Rhode Island License Plate Lookup
Auto thefts have risen in the U.S., with over 1 million vehicles stolen in 2023. You may be looking at a previously stolen car right now. A Rhode Island license plate lookup can help you spot these vehicles and avoid them. Get a check now!
Table of Contents
What is a Rhode Island License Plate Lookup?
The Rhode Island License Plate Lookup is a service you can use to help you run a background check at home by yourself when you are planning to buy a used vehicle in Rhode Island.
By entering the license plate number on the form above, you will get a vehicle history report that will show you the important information on the vehicle, like the accident record, recalls, past ownership, warranty coverage, auction history, stolen check, and more.
Can You Look Up a License Plate for Free in Rhode Island?
Yes, you can get an RI license plate lookup for free with our tool, but not a full report. Even without the report, you will still receive as much information as you need to make the right decisions at a car purchase or sale.
Here’s what you can check with our tool for free:
- Associated VIN number
- Year, Make, and Model
- Country of Origin
- Market Value
- Transmission Type
- Fuel Type
- Drive Type
- Body Type
- Trim Information
- MSRP
- Engine Specifications
- Dimensions
- VIN
- Engine Value
- MSRP
- Manufacturer
- Fuel Type
- Body Type
- Year & Model
- Transmission
- Vehicle Type
- Sales Record
- Drive Type
- Mileage
- Market Value
- Doors
- Country of Origin
Inside a Rhode Island License Plate Report
A full vehicle history report can provide everything about a vehicle’s past. This means license plate history records equip you to avoid costly mistakes and find perfect vehicles.
Some information you can find through license plate history records is:
Vehicle Specification
Detailed info on make, model, year, transmission, engine type, MSRP, drive type, country of origin, and seating arrangement to help you see if the vehicle matches your budget and needs.
Ownership History
Check how many people have owned the vehicle. See the year of purchase, location, and how long they kept the vehicle.
Accident Reports
Examine if the vehicle has ever been involved in an accident. In this section, you’ll see the date, location, and how many times the vehicle was in accidents.
Damage Records
See if the vehicle has suffered from any damage caused by a natural disaster or even accident. Check if the vehicle suffered from major/minor damage due to accident, flood, fire, structural alteration, and more.
Auction History
Details of the car’s auction sales, including dates, condition of the vehicle, photos (up to ten), and sale prices.
Lien/Loan Records
Information about any active liens or loans, which may impact ownership transfer. Make sure that the lien/loan tied to the vehicle is cleared by the previous owners for a smooth vehicle transfer.
Theft History
Confirm if the vehicle has ever been reported stolen or involved in theft. Get the information on the date, location, and data source of the stolen vehicle.
Mileage Records
Verify the vehicle’s mileage to assess potential wear and tear. We detailed the recorded mileage along with the date and the last recorded mileage of the vehicle.
Title Information
Clarifies whether the title is clean, salvaged, or branded, which affects safety and value. Make sure that the vehicle’s title is clean before you proceed to buy the vehicle.
Market Value Estimates
This helps ensure you’re getting a fair price when buying or selling the car based on the MSRP and recorded sales history.
Recalls and Safety Issues
Check for unresolved safety issues or ongoing recalls related to the vehicle. See the date of recalls, the causes, and the steps taken by the manufacturer to resolve the recall issues.
Service History
Access to past maintenance and repair records, including the date, location, and types of services performed and replaced parts.
Who Should Use the Rhode Island License Plate Lookup?
As of early 2024, over 11% of auto loans in Rhode Island are delinquent, ranking the state fifth nationally for auto loan delinquencies. This situation can lead to serious financial consequences, including potential vehicle repossession if payments are not made.
A license plate lookup in Rhode Island exposes all liens and other hidden records. This keeps both buyers and sellers safe from possible complications after sales.
Here are more reasons why both buyers and sellers should use the Rhode Island License Plate Lookup.
- For Buyers
- Verify Vehicle Authenticity: Ensure the vehicle matches the description and hasn’t been misrepresented.
- Identify Hidden Issues: Discover any past accidents, liens, or title brands that could affect the car’s value.
- Know What You’re Paying For: Get an accurate estimate of the car’s market value and avoid overpaying.
- Protect Yourself from Fraud: Verify that the car isn’t stolen or involved in any ongoing legal disputes.
- For Sellers
- Improve Transparency: Provide detailed, verifiable information to help gain buyers' trust.
- Price Your Vehicle Accurately: Use info from history records to set a fair price based on the vehicle’s value.
- Avoid Future Disputes: Provide all information upfront to avoid any post-sale issues.
- Increase Your Sales Chances: A complete history can make your vehicle more attractive to potential buyers.
How to Lookup a Rhode Island License Plate Number?
Enter the License Plate Number
Find the license plate of the vehicle you want to check. Then, fill put the form with the license plate number and submit it.
Review and Purchase
Check vehicle specifications and features, and proceed to payment to get the full vehicle history report.
Get Your Report
After the payment is successful, don’t forget to download the vehicle history report in PDF format.
Why Getting a RI License Plate History is Crucial
Seller’s Claim
- 1 accident record
- 2 Record(s) of damage
- 2 specific events reported
- 1 auction record
- 2 lien or loan record
- 4 open recalls record
Seller’s Claim
- 30% cheaper than the other sellers
- Never been in an accident
- Privately used
Outcome
- Hailey was surprised that the car had too many red flags
- She decided to cancel the purchase because the car has 4 open recall records, which is dangerous
Why Checking the License Plate is a MUST
- Look up the license plate and get the report before you buy a used vehicle to see important and hidden info
- Do not get tempted by a cheap price
Rhode Island Laws/Legislation on License Plates
According to Rhode Island law, all motor vehicles in the state must display registration plates. This is specified in Title 31, Chapter 3 of the General Laws. Without this, vehicles cannot be registered or used on public roads.
Vehicle Registration and Plate Requirements
- All vehicles must be registered with the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
- Applicants for registration must provide a valid identity document, such as a Rhode Island driver’s license or passport. Proof of insurance and the title are also required.
- Except for certain vehicle types, each vehicle is required to display one plate on the front and one on the rear.
How to Get a License Plate in Rhode Island
- Proof of valid Rhode Island insurance
- A dealer’s sales tax form
- Bill of sale
- A Rhode Island driver’s license or state-issued ID
- Vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
- Proper tax documentation if purchased from an out-of-state dealer
- Original title, Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin, or other acceptable proof of ownership
- Power of Attorney (if the car is leased)
- Payment for registration fees
- Proof of valid insurance
- The original title (signed over by the seller if the car is model year 2001 or newer) or other proof of ownership for vehicles from non-titled states
- Vehicle’s GVWR
- Bill of sale
- Notarized gift letter and affidavit, if the car is being transferred as a gift from someone outside your immediate family
- Rhode Island license or state ID card
- Payment for registration fees
Renewing Your Rhode Island License Plate
To renew a license plate in Rhode Island, vehicle owners must submit their renewal application and pay the required fees to the Rhode Island DMV. Renewal can typically be done online, by mail, or in person.
RI License Plate Replacement
If your license plates are lost, you will need to report to the police or make an Affidavit for Cancellation Registration for Lost License Plate. However, if you only lost one plate, you must surrender the other plate to the DMV to get the replacement plate.
The DMV gave you two options to replace the license plate. Here’s how you can do it:
Option 1: Request a New Plate Number
- Book an appointment at a local DMV branch.
- Bring the completed Form TR-1.
- Provide a police report or Lost Plate Affidavit (if the plate was stolen).
- Submit all required documents listed on Form TR-1.
- Pay the replacement fee.
Option 2: Order a Remake of Your Current Plate
- Use the DMV’s online license plate remake service to order a duplicate.
- Or, if you’d rather apply by mail, send the following:
– A completed Application for Remake of Rhode Island License Plates
– A check or money order made out to “RI DMV”
– Mail everything to:
Division of Motor Vehicles
Attn: Plates
600 New London Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920
Rhode Island License Plate Design and Format
The standard RI plate typically displays a white background with blue text. At the top, it reads “Ocean State,” referencing the state’s nickname, and includes a combination of numbers and letters for identification.
In some variations, artistic or themed plates showcase Rhode Island’s coastal beauty, maritime heritage, or state parks.
Rhode Island License Plate Types
In Rhode Island, the Division of Motor Vehicles from the Department of Revenue is the one responsible for issuing the license plate. There are many types of plates offered in Rhode Island, just like in other states. Here are some of the common ones:
State License Plates
The main state plate is called the wave plate. It has five wave designs, one for each county in Rhode Island. These plates can be used on many types of vehicles, including passenger cars, motorcycles, trailers, taxis, and farm vehicles.
Military and Veteran Plates
Veterans can apply for special plates. To get one, they must show proof of service, such as a DD 214. Types include:
- Veteran Plates: For most vehicles up to 12,000 pounds.
- Disabled Veteran Plates: for veterans with a 100% service-connected disability.
- Ex-POW Plates: for former Prisoners of War.
- Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Gold Star, and National Guard Plates: for those who qualify through military service or awards.
- In most cases, these plates may also transfer to a spouse after the veteran passes away.
Charity Plates
Charity plates are linked to nonprofit groups. When drivers buy them, part of the money goes to the organization as well as the state.
Military and Veteran Plates
Vanity plates let drivers choose their own letters or numbers. Passenger vehicles can have up to 6 characters, while motorcycles can have up to 5. Commercial vehicles up to 9,001 pounds can also use 6 characters. These plates can be ordered online through the DMV vanity plate service.
Get More Than a License Plate Lookup
Easily access all the tools you need to get a full car background check and make the best decisions:
VIN Decoder
Window Sticker Lookup
Build Sheet by VIN
Classic Car History Report
Why Should You Use Detailed Vehicle History Rhode Island License Plate Lookup?
Thinking about buying a used car in Rhode Island? Running a license plate search with Detailed Vehicle History is one of the smartest steps you can take. It gives you quick access to the facts that matter before making a purchase. Here’s why drivers trust this service:
- 24/7 Support: Helpful customer service whenever you need it.
- Auction insights: View up to 10 real auction photos of the vehicle.
- Affordable pricing: Get valuable data without overspending.
- No time limits: Download your report and keep it forever.
- Covers all vehicles: Works for cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more.
License Plate Lookup By States
FAQs About Rhode Island License Plate Lookup
Q. How to look up a license plate in RI?
A. You can easily look up a license plate in RI by entering the license plate number into the form on this page. Select the state, “Rhode Island”, enter your email address, and submit the form. You will instantly receive a breakdown of the vehicle’s specifications and a detailed vehicle history report.
Q. What is the best site to look up license plates?
A. Detailed Vehicle History stands out as the best site for license plate lookups. View all history records in seconds with our tool: ownership records, theft records, sales records, auction history with up to 10 photos, lien and loan records, repair history, RI registration lookup, service history, title brand records, and more.
Q. Can I find someone’s name by their license plate?
A. No, you cannot find anyone’s name using their license plates. This is against the privacy laws and is illegal.
Q. Can you find a car’s location by license plate?
A. While you cannot find the real-time location of a vehicle, with an RI license lookup, you can check for previous states where the vehicle was sold and registered. You can also view the duration of car ownership, the number of previous owners, and view a map showing all locations.
Q. Can you look up a license plate in RI?
A. Yes, you can. By using the license plate lookup tool, you can get important information about the vehicle before you decide to buy a used vehicle.
