Do I need to wait for the new title to reregister this vehicle in my name? | Ask the DMV
Q: I recently purchased an out-of-state vehicle that I intend to give to a family member. Since I need to have the title in my name in order to make that transfer, I recently transacted a "title and tax only" at the RI DMV. Rather than wait six to eight weeks for the new title, I decided I want to register the vehicle under my name. Do I need to wait for the new title to register this vehicle, or can I use the RI DMV receipt paperwork in lieu? I would assume the RI DMV already has this title information in their database for reference.
— Anonymous
A: You can do the full register in your name at any time after completing the tax and title transaction. The vehicle is already in our system due to the first transaction, and it is also in your record. You would need to complete the TR-1 form and either make a reservation or drop off the paperwork at any DMV branch. Registration forms and instructions on making a reservation can be found on our website dmv.ri.gov. If you decide you want to drop off the paperwork, make sure to include all completed forms, a form of payment and your contact information.
Many people do the tax and title transaction when they want to transfer the title to someone else, or when the vehicle needs repairs and won’t be on the road immediately. Per the Division of Taxation, sales tax must be paid at the DMV at the time of registration and/or titling of your vehicle. Sales tax can also be paid prior to registration and/or titling at the Rhode Island Division of Taxation.
Customers are required to remit sales tax payments to the state in a timely manner. If sales tax is not paid by the 20th of the month following the month in which the sale took place, you may incur additional cost because of interest and penalty charges added to your base sales tax bill. For example, if your bill of sale is dated July 26, your sales tax would be due on Aug. 20. If it is not paid on or before that date, interest and penalty charges would accrue.
Sales tax can also be paid prior to registration and/or titling at the Rhode Island Division of Taxation. If you are not able to visit the DMV in a timely manner to get your vehicle registered and remit sales tax to DMV prior to the tax due date, you may contact the Division of Taxation excise tax section to pay your sales tax directly before the tax due date to avoid the assessment of penalties and interest. The excise tax section can be reached at (401) 574-8955 or via email tax.excise@tax.ri.gov.
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: Do I need to wait for the new title to re-register? | Ask the RI DMV
