Rhode Island license plate replacements can be completed at any Rhode Island DMV branch or by mail. The standard replacement fee is $33.50 and includes replacement stickers. If your plate is lost, stolen, damaged, or unreadable, replacing it quickly helps prevent toll violations, camera citations, and registration problems.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Replacement Fee | $33.50 |
| In-Person Replacement | Yes |
| Mail Replacement | Yes |
| Online Replacement Available | No |
| Police Report Required | No |
| Police Report Recommended | Yes |
| Front Plate Required | Yes |
| Rear Plate Required | Yes |
My Rhode Island Plate Was Stolen. What Shall I Do First?
A stolen Rhode Island plate can be attached to another vehicle and used for toll violations, parking tickets, traffic camera citations, and other enforcement actions.
Because Rhode Island sits along the Interstate 95 corridor and has extensive tolling and enforcement infrastructure, acting quickly helps limit your exposure to violations associated with the stolen plate number.
Step 1: File a Police Report
Contact your local police department or the Rhode Island State Police and report the theft.
While the DMV does not require a police report for replacement, having an incident report creates an official record that may help you dispute future violations connected to the stolen plate.
Keep the incident number for your records.
Step 2: Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance provider and report the theft.
Provide your policy information and police report number to create additional documentation related to the incident.
Step 3: Apply for Replacement Plates
Visit a Rhode Island DMV branch or submit a replacement request by mail.
Bring your registration certificate, identification, proof of insurance, and payment for the replacement fee.
Step 4: Monitor for Violations
Continue monitoring:
- Toll notices
- Traffic camera citations
- Parking tickets
- DMV correspondence
- Enforcement notices
If violations appear after the theft date, your police report and replacement documentation can help support a dispute.
How to Replace a Rhode Island License Plate
In Person at Rhode Island DMV Branch
Visit any Rhode Island DMV branch with:
- Current vehicle registration certificate
- Rhode Island driver’s license or state ID
- Proof of Rhode Island insurance
- Payment for replacement fees
Replacement plates and stickers are generally processed during your visit.
By Mail
Mail the following:
- Current registration certificate
- Copy of Rhode Island driver’s license or ID
- Proof of insurance
- Check or money order for replacement fees
Mail to:
Division of Motor Vehicles
Attn: Plates
600 New London Ave.
Cranston, RI 02920
Allow approximately two to three weeks for processing and delivery.
Documents Needed for Plate Replacement
Required for All Replacement Requests
Before applying, gather:
- Rhode Island driver’s license or state ID
- Current vehicle registration certificate
- Proof of Rhode Island liability insurance
- Payment for replacement fees
Additional Documents for Stolen Plates
For theft-related replacements, it is recommended to have:
- Police report or incident number
- Any remaining plate if only one plate is missing
Additional Documents for Damaged Plates
If your plate is damaged, bring the damaged plate to the DMV for surrender when possible.
Rhode Island License Plate Replacement Fees
| Fee / Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Standard plate replacement (includes stickers) | $33.50 |
| Standard plate issuance | $32.50 |
| Temporary plate | $10.00 |
| Technology surcharge (temporary plate) | $3.50 |
Sticker decals are generally included with new plate issuance.
What Happens if Your Plate Is Damaged or Unreadable?
Rhode Island requires license plates to remain clearly visible and legible.
You should replace a plate if it becomes:
- Bent
- Cracked
- Severely faded
- Peeling
- Difficult to read
Driving with an unreadable plate may result in citations and registration complications.
Rhode Island Plate Transfer Rules
Rhode Island allows plate transfers in certain private-party vehicle transactions.
When purchasing a used vehicle from a private seller, you may be able to transfer existing plates during the registration process.
Because transfer procedures can vary depending on the transaction, buyers should confirm current requirements with a Rhode Island DMV branch before completing the sale.
What Is Usually Required?
Most transfers require:
- Properly assigned title
- Proof of insurance
- Identification
- Registration paperwork
- Applicable fees
Some transactions may require both buyer and seller to appear at the DMV.
Rhode Island Requires Two License Plates
Most Rhode Island passenger vehicles must display both a front and rear license plate.
If both plates were stolen, damaged, or lost, you will generally need a replacement set.
If only one plate is affected, contact the DMV to determine whether a single-plate replacement is available or whether a complete matching set must be issued.