The Rhode Island Application for Registration and Title Certificate (TR-1) is the one form every person uses to register a car, truck, motorcycle, trailer, or moped with the RI Division of Motor Vehicles. You file it whenever you buy a vehicle, move to Rhode Island, transfer plates, renew, or change your name or address on a record. The current version is marked rev. 6/21 at the bottom of the page, so check that date before you start to make sure you have the right copy.
Getting this form right matters because the DMV cross-checks every line against your title, your insurance, and the state tax system. A single wrong digit in the VIN field or a missing notary stamp can send you home with an unregistered car and a wasted trip to Cranston. Rhode Island processes hundreds of thousands of registration transactions each year, and DMV staff report that missing documents and incomplete forms are among the top reasons people get turned away at the counter.
Here is what you will learn in this guide:
- 🚗 How to complete each section of the TR-1 (A through G) line by line, with real sample entries
- 📋 The exact documents you must bring before you ever pick up a pen
- 💰 The current 2026 fees, taxes, and surcharges so there are no surprises at the window
- ⚠️ The field-level mistakes that get people rejected, and how to dodge each one
- ❓ Twelve plain-answer FAQs that clear up the questions filers ask most
What the TR-1 Form Is and Who Must File It
The TR-1 is Rhode Island’s combined Application for Registration and Title Certificate. It does two jobs at once: it registers your vehicle so you can legally drive it, and it starts the process of putting a state title in your name. The form is received and processed by the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles at its main office at 600 New London Avenue in Cranston, and at branch offices and participating AAA locations.
The legal authority comes from Rhode Island General Laws Title 31, the state’s motor vehicle code. The law plainly states that a vehicle cannot be registered to anyone under 16 years of age, and that anyone over 16 must show proof of financial responsibility, meaning valid insurance, before a registration is issued. The consequence of ignoring this is simple: no insurance on file means no plate, no matter how perfectly you fill out the rest of the form.
You must file a TR-1 in many situations, including a New Registration, a Transfer Registration, a Renewal, a Duplicate Registration, a Plate Change, a Tax & Title transaction, a Surviving Spouse transfer, or an Update Current Information change such as a new name or address. Each transaction type tells you which sections to complete, printed right next to the checkbox. A new resident bringing a car from Massachusetts files a New Registration, while someone whose plate sticker is about to expire files a Renewal.
A common misconception is that the TR-1 only registers a vehicle and that the title comes separately. In truth, the same form launches both, which is why proof of ownership like a title or Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO) is required up front for newer vehicles.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
Gather every document below before you open the form, because the DMV reviews all of them at the counter and will turn you away if even one is missing. The exact list depends on your transaction type, but most filers need the core items, and the official document checklist printed on the back of the TR-1 spells out each scenario.
- The completed TR-1 form. This is the application itself; without it, no transaction can begin.
- Proof of valid Rhode Island insurance. The DMV verifies financial responsibility, and a lapsed or out-of-state policy will stop the registration cold.
- Proof of ownership. This is the original title or, for brand-new cars, the MSO; for vehicles model year 2001 or newer, a photocopy will not be accepted.
- A VIN check. Required when the title is from another state and the vehicle is 2001 or newer; skipping it means an automatic rejection of an out-of-state transfer.
- Your RI license or identification card. This proves your identity and legal name; an out-of-state license requires extra proof of residency.
- A Bill of Sale. This shows the purchase price the 7% use tax is based on, and a missing one can lead the DMV to tax you on book value.
- A Sales Tax form. Dealer and private-party sales each have their own version, and the tax must be settled before plates are issued.
- The vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight. This sets your registration fee tier, so an unknown weight stalls the fee calculation.
- Proof of residency within the required window. A utility bill, bank statement, or pay stub dated recently proves you live in Rhode Island.
- Plates to be canceled or transferred, if you are moving plates from an old vehicle or surrendering them.
For an out-of-state transfer, the VIN check is the item people forget most. The DMV directs you to contact your local police department for VIN check locations, since the inspection confirms the car you are registering is the car on the title.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
You can get the TR-1 in three ways, and all of them lead to the same official document. The fastest route is to download the Application for Registration TR-1 directly from the RI DMV registration forms page. You can also pick up a paper copy at the Cranston DMV or at any branch office, and many AAA service centers in Rhode Island keep blank copies for members.
Print the form single-sided on standard letter paper, and do not shrink it to fit, because the DMV scans these forms and a reduced copy can misalign the fields. Fill it out in black or blue ink and write in clear block capitals, since smudged or cursive entries slow down processing and can be misread by staff. If you make a mistake, start a fresh form rather than scribbling over a field, as crossed-out entries in the VIN or owner sections often trigger questions at the counter.
A frequent misconception is that you can complete the entire registration online. Rhode Island does offer online renewal for many standard passenger registrations through the RI DMV online services, but new registrations, transfers, and any transaction involving a title or notarization usually must be done in person. When in doubt, assume your transaction is in person, because title work and tax collection are handled at the counter.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the TR-1 Line by Line
The TR-1 is organized into a transaction-type header followed by sections A through G. Complete only the sections your transaction calls for, using the guide printed next to each checkbox. Below, each section gets its own walkthrough with a sample entry so you can see what a finished line looks like.
Transaction Type (Top of Form)
This is the box at the top where you select what you are doing, with choices like New Registration, Transfer Registration, Renewal, Duplicate Registration, Plate Change, Tax & Title, Surviving Spouse, and Update Current Information. Check one box only, and write your Plate # on the line beside it if you already have one. Next to each choice, the form lists the sections you must complete, such as “complete sections A, B*, C, D, E, F, G” for a New Registration.
Maria Lopez, a new resident from Connecticut registering her car for the first time, checks New Registration and leaves the Plate # line blank because she has no RI plate yet. If you are renewing, you would instead check Renewal and write your current plate number, such as RI 123456.
The most common mistake here is checking two boxes or the wrong box, which routes your form to the wrong workflow and forces a restart. A misconception filers hold is that “Transfer” and “New” mean the same thing; a Transfer moves an existing RI plate to a different vehicle, while a New Registration issues a fresh plate.
Section A: Registrant – Buyer, Leasing Company, or New Owner
This section asks who is registering the vehicle, which is the person whose name will be on the registration. Enter your Last Name (or Company Name), First Name, Middle Initial, and Suffix exactly as they appear on your RI license, then fill in your Street Address, Apt./Floor, and City/State/Zip Code for both the Residence (where the vehicle is kept or garaged) and the Mailing address if different. You also list your Phone #, Email Address, Tax Town, License #, and Date of Birth.
John Andrade enters his name as ANDRADE, JOHN, M, his residence as 45 BROAD ST, APT 2, PROVIDENCE, RI 02903, his Tax Town as PROVIDENCE, and his date of birth as 07/12/1990. Write the date of birth in MM/DD/YYYY format and use all capital letters for names and addresses.
If a Second Owner will be on the registration, complete the second-owner block with that person’s name, license, and date of birth. The Tax Town field matters because Rhode Island bases your municipal vehicle records on it, and naming the wrong town can route your paperwork incorrectly.
The most common mistake is writing a name that does not match the RI license, since the DMV cross-checks identity records and a mismatch holds the transaction. A misconception is that the residence and mailing address must always be the same; they can differ, and you fill in the mailing block only when they do.
Section B*: Lessee’s Information (If Vehicle Is Leased)
This section is for the person leasing the vehicle when the car is owned by a leasing company rather than the driver. Enter the Last Name (or Company Name), First Name, Middle Initial, Suffix, License #, and Date of Birth of the lessee, the actual driver. The asterisk on B* signals it is conditional, completed only when a lease applies.
Priya Nair leases her car through a finance company, so she enters NAIR, PRIYA in Section B, with her license number and date of birth, while the leasing company appears as the registrant in Section A.* If you bought your car outright or are financing it in your own name, you leave this section blank.
The common mistake is leaving Section B empty on a leased vehicle, which leaves the DMV unable to connect the driver to the registration. A misconception is that leasing and financing are the same; a lease means the company owns the car, while financing means you own it with a lienholder, and only a lease triggers Section B.
Section C: Seller’s Information
This section captures who you bought the vehicle from, and it is required for new and transfer registrations. Enter the Seller’s Name, Street Address, Apt./Floor, City/State/Zip Code, and Date of Sale, plus the RI Dealer’s License # if you bought from a licensed dealer. Use the date the sale actually closed, written MM/DD/YYYY.
When Carlos buys a used Honda from a neighbor, he writes the neighbor’s name and address and a Date of Sale of 05/22/2026, and leaves the dealer license line blank. If he had bought from a dealership, he would copy the dealer’s license number from the sales paperwork.
The common mistake is using the wrong date of sale, which can affect the late-registration penalty clock and the tax owed. A misconception is that a private seller needs a dealer license number; only licensed RI dealers fill that line, and private sellers leave it empty.
Section D: Insurance Information
This section proves you carry the insurance Rhode Island law requires. Enter your Liability Insurance Company Name, Policy #, and the Effective Dates (From and To) of the policy. The coverage must be active Rhode Island liability insurance, not a quote or an out-of-state policy.
Aisha enters her insurer as GEICO, her policy number exactly as printed on her insurance card, and effective dates of 04/01/2026 to 04/01/2027. Copy the policy number character for character, since the DMV verifies it electronically.
The common mistake is listing a policy that has not yet taken effect or has expired, which fails the financial-responsibility check and blocks the plate. A misconception is that any insurance works; the policy must be a Rhode Island liability policy, and an out-of-state policy will not satisfy the requirement.
Section E: Vehicle Information (All Fields Are Mandatory)
This is the heart of the form, and every field here is required. Enter the Year, VIN (Vehicle Identification #), Make, Model, Body Type, Gross Vehicle Weight, Color, # of Cylinders, Current Mileage, Number of Seat Belts, and the Fuel Type (check only one: Gas, Hybrid, Electric, Diesel, or CNG/LPG). There are extra lines for Campers and Trailers (length and carrying capacity) and for Motorcycles/Mopeds/Scooters (engine size and max speed).
For her 2019 Toyota RAV4, Maria writes the Year as 2019, copies the 17-character VIN exactly from the title, enters the Make as TOYOTA, Model as RAV4, Body Type as SUV, and checks Gas as the fuel type. Copy the VIN straight from the title or the door-jamb plate and double-check every character, especially the difference between the number 0 and the letter O.
The single most costly mistake on the entire form is a wrong VIN, because the DMV matches it to the title and a mismatch stops titling and registration entirely. Your Fuel Type choice also matters now: under the 2026 fee changes, checking Electric triggers a $200 annual fee, Hybrid triggers $50, and a plug-in hybrid triggers $100. A misconception is that mileage is optional; it is mandatory and feeds the state’s odometer record, so leaving it blank stalls the form.
Section F: Lien Information (Complete If There’s a Vehicle Loan)
This section records any lender that has a financial claim on your vehicle. If there is no lien, check the box that says “PLEASE CHECK THIS BOX IF THERE IS NO LIEN.” If you financed the car, enter the Lienholder Name, Street Address, City/State/Zip Code, and Date of Lien; there is room for a second lienholder if needed.
Because Carlos financed his car through a credit union, he enters NAVIGANT CREDIT UNION, its address, and a Date of Lien of 05/22/2026, and does not check the no-lien box. A buyer who pays cash simply checks the no-lien box and moves on.
The common mistake is forgetting to check the no-lien box when paying cash, which leaves the section ambiguous and invites a question at the counter. A misconception is that a lien and a lease are the same; a lien means you own the car but owe a lender, while a lease means the company owns it, and they are recorded differently.
Section G: Signature
This is where you certify, under penalty of perjury, that everything on the form is true and that you have read the insurance compliance statement on the reverse side. Sign the Owner’s Signature line and write the Date; a Second Owner’s Signature is needed if two owners are on the title, and there are lines for a corporate title or position and for a parent or guardian if the owner is a minor. This section also asks whether you consent to the DMV disclosing personal information, with Yes and No boxes.
Maria signs her name, dates it 06/06/2026, and checks the consent box according to her preference. If a second person is on the title, both must sign, or the absent person’s signature must be notarized.
The form states plainly that the owner’s signature must be notarized if the owner is not present during the transaction, and the notary stamp must be in ink and not only embossed. The common mistake is sending a non-present co-owner’s form without notarization, which voids the application. A misconception is that signing is a formality; it is a sworn statement, and false information can carry perjury consequences.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
Below are three of the most common ways Rhode Islanders file the TR-1, each followed through the form from start to finish.
Scenario 1: Maria, a new resident transferring a car from out of state.
| Form Section | What Maria Enters |
|---|---|
| Transaction Type | Checks New Registration, Plate # left blank |
| Section A (Registrant) | LOPEZ, MARIA; 45 BROAD ST, PROVIDENCE, RI 02903 |
| Section A (Tax Town) | PROVIDENCE |
| Section C (Seller) | Leaves blank (owned car before moving) |
| Section D (Insurance) | GEICO, policy number, 04/01/2026 to 04/01/2027 |
| Section E (Vehicle) | 2019 TOYOTA RAV4, full VIN, Gas, mileage 38,500 |
| Section F (Lien) | Checks the no-lien box |
| Section G (Signature) | Signs, dates 06/06/2026, plus VIN check from police |
Maria also brings her out-of-state title, a completed VIN check, and proof of RI residency, since her car came from Connecticut.
Scenario 2: Carlos, buying a financed used car in a private sale.
| Form Section | What Carlos Enters |
|---|---|
| Transaction Type | Checks New Registration |
| Section A (Registrant) | SILVA, CARLOS; 88 ATWELLS AVE, PROVIDENCE, RI |
| Section C (Seller) | Neighbor’s name and address, Date of Sale 05/22/2026 |
| Section C (Dealer License) | Left blank (private sale) |
| Section D (Insurance) | Amica, policy number, current effective dates |
| Section E (Vehicle) | 2017 HONDA CIVIC, full VIN, Gas, GVW listed |
| Section F (Lien) | NAVIGANT CREDIT UNION, address, Date of Lien |
| Section G (Signature) | Signs and dates, brings Bill of Sale and title |
Carlos brings a Bill of Sale showing his purchase price so the 7% use tax is figured on what he paid.
Scenario 3: Janet, transferring her plate to a new dealer-purchased car.
| Form Section | What Janet Enters |
|---|---|
| Transaction Type | Checks Transfer Registration, writes old Plate # |
| Section A (Registrant) | COSTA, JANET; 12 OCEAN RD, NARRAGANSETT, RI |
| Section C (Seller) | Dealership name, address, RI Dealer License # |
| Section D (Insurance) | State Farm, policy number, effective dates |
| Section E (Vehicle) | 2026 FORD ESCAPE Hybrid, full VIN, Hybrid checked |
| Section E (Fuel Fee) | Hybrid triggers $50 annual fee |
| Section F (Lien) | Lienholder bank listed with Date of Lien |
| Section G (Signature) | Signs, dates, brings MSO and dealer tax form |
Because Janet’s Escape is a hybrid, the DMV system adds the $50 hybrid fee on top of her standard registration and surcharge.
How to File the Completed TR-1
Rhode Island offers several filing channels, and the right one depends on your transaction. Most title, transfer, and new-registration work is done in person, while certain renewals can be handled online or by mail.
- In person at the Cranston DMV. Bring your completed TR-1 and all documents to 600 New London Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920-3024; the main phone is 401-462-4368. Appointments are strongly recommended through the RI DMV website. You can pay by cash, check, or card, and you should keep your stamped registration certificate as proof of filing.
- At a branch office or AAA. Several branch offices and participating AAA locations process registrations for members. Fees and accepted payments match the main office, and you walk out with your registration and plate stickers as proof.
- Online renewal. Standard passenger registration renewals can often be completed through RI DMV online services, where you pay by card and receive a confirmation and new sticker by mail; keep the confirmation as proof of filing.
- By mail. Certain renewals and address changes accept a mailed TR-1 with a check and required documents, sent to the Cranston address; processing takes longer, so keep a copy of everything you mail.
Always keep a copy of your completed TR-1 and your payment receipt. Your registration card must be carried in the vehicle at all times under Rhode Island law, so store the original in the glove box once it arrives.
What Happens After You File
After the DMV accepts your TR-1, staff verify your insurance, confirm your VIN against the title, calculate your tax and fees, and issue your registration certificate and plate or sticker. For a new registration, you receive plates and a registration card the same day at the counter, and your title is mailed separately, usually within a few weeks. The registration is generally valid for two years for most passenger vehicles, or one year for some categories.
If something is wrong, the DMV places a hold on the transaction and tells you what to fix, such as a missing VIN check or an insurance policy that has not yet taken effect. You then return with the corrected item, and no plate is issued until the hold clears. Keeping your stamped paperwork helps you prove what you already submitted.
A misconception is that registration and title arrive together. The registration is immediate, but the printed title certificate comes later by mail, so do not panic if the title is not in your hand when you leave the counter.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the TR-1
- Writing a wrong VIN. The DMV cannot match your car to the title, and titling and registration both stop.
- Checking more than one transaction-type box. The form routes incorrectly and you must restart the transaction.
- Listing insurance that is not yet active. The financial-responsibility check fails and no plate is issued.
- Using an out-of-state insurance policy. Rhode Island requires an RI liability policy, so the registration is denied.
- Skipping the VIN check on an out-of-state transfer. The transfer is rejected for vehicles model year 2001 or newer.
- Bringing a photocopy of the title. Newer vehicles require the original title, so a copy is refused.
- Forgetting the no-lien box when paying cash. Section F is left ambiguous and triggers a counter question.
- Leaving the Gross Vehicle Weight blank. The fee tier cannot be set, stalling the calculation.
- A name that does not match your RI license. The identity cross-check holds the transaction.
- Sending a non-present co-owner’s form without notarization. The application is void without the ink notary stamp.
- Leaving mileage blank in Section E. The mandatory odometer record cannot be completed.
- Missing a Bill of Sale. The DMV may tax you on book value instead of your actual purchase price.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s
- Do print in black or blue ink and block capitals, because clean entries scan correctly and avoid misreads.
- Do copy the VIN directly from the title, since an exact match is what links your car to the record.
- Do bring originals, not copies, because the DMV refuses photocopied titles for 2001-and-newer vehicles.
- Do confirm your insurance is active today, so the financial-responsibility check passes on the spot.
- Do book an appointment in advance, which saves you from long waits and a possible second trip.
- Do keep a copy of everything, so you can prove what you already submitted if a hold appears.
Don’ts
- Don’t guess at the Gross Vehicle Weight, because a wrong figure sets the wrong fee and delays you.
- Don’t sign for an absent co-owner, since their signature must be notarized in ink instead.
- Don’t scribble over mistakes, as crossed-out fields raise questions; start a fresh form.
- Don’t assume everything is online, because title and transfer work is usually in person.
- Don’t skip the VIN check on out-of-state cars, or your transfer will be rejected.
- Don’t use a quote as proof of insurance, since only an active policy satisfies the law.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help
Many Rhode Islanders complete the TR-1 themselves, while others use a dealer or AAA to handle the paperwork.
Pros of filing on your own
- You save service fees, because you avoid third-party handling charges.
- You control the accuracy, since you copy your own VIN and insurance details.
- You learn the process, making future registrations faster.
- You set your own timing, filing as soon as your documents are ready.
- You keep your records in hand, so you always know what was submitted.
Cons of filing on your own
- You risk a rejected trip, if a single document is missing.
- You handle tax math yourself, which can be confusing on private sales.
- You may wait in line, without a dealer routing your paperwork.
- You must track the VIN check, arranging it through police yourself.
- You bear the notary step, if a co-owner cannot attend.
| Filing It Yourself | Filing With a Dealer or AAA |
|---|---|
| No extra service fee | Convenience fee may apply |
| You gather every document | They guide the checklist for you |
| You manage tax forms | Dealer often handles tax paperwork |
| You arrange the VIN check | May coordinate inspection for you |
Current Fees, Taxes, and Penalties
Rhode Island updated several charges effective January 1, 2026, and the DMV fee notice lays them out. The DOT surcharge rose from $30 to $40 per two-year registration for most passenger vehicles, and from $15 to $20 per one-year registration, under R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-18.1-4. These appear automatically in your total at the counter.
New electric and hybrid fees also apply per registration year on top of the standard fee and surcharge: $200 for battery electric vehicles, $100 for plug-in hybrids, and $50 for hybrids, including mild hybrids. A 7% Rhode Island sales or use tax applies to most vehicle purchases, based on your purchase price, which is why the Bill of Sale matters. The DMV system applies the correct EV or hybrid fee automatically based on the Fuel Type you check in Section E.
A misconception is that these new fees are optional or can be waived; they are set in statute and the DMV system applies them automatically. Registering late can also bring penalties, so register promptly after a purchase or move to avoid extra charges.
FAQs
Do I need a VIN check to register an out-of-state car? Yes. If your title is from another state and the vehicle is model year 2001 or newer, you must complete a VIN check, available through your local police department, before the DMV accepts the transfer.
Do I have to register my car in person? No. Many standard passenger renewals can be done online or by mail, but new registrations, transfers, and any title or notarized transaction must be handled in person.
Do I write my name exactly as it appears on my license in Section A? Yes. The DMV cross-checks your name against identity records, so any mismatch with your RI license or ID will place a hold on the transaction.
Do I fill out Section B* if I financed my car? No. Section B* is only for leased vehicles where a leasing company owns the car; a financed car you own is recorded in Section A with the lender listed in Section F.
Do I leave the RI Dealer’s License # blank for a private sale? Yes. Only licensed Rhode Island dealers complete that line in Section C; private sellers leave it empty and you still list the seller’s name and address.
Do I check the no-lien box in Section F if I paid cash? Yes. When there is no loan, check the box that reads “please check this box if there is no lien,” or the section will be ambiguous and delay you at the counter.
Do I have to enter the vehicle’s mileage in Section E? Yes. Every field in Section E is mandatory, including current mileage, because it feeds the state odometer record, so leaving it blank stalls the form.
Do I need the original title, or will a copy work? No. A photocopy is not accepted for vehicles model year 2001 or newer; you must present the original title or the Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin.
Do both owners need to sign the TR-1? Yes. If two owners are on the title, both must sign Section G, or the absent owner’s signature must be notarized in ink, not just embossed.
Do I pay a special fee if I register an electric or hybrid vehicle? Yes. As of 2026, battery electric vehicles pay $200 per year, plug-in hybrids pay $100, and hybrids pay $50, added automatically based on your Fuel Type selection.
Do I have to keep my registration card in the car? Yes. Rhode Island law requires the registration card to be carried in the vehicle or by the driver at all times, so store the original in your glove box.
Do I owe sales tax when registering a used car bought from a neighbor? Yes. A 7% Rhode Island use tax applies to most private-party purchases, calculated from your Bill of Sale, which is why you should bring proof of the price you paid.
Related reading
- How to Fill Out Virginia Form R-1 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Connecticut DMV Application for Certificate of Title (H-13B) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Connecticut DMV Vehicle Registration Application + FAQs
- How to Fill Out the Rhode Island DMV Application for Certificate of Title (Form TR-1) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Rhode Island DMV Application for Duplicate Title + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Rhode Island DMV Vehicle Bill of Sale (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Delaware DMV Application for Duplicate Title (Form MV213) + FAQs