How to Sell a Car Privately in Rhode Island
Selling your car yourself in Rhode Island comes down to a signed title, the right paperwork, and a few steps people often miss. This guide summarizes what the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles and state law say, so you and the buyer can finish the transfer cleanly.
Transferring the title
- For a 2001 or newer vehicle, the seller signs the back of the title as seller and gives it to the buyer, who signs as buyer. dmv.ri.gov
- A private-party registration requires the seller to have signed the back of the title if the vehicle is model year 2001 or newer. dmv.ri.gov
- The seller of a vehicle with a lost title must apply for a duplicate title at the Cranston DMV, which can take up to 90 days. dmv.ri.gov
- For a Rhode Island vehicle of model year 2000 or older first registered to the seller before 1/1/2024, the seller provides a bill of sale and proof of ownership in the seller's name. dmv.ri.gov
Bill of sale
- The seller must give the buyer a bill of sale showing the vehicle's year, make, model, VIN, color and the purchase price. dmv.ri.gov
- The seller signs the bill of sale and includes an address, which the buyer needs to register the car. dmv.ri.gov
- DMV's Bill of Sale form requires all fields to be completed, with printed names and signatures of the seller and buyer (both owners if two), and says alterations or erasures void it. dmv.ri.gov
Inspections and emissions
- A newly registered vehicle (other than a new vehicle) must have a valid Rhode Island inspection certificate or pass a Safety and Emissions inspection within 5 days of registration. dmv.ri.gov
- Light-duty gas and diesel vehicles must pass a Safety and Emissions test every 24 months. dmv.ri.gov
Taxes and fees the buyer pays
- The buyer pays 7 percent sales tax on a private-party purchase, based on the sale price or, for vehicles 7 years old or less, the higher of the NADA Clean Retail value or the sale price. dmv.ri.gov
- Sales tax is due by the 20th of the month after the sale, and it is paid at the DMV when registering or titling or in advance to the Division of Taxation. dmv.ri.gov
- Gifted vehicles owe no sales tax with a signed letter of gift, and a non-immediate-family gift needs a notarized letter and a gift affidavit. dmv.ri.gov
Loans and liens
- A lienholder must release a satisfied lien by signing the title or providing a separate lien release letter attached to the title. dmv.ri.gov
- If the original title listed a lienholder, the buyer needs the original lien release with the application to receive a lien-free title. dmv.ri.gov
Easy-to-miss rules in this state
- All used vehicles coming into Rhode Island from out of state need a VIN inspection by a local municipal police department before registration. dmv.ri.gov
- The buyer completes Application for Registration (TR-1) and Sales Tax Form (T-334) and must have valid Rhode Island insurance. dmv.ri.gov
- The Division prohibits exchanging money or anything of value in consideration of a transfer of vehicle registration plates. rules.sos.ri.gov
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car in Rhode Island?
The seller must give the buyer a bill of sale showing the vehicle's year, make, model, VIN, color and the purchase price. The seller signs the bill of sale and includes an address, which the buyer needs to register the car.
Official Rhode Island resources
- RI DMV: Registration, plates and titles
- RI DMV: Frequently asked questions
- RI DMV: New registration
- RI DMV: Titles
- RI DMV: Sales tax
- RI DMV: Cancel plates and registration
- RI DMV: Vehicle inspection requirements
- RI DMV: Bill of Sale form
Next steps
Once you know the rules, create a free listing and print a QR code sign for the car window. For the general process, see our step-by-step private sale guide, the paperwork checklist, and how to get paid safely. Need paperwork? Use our free bill of sale generator.