Why hasn't the vanity plate request process been opened yet? | Ask the DMV
Q: Why hasn't the DMV opened up the Vanity Plate request process yet?
They suspended new vanity plates while they reviewed the criteria and asked for public input. That period ended, however, and we still are not able to request new vanity plates.
— John D.
A: This is the most current information I have from the Department of Revenue’s public information officer concerning vanity plates:
“We continue to review public comments and a formal legal opinion as to how to handle vanity plate requests in the future. Once that process is completed, it will be presented to the governor. We expect to present options to the governor within the next couple of weeks.”
Our website (dmv.ri.gov) will have the most current information, and announcements will be made through the press.
Q: I purchased a Kia Sportage from Mastria Kia, in Raynham, Massachusetts, on Oct. 22. They applied for the registration, but as of November we have paid for a vehicle that has not left their lot yet. What is the hang-up? What can we do about it?
— Elizabeth R.
A: The DMV turnaround time for dealership sales at the Cranston DMV is seven to 14 business days from the date the paperwork is dropped off at the DMV and not the date of purchase of the vehicle.
Most dealerships drop off their paperwork daily — especially if the vehicle is being financed — and pick up their completed paperwork on a daily basis.
Some dealerships do this less frequently — especially those that are out of state — but it really depends on the dealership.
If there is an issue with the registration paperwork (no insurance information, customer tax blocks, incomplete paperwork, etc.) and all the paperwork needs to be returned to the dealership, then it could double the time for a customer to get their registration certificate and license plates back from the dealership.
I checked with the office that handles dealership transactions, and your car was registered on Nov. 17.
At the DMV, the paperwork that was completed Nov. 17 was dropped off on or around Nov. 12.
Hopefully, you have your plates and registration certificate by now.
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 DMV: Why isn't the vanity plate request process opened yet?
