Rhode Island · Titles & temporary tags

Rhode Island Duplicate Title & Temporary Tag Guide

How Rhode Island dealers support customers with lost titles and short‑term temporary plates during transfers and out‑of‑state transactions.

Duplicate / replacement title workflow

Use this checklist when a customer reports a lost title or when you’re cleaning up paperwork before a sale:

Rhode Island duplicate titles are processed only at the DMV headquarters in Cranston.
Owners must complete the Application for Title (TR‑2 / TR‑9) and select the duplicate option; only the owner(s) or lienholder listed on the original title can apply.
All listed owners must sign the duplicate title section, and if a lien is present, the lienholder may need to be involved depending on the transaction.
Duplicate titles can only be issued for active Rhode Island‑titled vehicles; older non‑titled vehicles or those exempt from titling follow different rules.
Dealers should help buyers confirm whether the vehicle is title‑required in Rhode Island and direct them to Cranston HQ for duplicate processing if needed.

Temporary tags / permits

Use this when the buyer needs to drive on a temporary plate or permit while you finish title and registration work:

Rhode Island offers short‑term temporary plates, typically valid for 5 days, for specific situations such as private party purchases with an out‑of‑state title or new residents transferring a vehicle.
These 5‑day temporary plates are issued at DMV branches and can only be used on vehicles eligible for a Rhode Island title (generally model year 2001 or newer).
Applicants must bring proof of ownership and any paperwork specified by the DMV, plus pay the appropriate fee.
Dealers should clarify that these temporary plates are limited in scope and duration and are not a substitute for completing full RI registration.
For dealer sales, standard dealer and registration processes may apply instead of the 5‑day plate, depending on how the vehicle is being titled and registered.

Official references & forms