What’s in our Rhode Island license plate search data?

Our Rhode Island license plate search tool draws from a robust database of public records that we source from the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicle (DMV), NMVTIS, NHTSA and other third-party data sources like J.D. Power. Interested in learning more about a vehicle you spotted while commuting through Providence? Or perhaps you’re curious about a vehicle you saw while taking in the history of the Marble House. Even if you’re just hoping to sell your Newport cruiser, our license plate search for RI could provide you with the vital information you may need, potentially including vehicle specs, open recalls and title changes .

What data can you find with our Rhode Island license plate search?

When you utilize our license plate search for RI, you’re getting access to an extensive database filled with a wealth of vehicle data. Our robust vehicle reports could potentially include: Liens on the vehicle Manufacturer recalls Accident history Equipment and trim specifications Estimated ownership costs Salvage and other branded titles Sales history Market value Number of Owners When you’re armed with intricate detail such as this, you can easily manage your vehicles, whether you’re looking for a new vehicle, selling your old Rhode Island ride , or trying to cut down on the ownership costs of your current vehicle.

How can our RI license plate reports help you?

There’s no need to get lost in the doldrums of vehicle ownership when you leverage our license plate searches for RI. Our detailed vehicle reports could provide you with the info you may need, no matter what your vehicular plan of action might be! If you’re on the lookout for a new vehicle in Rhode Island, our extensive vehicle reports could reveal issues such as damage from flooding or the hurricanes that occasionally swoop in on Rhode Island’s hundreds of miles of beautiful coastline. Our license plate search for RI could also reveal trouble with branded titles , liens and Rhode Island’s lemon laws. Our license plate search for RI can be equally helpful for vehicle sellers. If you want a quick sale but aren’t sure how to set a fair asking price, start your research with us. Just enter your Rhode Island vehicle’s license plate number and we could help you estimate its market value in Rhode Island. This could help you set a competitive asking price so you can sell your vehicle fast. And if you’re having a hard time choosing between a couple of options, we can help you compare them side by side .

Do you need front and rear license plates in Rhode Island?

Yes, your vehicle needs both front and rear license plates in Rhode Island, although there may be some exceptions for motorcycles, trailers, farm vehicles, or authorized vehicle dealers. Seeing a vehicle without a front license plate? We offer license plate searches for every state in the U.S., including neighboring states like Connecticut , Massachussetts , New York , New Jersey , New Hampshire , Pennsylvania , Vermont , and elsewhere throughout New England!

How many vehicles are registered in Rhode Island?

According to the Federal Highway Administration, there are over 867,000 vehicles registered in Rhode Island , including coupes, sedans, buses, and motorcycles, as well as medium and heavy duty trucks—all with a RI license plate. Interestingly, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, approximately 89% of Rhode Island households own a vehicle. Clearly, Rhode Islanders rely pretty heavily on personal vehicles. That said, electric vehicle ownership has been relatively slow to take off in the Ocean State. Per the U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center, there are less than 3,000 electric vehicles registered in Rhode Island. Whether it’s an electric vehicle, a hybrid, or gas-powered ride you’re interested in learning more about, we can help you when you’re digging for detailed info about a Rhode Island vehicle with our license plate search for RI. And if you already have a vehicle’s identification number, or VIN, we can help you run a VIN lookup for a deep dive on a Rhode Island vehicle’s unique history!

Rhode Island License Plate Lookup

Want to learn more about a vehicle in the Ocean State? Punch in a Rhode Island vehicle’s license plate number and start your search today!

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Want to learn more about a vehicle in the Ocean State? Punch in a Rhode Island vehicle’s license plate number and start your search today!

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Performing a license plate lookup in Rhode Island
What you could potentially find in a lookup
Types of license plates in Rhode Island
Renewal and registration requirements
Checking your vehicle registration status
Costs associated with license plates and registration

License plate lookups can be beneficial for Rhode Islanders in various scenarios. One of the primary reasons people perform these lookups is when they’re buying a used car. Access to a vehicle’s history report through its license plate may reveal critical information such as salvage status, theft or accident records*, and recalls. This level of transparency could help inform potential buyers’ research before finalizing their purchase. For instance, running a license plate lookup may help you avoid buying a vehicle with hidden damage.

Legal compliance is another key area where license plate lookups can prove useful. These lookups can uncover unresolved legal issues such as outstanding fines, liens, or even reports of stolen vehicles. Such information can be valuable for current and prospective vehicle owners who might not be aware of ongoing legal complications associated with their vehicles. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent legal headaches and aid in smoother transactions in the future.

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Performing a license plate lookup in Rhode Island

Step-by-step guide:

Visit Bumper.com: Go to Bumper’s License Plate Lookup page.
Enter license plate number: Input the license plate number of the vehicle you want to look up. Bumper will use this information to try to retrieve relevant data.
Search results: Bumper could provide you with information related to the vehicle, including accident history*, salvage titles, manufacturer recalls, estimated market value, and more.
Explore details: Review the details provided in the search results.

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What you could potentially find in a lookup

A Rhode Island license plate lookup can provide details about a vehicle’s history. This lookup can reveal important information, including past number of owners, recall history, accident history*, and repair quotes data. Such details can help potential buyers research the vehicle’s potential reliability.

Another important factor that could be revealed through license plate searches is liens on the vehicle. Liens indicate that there is a legal claim on the vehicle, usually by a financial institution or a repair shop, due to unpaid debts. This can complicate the purchasing process, as the lien must be settled before the vehicle can be legally sold or transferred. Buyers can use the vehicle history reports provided to try and check for such liens.

Stolen vehicle reports can also surface during a license plate search. If a vehicle has been reported stolen, it’s crucial for current owners to address the situation immediately to avoid legal repercussions. Knowing the status of the vehicle can save potential buyers from unwittingly purchasing a stolen vehicle.

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Types of license plates in Rhode Island

Standard plates

Since 2023, the standard license plate in Rhode Island has featured a light blue background with a five-wave design, featuring a navy blue anchor in the top left corner. “Rhode Island” is printed in navy blue across the top, while “Ocean State” is written in navy blue at the bottom. The plate numbers are also printed in navy blue for easy visibility.

Military plates

Military and Veteran license plates are available to honor the service of those who have served in the armed forces. These plates often come with specific eligibility requirements, such as providing a DD 214 showing honorable discharge. For example, Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability can obtain Disabled Veteran plates at no cost, and they are exempt from registration fees. Similarly, Purple Heart recipients are eligible for plates at no charge, as long as they provide proof of their medal. Fees for other military plates, such as those for National Guard members, typically include a service charge of $20, along with a small technology surcharge. Plates are generally renewed every two years.

State plates

State plates in Rhode Island refer to the different types of license plates available for various vehicle categories. The official “Ocean” plate is the standard state plate, offered for passenger, commercial, and several other vehicle types like motorcycles and trailers. Other designs include the “Wave” plate, which is being phased out, and the “Sailboat” plate, available for passenger and commercial vehicles. Rhode Island also offers specialty plates, such as Electric/Hybrid plates and Firefighter plates, designed for specific vehicle types or professions. Each plate type has its own eligibility and renewal process, based on the vehicle’s category.

Charity plates

Charity plates in Rhode Island allow drivers to support various charitable organizations while displaying unique license plate designs. These plates are available for a variety of causes, such as the Atlantic Shark Institute, Beavertail Lighthouse, and the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation. The initial cost for a charity plate is $42.50, with an annual renewal surcharge of $10, which goes directly to the respective charity. Plates can be ordered online through the DMV or directly from the charity’s website. By choosing a charity plate, drivers can show their support for important causes while adding a personal touch to their vehicle.

Personalized (vanity) plates

Vanity plates allow drivers to personalize their vehicle’s license plates with a custom combination of letters and numbers. Available in the standard wave or optional sailboat design, vanity plates can be reserved online using a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover card. The cost for vanity plates starts at $68.50, and additional registration and transfer fees may apply when picking them up from the DMV.

These personalized plates are available for passenger vehicles, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles under 9,001 lbs. The customization options vary by vehicle type, with up to six characters allowed for passenger and commercial vehicles, and up to five for motorcycles. However, new vanity plate applications are temporarily paused while the DMV reviews public feedback on the standards for appropriate plate messages.

Renewal and registration requirements

Maintaining up-to-date vehicle registration is essential for Rhode Island drivers. Here’s a step-by-step guide to renewing your vehicle registration.

Online renewal

1. Visit the DMV website: Go to the Rhode Island DMV registration page.
2. Log in: Enter your license plate number and the last five digits of your vehicle identification number (VIN).
3. Pay fees: Complete the payment process using a credit or debit card. Note that a processing fee may apply. Verify your information before final submission to avoid errors.

Mail renewal

1. Prepare documentation: Fill out the Registration Renewal notice received via mail or download the form from https://dmv.ri.gov/registrations-plates-titles/registration/registration-renewal.
2. Mail the form: Send the completed form and payment to:

Division of Motor Vehicles

Attn: Registration Renewal

600 New London Avenue, Cranston RI 02920

In-person renewal

1. Visit a DMV branch: Check the closest DMV branch operating hours (Monday thru Friday, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm).
2. Submit documentation: Drop your Registration Renewal notice or the Registration Renewal form in drop-boxes located at the DMV branch.

Costs and common issues

Sales tax requirements: Ensure all property taxes are paid, as outstanding taxes will block the renewal process. Verify with your local Tax Collector and have them send the clearance directly to the DMV.

Common mistakes:

Failing to update your address at least three days before renewal.
Overlooking the need for a safety and/or emissions inspection within 90 days before expiration.
Not having insurance continuously maintained.

Consequences of late renewal:

A late fee up to $25 is charged if renewal is paid after the expiration date.
Drivers can legally operate vehicles up to 15 days post-expiration but face penalties thereafter.

Avoid these pitfalls for a smooth renewal process.

Checking your vehicle registration status

Vehicle owners in Rhode Island can check the status of their vehicle registration using online resources provided by the State of Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Visit the Rhode Island DMV website: Go to https://ridmvservices.ri.gov/vehicle-lookup.
Prepare your information: Check that you have your license plate number and the last six digits of your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). You must also attest that you are the registered owner authorized to check the registration status.
Enter required information: Fill in the required fields with your plate number and the last six digits of your VIN. Acceptable characters include letters and numbers without dashes or spaces.
Submit and review: Submit the information to retrieve your vehicle’s registration status. You’ll receive details regarding whether your registration is active, its expiration date, and potential blocks or suspensions.

Contact information

If you encounter issues or need further assistance, contact the State of Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles at (401) 462-4368 or visit their headquarters in Cranston.

Costs associated with license plates and registration

Fee structure

Standard vehicle registration: For a typical passenger vehicle, registration fees include a base fee based on weight and prorated by date, along with $2.50 fee and $15 annual DOT surcharge. Residents should check the Rhode Island DMV Registration Fee Table for precise figures.
Vanity plates: Vanity plate fees in Rhode Island vary depending on the design and vehicle type. The initial cost for a standard Ocean vanity plate for passenger and commercial vehicles is $68.50, while the Sailboat design is priced higher at $82.50 for both passenger and commercial plates. Motorcycle vanity plates cost $42.50, and antique vanity plates are $68.50. If a vanity plate needs to be remade, the fee is typically $32.50. These fees apply in addition to any applicable registration and transfer fees at the time of pick-up from the DMV.
Commercial vehicles: Fees for commercial vehicles are similar to passenger cars and are based on their size and usage. Factors such as the vehicle’s gross vehicle weight (GVW) and the number of axles are considered when calculating registration fees.

Access to Rhode Island license plate lookup services can offer critical advantages for vehicle owners and potential buyers. By using these resources, individuals may gain transparency regarding a vehicle’s history, helping consumers in potentially avoiding costly mistakes.

*Disclaimer: Bumper reports are based upon data available and may include historical accident records from 33 state-level agencies, including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming, to the extent such specific data has been compiled, digitized locally and is available. We strongly recommend your own due diligence and checking additional sources for states not listed above. As a reminder, even for states where we may have data, we cannot guarantee the comprehensiveness/accuracy of the information provided and you should not rely solely on our data in order to determine whether or not a vehicle was ever involved in an accident.