Selling or buying a vehicle in Rhode Island? A bill of sale is required for all private party vehicle transactions — and Rhode Island charges 7% sales tax on the purchase price.
This free template is formatted for Rhode Island’s requirements and works alongside the Certificate of Title and Form TR-1 at any Rhode Island DMV office.
Click Get This Template below to open it in Google Docs, then click Use Template to save a copy to your Drive.
For templates for all 50 states, visit the Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Templates →
On this page:
- What Is a Rhode Island Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale?
- Is a Bill of Sale Required in Rhode Island?
- Rhode Island-Specific Requirements
- Free Rhode Island Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Template
- How to Fill Out the Template
- How to Transfer a Car Title in Rhode Island
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Rhode Island Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale?
A Rhode Island motor vehicle bill of sale is a written record of a private vehicle sale.
It is submitted alongside the Certificate of Title, Sales Tax Form (T-334), and Application for Registration and Certificate of Title (Form TR-1) at any Rhode Island DMV office. Both buyer and seller must sign the bill of sale.
Is a Bill of Sale Required in Rhode Island?
Yes. A bill of sale is required for all private party vehicle transactions in Rhode Island. It is submitted alongside the title and Form TR-1 to complete the registration and title transfer at the DMV.
For out-of-state vehicle purchases, a bill of sale must also be presented alongside the out-of-state title.
Rhode Island-Specific Requirements
1. No White-Out on the Title
Rhode Island DMV will not accept a title that has been altered with white-out, correction tape, or strike-throughs. Any error on the title requires a corrected or duplicate title before the transfer can proceed.
2. Sales Tax: 7%
Rhode Island charges 7% sales tax on the purchase price of a privately sold vehicle. Tax is paid at the DMV at the time of registration, using the Sales Tax Form (T-334). The purchase price on the bill of sale is used to calculate the tax.
3. Title Required for 2001 and Newer
Rhode Island requires titles for vehicles model year 2001 and newer. For vehicles 2000 and older, additional documentation may be required — contact the RI DMV for guidance.
4. New Residents: 30-Day Deadline
New Rhode Island residents have 30 days from establishing residency to transfer their out-of-state vehicle title and registration. Bring the out-of-state title, bill of sale, proof of Rhode Island insurance, and valid RI driver’s license or ID to any DMV location.
5. Out-of-State Purchases
If buying a car from another state, bring the title signed over to you by the previous owner, proof of insurance, and a bill of sale to any DMV location. A temporary plate ($10.00) is required to drive the vehicle.
6. Mailing Option
Rhode Island allows title transfer applications to be mailed to: Division of Motor Vehicles, 600 New London Ave, Cranston, RI 02920. In-person at any DMV location is also available.
7. Notarization
Rhode Island does not require notarization for a standard private party vehicle bill of sale. Notarization is optional but recommended for high-value sales.
Free Rhode Island Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Template
This template opens in Google Docs. Click Use Template to save a copy to your Drive, fill it out digitally, or print and complete by hand.
How to Fill Out the Template
Enter the seller’s name exactly as it appears on the Certificate of Title. Enter the buyer’s name exactly as they want it on the new title and registration.
In Section 3, copy the VIN character by character. Enter the full agreed purchase price in Section 4 — Rhode Island calculates 7% sales tax on this figure.
Both parties sign Section 11. Do not use white-out on the title.
For a complete field-by-field walkthrough of every section, see: How to Fill Out a Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale →
How to Transfer a Car Title in Rhode Island
For the Seller
Sign the back of the Certificate of Title over to the buyer. Provide the buyer with this signed bill of sale. Keep a copy for your records.
For the Buyer
Visit any Rhode Island DMV office or mail documents to 600 New London Ave, Cranston, RI 02920, with the signed title, this bill of sale, completed Form TR-1 (Application for Registration and Certificate of Title), Sales Tax Form T-334, proof of Rhode Island insurance, valid RI driver’s license or ID, and payment for the 7% sales tax and registration fees.
Lost Title
Apply for a duplicate title ($52.50 fee) at any Rhode Island DMV location before proceeding. Contact the RI DMV at dmv.ri.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. A bill of sale is required for all private party vehicle transactions in Rhode Island. It is submitted alongside the title and Form TR-1 at the DMV to complete the title transfer and registration.
Rhode Island charges 7% sales tax on the purchase price of a privately sold vehicle. Tax is paid at the DMV using Sales Tax Form T-334 at the time of title transfer and registration.
30 days from establishing residency. New residents must bring the out-of-state title, bill of sale, proof of Rhode Island insurance, and valid RI driver’s license or ID to any DMV location within 30 days.
No. Rhode Island does not require notarization for a standard private party vehicle bill of sale. Notarization is optional but recommended for high-value sales.
The duplicate title fee in Rhode Island is $52.50. Apply at any Rhode Island DMV location before proceeding with a sale if the original title is lost.
Yes. Rhode Island does not require a specific state-issued bill of sale form. Any bill of sale that includes the buyer and seller names and addresses, vehicle description, VIN, purchase price, date of sale, and signatures of both parties is acceptable alongside Form TR-1 and Sales Tax Form T-334.
This template and all information on this page are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Contact the Rhode Island DMV at dmv.ri.gov to confirm current requirements before completing your transaction.