How duplicate titles and temporary tags work in Rhode Island.
Dealer-focused reference for Rhode Island duplicate title requirements, temporary tag rules, and title submission deadlines. Administered by the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles.
Always confirm current fees and forms at the official state site linked below.
Duplicate title: $51.50Temp tag: 30 daysDealer title deadline: 20 days
RI DMV Application for Duplicate Title (no standard form number)
Where to file
DMV office in person or by mail
Turnaround
Same-day at office; 2–3 weeks by mail
Notarization required
No
Temp tag duration
30 days
Dealer title deadline
20 days after sale
Temporary tags / permits
Rhode Island temporary tag rules
Temporary tags in Rhode Island are valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
Temporary plates valid 30 days; dealers must complete title work before expiration
Dealers in Rhode Island must submit title paperwork within 20 days of the date of sale.
Stacking temporary tags — issuing a second consecutive temp tag to extend a vehicle's operation beyond the initial permit period without resolving the underlying title — is prohibited.
Dealer playbook
Keep a title-pending log sorted by temp tag expiration date. Review it every Monday.
Flag any vehicle where the title has not been applied for within half of the allowed deadline (Rhode Island's window is 20 days).
Never issue a second temp tag as a workaround for an unresolved title problem — this is prohibited and auditable.
If you receive trade-ins with no title in hand, start the duplicate process immediately rather than waiting for retail sale.
Rhode Island state quirk
Rhode Island's $51.50 duplicate fee is above average. RI is a small state with one central DMV complex, so in-person processing is straightforward for dealers.