Rhode Island Title Transfer Guide (2026)
| Titling agency | Rhode Island DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 10 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 7% · Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| VIN inspection (out-of-state) | Required · |
| Lien release form | BAR-MV-013 |
Rhode Island title transfer in 8 steps
- 1Gather documents — original title (or duplicate if lost), valid government ID, current registration, lien release (BAR-MV-013) if applicable, and odometer disclosure for vehicles under 20 years old.
- 2Complete the bill of sale — record buyer + seller full legal names and addresses, vehicle VIN, year, make, model, odometer reading, sale price, and sale date.
- 3Sign the title — seller endorses the title assignment section on the back, fills in buyer info, odometer reading, and sale date. Rhode Island requires odometer disclosure for vehicles under 15 years old.
- 4Complete VIN inspection — Rhode Island requires VIN inspection for out-of-state vehicles. Schedule with Rhode Island DMV or a licensed inspector.
- 5Buyer files at Rhode Island DMV — within 10 days of the sale, the buyer brings the signed title, bill of sale, and ID to Rhode Island DMV.
- 6Pay tax and fees — 7% sales/use tax on the sale price plus any local surtax, plus the title fee ($15-$50).
- 7Receive new title — Rhode Island DMV issues a new title in the buyer's name (typically by mail within 2-4 weeks).
- 8Seller files release of liability — to remove future ticket/toll responsibility from the seller's record, file a notice of transfer with Rhode Island DMV the same day as the sale.
Rhode Island lien release procedure
- Obtain Form BAR-MV-013 from the Rhode Island DMV or the lienholder.
- Lienholder completes and signs BAR-MV-013 releasing the lien.
- Submit BAR-MV-013 with the existing title and title application at a RI DMV office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean Rhode Island title.
Inherited vehicle title transfer
Rhode Island estate transfers require either a small-estate affidavit (for estates below the state threshold, typically $50,000-$150,000) or letters of administration from probate court. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title to Rhode Island DMV.
Need a Rhode Island bill of sale to complete the transfer?
Compliant with Rhode Island DMV requirements. From $9 — instant DMV-ready PDF, no signup.
Create Rhode Island Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Rhode Island
How long do I have to transfer a car title in Rhode Island?▾
Rhode Island requires the buyer to file the title transfer within 10 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline triggers late penalties (typically $25-$50) and accrued use tax.
What does a Rhode Island title transfer cost?▾
Rhode Island charges 7% state sales/use tax on the transfer price plus any local surtax. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases The title fee itself is typically $15-$50 depending on vehicle class.
Do I need a bill of sale to transfer a title in Rhode Island?▾
Yes — Rhode Island requires a written bill of sale documenting the buyer, seller, vehicle (VIN, year, make, model), odometer reading, and sale price. Rhode Island DMV uses the bill of sale to calculate sales tax and confirm transfer terms.
What if there's a lien on the title in Rhode Island?▾
In Rhode Island, the lender must complete BAR-MV-013 confirming lien satisfaction before title transfer. Some lenders provide an electronic release directly to Rhode Island DMV. The buyer cannot register the vehicle until the lien is cleared.
How do I transfer a title for an inherited vehicle in Rhode Island?▾
Rhode Island inherited-vehicle transfers require either a small-estate affidavit or letters of administration depending on estate value. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title (or duplicate) to Rhode Island DMV, along with a bill of sale for any sale to a third party.
Source: Rhode Island DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07