How to own a vehicle in
Rhode Island
as a non-US resident
Rhode Island
Presence requirements
The US states, not the national government, control vehicle ownership in the United States.
In order to own a vehicle in any US state, you must establish a presence in that state.
These are the presence requirements to own a vehicle in this state:
Address
Rhode Island address required to own a vehicle in Rhode Island.
Proof of Residency at Address
Proof of Rhode Island residency must be provided to register a vehicle in Rhode Island. Acceptable proofs of residency include a utility bill, a bank statement, a payroll check stub, an insurance policy, or a property tax bill.
Identity
Rhode Island driver license or identification card required to register a vehicle in Rhode Island.
Cost of owning a vehicle
When you register a vehicle - apply for ownership and permission to drive it on public roads - two costs are due:
- Sales tax
- Registration fees
Sales tax and registration fees are due in the state in which the vehicle is registered, not where the vehicle is purchased.
These are the costs to own a vehicle in this state.
Sales tax is due where a vehicle is owned, not where it is bought - so owning a vehicle in Montana can save you hundreds (or thousands) of dollars.
Sales tax (state + local average)
7% of the vehicle's value
Registration fees
$90.50
Inspection Requirements
In order to register a vehicle (or renew a registration in this state, the vehicle must meet the following inspection requirements:
Biennial emissions inspection required. Biennial safety inspection required for vehicles older than 2 years. Rhode Island DMV personnel must verify the vehicle’s VIN if not previously registered in Rhode Island.
There are 38 states that
Don't require proof of residency.
There are 21 states that
Don't require proof of residency.
Don't require a US driver's license.
There are 7 states that
Don't require proof of residency.
Don't require a US driver's license.
Don't require vehicle inspections.
Montana is the only US state that
Allows non-residents to register vehicles through a company.
Doesn't require a US driver's license.
Doesn't require vehicle inspections.
Doesn't have vehicle sales tax.
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Northeast
How to register a vehicle in other states in the region
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