How to Get a Personalized License Plate in Rhode Island

Also known as "vanity plates" in Rhode Island, personalized license plates offer drivers the opportunity to showcase their talents or interests wherever they go. Invest in a Rhode Island personalized license plate and simultaneously wave your Ocean State pride and your personal stamp on the road.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet access
• Computer
• Vehicle's registration

1. Log on to Rhode Island's Division of Motor Vehicles Web site (see below).

2. Access an official application for personalized license plates by following the "Documents & Forms" link, clicking on "Browse All Forms" and scrolling down to "Registration" section. Decide which vanity plate background you would prefer and download the form corresponding to that background.

3. Read the instructions section on the first page of the form before proceeding to the application portion of the form. Keep all rules, regulations, policies and class designations in mind while filling out the application.

4. Check the location of where you would prefer to pick up your plates.

5. List two choices for your personalized license plates in order of preference using capital alphanumeric character combinations. The number of allowable characters on your personalized license plate is dependent on your vehicle's type; follow the rules for personalized message options outlined on the application portion of the form.

6. Sign and date your application to signify the truthfulness of your application.

7. Print your full name and address on the second page of the application.

8. Get a Registration and Title Certificate form by following the "Documents & Forms" link on the DMV Web site, clicking on "Checklists" and downloading Form # TR-1.

9. Complete the TR-1 form. Indicate that you are requesting a "vanity plate," supply your personal and your vehicle's information, sign the application and have the form notarized.

10. Determine your fees and make a check payable to R.I. Division of Motor Vehicles.

11. Mail your application and check to R.I. Division of Motor Vehicles, 100 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860.

12. Receive notification in the mail that your plates are ready to be picked up within 10 weeks. Take the notification letter, the TR-1 form, your current plates and registration form to the location you chose. Pay any applicable fees and receive your personalized license plates. Affix all stickers and decals upon receipt and use.

Tips & Warnings

• Personalized license plates are usually received within 10 weeks. If you move, be sure to contact Rhode Island's Division of Motor Vehicles and give them your new address. If you do not advise the DMV of your move, receipt of your personalized license plates may be complicated or delayed.
• Be advised that if your plate is approved, it may undergo some changes during manufacturing. Certain characters' widths may cause the spacing specified to be reduced, eliminated or altered.
• The address on your vehicle's registration must be correct. Contact the DMV and make all changes to your address before placing your order for personalized license plates.
• You may keep your personalized license plates for as long as you wish, as long as you renew the special registration of your personalized license plates before their expiration date and pay all fees associated with them.
• The DMV will not honor requests for personalized license plates that contain prohibited characters, offensive or misleading messages or alphanumeric combinations that are already in use. Keep this in mind while choosing your plate message.
• Personalized license plates cost more than a standard license plate. Be aware that fees will likely compound on top of the standard license plate fees that you are accustomed to paying.
• Blank or incomplete areas on your application will cause the application process for your personalized license plate to be delayed. Be sure to fill in all requested information completely and truthfully.
• If your vehicle is sold, traded or its ownership transferred after the issuance of the personalized license plates, you must contact Rhode Island's DMV to report the transaction. You must also follow the appropriate guidelines to release the plate to the new owner, transfer the plate to your new vehicle or return the plate to the department. Be advised that additional paperwork may be required.
• If Rhode Island's DMV approves your personalized license plate and later finds that your message is offensive or inappropriate, your personalized license plate may be recalled.
• Your vehicle registration must be current for your application to be approved.
• Make sure to notarize your TR-1 form. If you fail to do this, your receipt of your personalized license plates may be temporarily or permanently denied.