Driving in Rhode Island
Driver’s License Information
To get your Rhode Island driver's license, you need to bring your current license, a valid Social Security card and one document showing proof of residency to the nearest DMV branch office. If your license is either current or has not expired over one (1) year, you can convert your license for a $30.00 fee. You must turn in your current license to the DMV. The first license will be valid for just under two years. After that, licenses are renewable for a five-year period. Minimum age to operate a motor vehicle in Rhode Island is 16-1/2.
Vehicle Registration Information
To register your vehicle in Rhode Island, you must first bring the vehicle to your local police department along with proof of ownership and proof of residency for a VIN inspection. If your vehicle is more than 10 years old, this step is not necessary. You must then appear at a DMV branch office with the vehicles' title or copy of the title or proof of ownership, the VIN verification form that the police department will give you, proof of insurance and proof of residency. A registration for a passenger vehicle is $30.00 per year and the title fee is $25.00.
For more information, please visit the Division of Motor Vehicles New to Rhode Island Web site: http://www.dmv.ri.gov/new/
Voting
You can now register to vote when you conduct a permit or license transaction at a DMV Branch Office. All licensing transaction forms contain a section where you can indicate if you wish to register to vote or update your current voter registration.
To register to vote in Rhode Island you must be:
- a U.S. Citizen; and
- a Rhode Island resident; and
- at least 18 years old on or before the next election.
In order to vote in a future election you must be registered 30 days before all primaries and elections.
Normally, you should receive confirmation of your voter status within 2 to 3 weeks from the date you registered with the DMV. If you have not received confirmation, please contact your local Board of Canvassers.
For additional voter information, please visit eDemocracy