Source
r/RhodeIsland•
raini89

DMV Question - Registering my car in RI

Hello! First thank you for clicking in and helping me. I just moved to RI a little while ago. Next week I'll finally get a chance to register my NY car in RI and apply for a RI driver's license. It has been a nightmare because I could not leave work to go to the DMV that only opens Mon-Fri and closes incredibly early. Luckily today I got my VIN inspected.

I was checking the forms I need to fill out. There's a "RHODE ISLAND SALES & USE TAX EXEMPTION TRANSFER OF MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND/OR TITLE FROM OUT-OF-STATE TO THIS STATE BY AN INDIVIDUAL" form, which asks for the bill of sale.

The problem is I think I misplaced the that document. The car was purchased couple of years ago when I was in college (Yes I'm dumb). I still have all the other documents:

  • Title: shiny as new
  • Insurance: old and new
  • Registrations: old and new
  • Carfax: all records in NY
  • Driving record: purchasable from NY DMV if needed

What should I do in this case? Does this bill of sale only apply to "out of state sales", or do I still need it even if I'm transferring my own car to RI?

​

Thanks a lot! Have a nice day.

Posted Oct 5, 2019, 11:33 PM UTC · edited

612
Twstdroot•

I transferred a car from out of state to RI and did not need anything other than the out of state registration. I don’t see any form that requires a bill of sale. You just need to prove you were a resident of the other state and the car was registered there.

2
raini89OP•

Thank you, I have all the old registrations and proof that I was a student in NY for those years, I should be good then?

1
Twstdroot•

I think so

1
C__-Formerly In RI•

Hey! Former RI resident, too many trips to the DMV to count...

You’ll need to fill out a RI TR-1 form, it’s available online. On the second page it has a handy guide for all the documentation you’ll need to register, you’ll be under “Out of State Transfers.”

No bill of sale needed, friend!

Best of luck, fun fact, RI DMV actually tried to accuse me of grand theft auto, stating I had forged my title. I filed a police report against the clerk and branch which promptly resolved the issue. I hear most cases aren’t like mine, but yikes, it left a horrible taste in my mouth for quite some time.

2
raini89OP•

Thank you! I sent DMV an email about while ago and they sent me a "moving to RI guide". in the guide it says I should select "New Registration" in TR-1. That did not make sense to me, so I'll bring two copies just in case. One with new registration, one blank in case I need to select a different one on the spot. Thank you!

2
Twstdroot•

There is no "out of state transfer" on the TR-1. You're applying for a new registration. But you want to follow the Out of State Transfer checklist.

2
hcwhitewolf•

Can you contact the DMV in New York to see if they have a copy of the bill of sale? I'm not sure if they make a copy of it when you register your vehicle there.

1
raini89OP•

Don't think so, but I'll try, thank you!

1
OceanGrownPharms•

Did you buy it from an individual? If so; Just type something up.

1
raini89OP•

I got it from a dealer, but that was many years ago.

1
DTM313RI•

I don’t think you need the bill of sale if your name is on the title. I transferred my reg from NY 15 years ago and am pretty sure I didn’t have bill of sale. I’d bring the insurance, title, NY reg and vin check.

1
raini89OP•

Thanks a lot, have a good weekend.

1