Will my new license plates, with the new design, have a new number? | Ask the DMV
Q: My car registration expires in August of this year. Since I currently have an old Rhode Island license plate, I have been told to expect an updated one in the mail when I process the new registration. Will my new plate have a new number instead of my current one?
— Marion M.
A: When a Rhode Island registration is renewed either online, through the mail, or in person and the “plate design” for their vehicle and on their registration certificate has “wave,” the registrant will receive the new “ocean” plates in the mail with the same registration they had previously. We are not changing anyone’s registration during the reissuance program. Only “wave” plate designs will be replaced, and not charity, military or other plate designs.
Just a couple of reminders for you (and everyone):
Make sure your renewal notice or your current registration certificate has “wave” in the “Plate Design” field.
Make sure your address is accurate. If it is not, please go to our website (www.dmv.ri.gov) and to our “Online Services” tab. There is a transaction listed “Change my Address” where you can enter the correct address.
Renew your registration by mail or online.
When your envelope with your new plates arrives, there are instructions on the front and back of the envelope. Please read and follow these instructions carefully.
Remove your new plates AND the address label from inside the envelope. Your registration certificate is printed on the back of the mailing label and instructions. Make sure all the information is correct on your plates (registration and expiration) and the registration certificate.
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: Will my new license plates have a new number? | Ask the RI DMV
