How to transfer a car title in Rhode Island
For private sellers and buyers in Rhode Island. A dealer trade-in follows the dealer's own process.
To transfer a car title in Rhode Island, the seller signs the back of the title as seller, writes the current mileage, and gives the buyer a signed bill of sale with the price. The buyer brings the title, bill of sale, insurance and last registration to a DMV branch, fills out form TR-1, and pays the 7% sales tax.
What do the buyer and seller each do in Rhode Island?
Seller
- For a 2001 or newer car, sign the back of the title as seller and have the buyer sign as buyer.
- Write the current mileage on the title.
- Give the buyer a bill of sale with the year, make, model, VIN, color and price, signed by you with your address.
- If you lost the title, apply for a duplicate at the Cranston DMV first. It can take up to 90 days.
Buyer
- Keep your own plates. Go to any DMV branch with proof of insurance, the bill of sale, the signed title and the last registration.
- Fill out the TR-1 and the Sales Tax form. You need a title in your name even if you do not register the car.
- Pay the 7% sales tax by the 20th of the month after the sale, even if you do not register the car yet.
- A private sale is taxed on the price or the NADA Clean Retail value, whichever is higher.
- A car from out of state needs a VIN check at your local police department first.
If you're not sure what you need, check with the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles before you go: dmv.ri.gov
How do I sign over a car title in Rhode Island?
Step 1 · Seller
Sign the back of the title.
You sign as seller and write the mileage. This applies to 2001 and newer cars.
Step 2 · Seller
Give the buyer a bill of sale.
With the year, make, model, VIN, color and price, your signature and your address.
The Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles asks for a bill of sale when a car is sold. dmv.ri.gov checked
Rhode Island bill of saleHow do I put a car title in my name in Rhode Island?
Step 1 · Buyer
Bring the papers to a DMV branch.
Proof of insurance, the bill of sale, the signed title and the last registration.
dmv.ri.gov checkedStep 2 · Buyer
Fill out the forms.
The TR-1 and the Sales Tax form.
TR-1 · Application for Registration and Title Certificatedmv.ri.gov checkedStep 3 · Buyer
Pay the sales tax on time.
7% of the price or the book value, whichever is higher, by the 20th of the next month.
dmv.ri.gov checked
After RI DMV processes your papers, it issues the new title in the new owner's name.
Rhode Island guides
- You're reading this guideSell or buy a carSteps to sell a car in Rhode Island · Steps to buy a car in Rhode Island
- Rhode Island bill of saleOfficial form Bill of Sale
- Replace a lost title in Rhode IslandDuplicate title (TR-2/TR-9)
- Car title after a death in Rhode IslandThe steps depend on the estate and who the title names
How much does a title transfer cost in Rhode Island?
| Fee | Amount | Who pays | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title transfer fee | $53.50 | Buyer | dmv.ri.gov Checked |
| Sales tax | 7% | Buyer | dmv.ri.gov Checked |
| Total of required fees, before tax | $53.50 |
Fees can change. Check the official page before you pay. Tax depends on the price and on who is buying. The tax rules are on the site of the Rhode Island Division of Taxation.
Special cases
- Giving a car as a giftNot confirmed yet Gift steps for Rhode Island are being checked.
- Lost titleUse the Application for Title (TR-2/TR-9).
- The owner diedThe steps depend on the estate and who the title names.
Common questions
When is the sales tax due?
By the twentieth of the month after the month of the sale, even if you do not register the car yet.
dmv.ri.gov checked
Is a private sale taxed on the price?
On the price or the NADA Clean Retail value, whichever is higher.
dmv.ri.gov checked
Do both owners have to come in?
Yes, or the owner who cannot come signs the registration application in front of a notary.
dmv.ri.gov checked
Can I keep my plates?
Yes. The buyer keeps their own plates and moves them to the car they bought.
dmv.ri.gov checked
Sources for this page
About this page
This page summarizes official Rhode Island sources in plain English. Car Title Steps is not a government website, is not connected to the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles, and does not file or prepare forms. Confirm each step with the agency before you sign, pay or mail anything. Found a mistake? Email mr@marcelruettgers.com.