Last Updated on: 21st February 2024, 03:09 pm
If you are moving to the beautiful state of Rhode Island, then you will likely need to acquire a Rhode Island drivers license. Whether you need to transfer your license to the state, or get your teen driver on the road for the first time, we have all of the information for you. Figuring out how to get a Rhode Island drivers license may seem confusing, but with the proper information, you’ll have your Rhode Island license plates in no time. This is what you need to know about transferring your license to Rhode Island or acquiring a Rhode Island license for the first time.
Rhode Island Drivers License Requirements & Steps (New License)
Curious about how to get a drivers license in Rhode Island? Before getting your new Rhode Island license plates, you need to know whether or not you are required to obtain a RI license in the first place. You are required to get a Rhode Island driver’s license if any of the following applies to you:
- You are a current resident of Rhode Island who has never had a license
- You are a brand new resident of Rhode Island and want to apply for a Rhode Island license or transfer your out-of-state license
- You will be operating a non-commercial vehicle
- You have a legal presence in the state
If any of the following apply to you, then you are NOT required to get Rhode Island license plates.
- You are visiting Rhode Island with an out-of-state license
- You are an active military member stationed in the state (assuming you have a valid out-of-state license)
- You operate farm vehicles off of public highways
- You only operate registered off-highway vehicles without accessing public roads
What Do I Need to Get a Rhode Island Drivers License?
What do I need to get a RI driver license? When getting a Rhode Island driver license, it is important to make sure you show up with all of the proper documentation. These are the RI driver license requirements that you will need to take with you to the DMV.
- Completed LI-1 Form
- A certified birth certificate or Proof of Identity Document
- Driver Education Certificate (if under 18)
- Social Security Card (or a denial letter from the Social Security Administration containing the applicant’s name and date of birth)
- Proof of Residency
- Out-of-state drivers under 18 must also complete a knowledge exam test
Acceptable Proof of Identity Documents:
- Valid U.S. Territory or Canadian Driver’s License with photograph, signature, and date of birth (may not be expired for more than one year)
- Birth certificate (original and certified copy)
- U.S. or foreign passport
- U.S. Naturalization Certificate
- INS form I-94 (document showing entry into the U.S.)
- INS form I-688 (Temporary Resident ID Card)
- INS form I-688B, I-766 (Employment Authorization Card)
Acceptable Proof of Residency Documents:
- Valid Voter Registration Card
- Utility bill in your name or of an immediate family member with the same last name (within 60 days of issue date)
- Personal check or bank statement with your name and address (within 60 days of the issue date)
- Payroll check stub with your name and address (within 60 days of the issue date)
- Insurance policy for your home/apartment with your name and address
- Property tax bill for your residence
- If a minor, school records, including the student’s address (for the current school year)
- Letter from Rhode Island shelter or halfway house indicating that the applicant resides there (within 30 days)
Apply For a Limited Instructional Permit (Age 16-18)
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What are the Rhode Island drivers license requirements for children under the age of 18? When you are 16 years of age, you are able to apply for a limited instructional permit, which allows teenagers to drive supervised at all times by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age with at least 5 years of driving experience.
The first step to applying for an instruction permit is to enroll in a 33-hour driver education course, which must be certified by the Community College of Rhode Island. Drivers can enroll starting at age 15, but they cannot start class until they are at least 15 years and 10 months of age.
Additionally, drivers will need to take the knowledge test to get their permit. This 40-question test is administered on a computer and requires testers to get a score of at least 70% to pass. There are plenty of Rhode Island drivers license practice test options online for teens to utilize. When drivers pass this test, they will receive a Green CCRI Certificate.
Next, you will want to apply in person at a Rhode Island DMV license office. When you arrive at the DMV office, you must bring a completed application form, one proof of identity document, one proof of social security number, two proofs of your residence address, and one proof of name change (if applicable). You must also bring a parent or guardian with you to your appointment.
You must then take and pass a vision test, pay the $7.50 fee, and then get your limited instructional permit. This permit is valid for one year or until you reach the age of 18, whichever comes first.
Apply For a Provisional Driver License (Age 16.5-18)
Once you have had your Limited Instructional Permit for at least 6 months, you can apply for the Provisional Rhode Island Drivers License. To get this type of RI license, you must complete 50 hours of driving experience (confirmed in a statement signed by your parent or guardian).
You must also schedule a road test before your Limited Instructional Permit expires. To schedule an appointment, you can call 401-462-5808 or visit the online appointment portal. When you show up for your test, you must bring:
- Your Limited Instructional Permit
- Signed and notarized affidavit of 50 hours of driving experience
- The driver license of your parent or guardian
After you pay the $24.50 fee, you can take the road test administered by the DMV. If you pass, you will receive your Provisional License. When you have your provisional license, you may only drive a car under the following conditions:
- You must be in possession of your license
- You may only drive without supervision between the hours of 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM, when driving to or from work, when driving to a volunteer activity, or from 4:00 AM to 5:00 AM when driving between your home and a school-sponsored athletic activity for which no transportation is provided by the school
- During the first 12 months, no more than one passenger younger than 21 may be in the vehicle (excluding immediate family members)
- Every person in the occupied vehicle must wear a seatbelt
Your Provisional License expires when you turn 18.
Apply For a Full Operator’s License (Age 18+)
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If you have a Provisional License, then you may apply for a full Rhode Island license at the age of 17.5. If you have never been licensed, then you must wait until you are 18. This license allows you to drive on your own with no restrictions.
If you have your Provisional License already, then all you will need to do is schedule your road test. You can do this online or at any Rhode Island DMV office. You’ll then pay a road test fee of $27.50, and take the road test. Once you pass, you will be given your RI license.
If you have never been issued a Rhode Island driver’s license or if your license has been expired for more than five years, you must apply for a driving instruction permit by taking the computerized knowledge exam at the Cranston DMV Headquarters. Once you have obtained your learner’s permit, you are eligible to take the road test after 30 days.
When applying for your Rhode Island drivers license, make sure you bring your LI-1 Form, your learner’s permit, and your road test slip. Your first Rhode Island license will be a two-year license that expires on your birthday. After this, you can get a drivers license renewal in Rhode Island every 5 years. If you own a REAL ID, you may complete your Rhode Island drivers license renewal online. Otherwise, your renewal must be completed in person at a DMV branch location.
How Much Does It Cost To Get a Driver’s License In Rhode Island?
How much does a RI driver’s license cost? The Rhode Island driver’s license cost depends on which type of license you are applying for. Here’s a guide to the drivers license cost in RI.
| Limited Instruction Permit | $7.50 |
| Limited Provisional License | $24.50 |
| First License | $39.50 |
| Duplicate License | $27.50 |
| Road Test | $27.50 |
Transfer Driver’s License to Rhode Island – Requirements & Steps
Do you need to acquire a Road Island drivers license after moving to the area from another state? If you are a new resident of Rhode Island, then you have 30 days to obtain a Rhode Island license. To do this, you must apply in person at a local DMV branch to complete your Rhode Island DMV change of address.
As long as you have a valid driver’s license from another state, then you will need to show up at your local DMV branch with the following:
- A completed LI-1 Form
- Your valid out-of-state license or driving record from issuing state
- Proof of Rhode Island address
- Proof of social security number
- Proof of identity
- Payment for $44.50 transfer fee
If you have a license that has expired for more than 5 years or if you are a new driver, then you must first apply for a RI instruction permit before obtaining your new license.
Registering a Car In RI From Another State
After moving to Rhode Island, you have 30 days to obtain a new title and registration for your vehicle. You may do this at a local DMV location. It is important to note that insurance is mandatory, and you are required to carry liability at the minimum. You will also need to sign the Application for Registration, the Sales or Use Tax Exemption Certificate form, and the Sales Tax Exemption Affidavit. All of these forms can be found on the DMV’s website. If two owners are on the title, then both parties must be present at the time of registration (or the absent party must be notarized on the application).
Once your vehicle is registered, you will need to have your car inspected within 5 days.
As of January 2024, Rhode Island’s Title Law has changed for out-of-state vehicles. These are the conditions you will need to consider when registering your vehicle in the state of Rhode Island.
- All out-of-state vehicles require a VIN inspection from a local municipal police department.
- Out-of-state vehicles being registered in Rhode Island must be issued a Rhode Island Certificate of Title upon payment of Sales Tax and/or Registration
Agency Locations – Make An Appointment At The Agency
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When making an appointment for a Rhode Island drivers license or new Rhode Island license plates, you are able to make an appointment online. However, a few services require you to visit a physical DMV location. These are the locations across the state:
- Cranston Headquarters, 600 New London Ave, Cranston, RI 02920, 401-462-4368
- Middletown Branch, 52 Valley Rd, Middletown, RI 02842, 401-846-5451
- Wakefield Branch, 4808 Tower Hill Rd, Wakefield, RI 02879, 401-789-1430
- Woonsocket Branch, 2000 Diamond Hill Rd, Woonsocket, RI 02895, 401-356-4031
All of these branches are open from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM Monday through Friday. However, the Cranston Headquarters is only open until 3:15 PM.
If you can, it is smart to make an appointment online to avoid long waiting times. You may also call ahead to inquire about lines at the DMV.
FAQ
What Is Proof of Residency in Rhode Island?
Proof of residency includes the following:
- Valid Voter Registration Card
- Utility bill in your name or of an immediate family member with the same last name (within 60 days of issue date)
- Personal check or bank statement with your name and address (within 60 days of the issue date)
- Payroll check stub with your name and address (within 60 days of the issue date)
- Insurance policy for your home/apartment with your name and address
- Property tax bill for your residence
- If a minor, school records including the student’s address (for the current school year)
- Letter from Rhode Island shelter or halfway house indicating that the applicant resides there (within 30 days)
How Much Does a Rhode Island Drivers License Cost?
For your first license in Rhode Island, you will pay a fee of $39.50. For a transfer, you will pay $44.50.
How Can I Update the Address On My Rhode Island License?
You can complete a Rhode Island DMV change of address at any DMV branch location or at a AAA branch office.
How Long Is a RI License Good For?
After getting a RI driver license for the first time, it is good for two years. After that, you will need to complete a drivers license renewal in Rhode Island every 5 years.
How to Renew Your License in Rhode Island
As long as you have a Real ID, you can complete your Rhode Island drivers license renewal online.
Now that you know how to get a RI driver license, it’s time to get started. If you are moving to the state for the first time, then you’ll need a dependable moving company by your side. Correira Brothers is the best moving company in Rhode Island. We have over 15 years of moving experience and are proud of our 96% referral rate and 4% claim rate. Give our experienced team a call today at 401-648-6683 to get started with a free quote!
