Last Updated on March 22, 2018 by Jason Mason
If you own a motorcycle in Rhode Island, you must register it in order to legally ride it in Rhode Island’s public roads. Motorcycle registration is done with the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
First Time Registration
If you are applying for motorcycle registration for the first time in Rhode Island, you must complete Form TR-1 (Application for Registration and Title). You cannot download this form online; you can only pick a copy from one of the Rhode Island’s eight DMV branch locations.
This application must be signed in the presence of a notary. You can either have it notarized by any local DMV Clerk or initiate the notary by your own. Since the first registration must be done in person, the most convenient way of notarizing the form is by a DMV clerk.
In addition to the application, you will also need to provide the motorcycle’s Bill of Sale and the previous owner’s title or the Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin provided by the dealer.
Once your application is approved, you must pay the registration fees and a 7% sales tax based on your motorcycle purchase price. These fees and taxes can be paid by check or credit card (MasterCard, Visa, or Discover).
You will then be given a new registration certificate and motorcycle license plates. Your motorcycle title will be mailed to your home address.
Your motorcycle registration expires after two years.
Registration Renewal
When your motorcycle registration is about to expire, the DMV will send you a renewal notification through mail. You can then decide to renew your registration through mail, online or at your local DMV office.
You must present this notice when renewing your registration. If this renewal notice is missing for whatever reason, you can request a duplicate copy from DMV. The most convenient way is to call them at (401) 462-4368.
If you choose to renew registration by mail, you have to complete the renewal application form and send it to the listed address. Make sure you send the $26 renewal fee by check. You will receive new registration certificate in your mail within two weeks.
If you choose renewal by internet, the online application form takes minutes to complete. You will then need to pay renewal fee through credit card. You will receive your new registration certificate in your mail within a week.
