My car's registration shows the wrong style | Ask the DMV
Q: When I changed cars back in December 2021, my registration showed "wave," which is not correct, as I have had the "sailboat" since they were first available.
I understand that when my registration comes up in October, my plate will automatically be issued the new "wave." I want to keep my "sailboat" plate, which I paid for at the time of issuance. What do I have to do?
— Joyce S.
A: Thank you for checking your registration certificate and your plate design. I hope that everyone else does the same thing and then lets the DMV know if there are any discrepancies, especially the people who have the “sailboat” plates on their vehicles.
Plate design can be found on your registration certificate, and it is located in the top row, third one in from the left side.
With the statewide plate reissuance program beginning this year, the DMV wants to make sure that everyone who has a special plate (i.e. sailboat plate or electric/hybrid plate) or charity plate (i.e. Plum Beach Lighthouse, New England Patriots, etc.) gets to keep those plates. They will not be part of the reissuance program. Only the blue "wave" plates will be replaced with the new design.
Replacement plates will be mailed to everyone upon their registration renewal when the reissuance program begins.
Joyce, I have changed your registration certificate from “wave” to “sailboat,” and I will be sending you a new registration certificate. You will be receiving it in the mail shortly.
Q: I purchased a 2002 Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 and never received the title. How can I register the motorcycle I purchased that is now 20 years old with no title?
— Mark T.G. Sr.
A: The law in Rhode Island — since 2011 — is any vehicle 2001 and newer requires a title to be registered. If you purchased this vehicle from another party, then you need to have the seller give you a title for the motorcycle, or they can apply for a duplicate title if the motorcycle was last registered and titled in RI in their name.
On our website, dmv.ri.gov, under the “forms” tab you will see “title forms.” The seller can print the “application for title" and fill out the sections required for a duplicate title.
If there was ever a loan/lien on the motorcycle and it was never removed from the motorcycle’s record, then an original “lien release letter” will be required in order to get a duplicate title. Duplicate titles cost $52.50.
If the motorcycle was previously registered in another state, then the seller would be required to follow that state’s rules for applying for a duplicate title.
Chuck Hollis is assistant administrator of the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles. Please email your questions to cars@providencejournal.com with “Ask the DMV” in the subject field.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Ask the RI DMV: My car's registration shows the wrong style
