Rhode Island Bill of Sale Requirements & Free Form

Rhode Island requirements

• Rhode Island requires the seller to give the buyer a bill of sale: paired with a properly assigned title for titled vehicles, or with valid proof of ownership for model year 2000 and older vehicles first registered to the seller before January 1, 2024.
• Since January 1, 2024, all used vehicles regardless of model year are issued a Rhode Island certificate of title, so most sales now involve a title assignment.
• The Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles handles the transfer; buyers apply with the Application for Registration (Form TR-1) and pay sales or use tax at that time.
• The RI DMV pages we reviewed do not impose a notarization requirement on a private sale bill of sale.
• Complete the odometer disclosure on the title assignment where one is provided; federal disclosure rules apply to vehicles model year 2011 and newer. Confirm details with the RI DMV.
• Register promptly after purchase; the RI DMV pages we reviewed do not state a specific day count, so confirm the current deadline with the RI DMV.

Frequently asked questions

Is a bill of sale required for a private car sale in Rhode Island?

Yes. The RI DMV requires the seller to provide the buyer with a bill of sale, alongside the properly assigned title (or valid proof of ownership for pre-2001 vehicles first registered to the seller before January 1, 2024).

Do older cars need a title in Rhode Island now?

Under the titling law effective January 1, 2024, all used vehicles regardless of model year are issued a Rhode Island certificate of title when sales tax is paid and the vehicle is registered.

Official sources

• https://dmv.ri.gov/registrations-plates-titles
• https://dmv.ri.gov/registrations-plates-titles/titles