Can I reserve a vanity plate combination before I'm ready to use it?
No, Rhode Island doesn't offer a reservation system. Vanity plates must be assigned to a currently registered vehicle. The combination you want must be available at the time you submit your application and payment for an active vehicle registration.