Deal with a vehicle in Rhode Island

You need to continue regular car payments, maintain vehicle registration, and then transfer the car's ownership. You cannot drive the car unless you have proper registration, and penalties will be charged if this is not done on time.

Surviving Spouse

Bring the following to the DMV:

  • Completed and signed Application for Registration (refer to the third page of the document for information on what document sections need to be completed)

  • Completed and signed Sales or Use Tax Exemption Certificate form

  • If the model year of the vehicle is 2001 or newer, a title in the name of the deceased person is required

  • The current registration in the name of the deceased person

  • An original Death Certificate

There is no fee associated with this transaction.

Death with Appointed Administrator or Executor

For vehicles from year 2001 and newer, bring the following to the DMV:

 

For vehicles from year 2000 and older, bring the following to the DMV:

Next of Kin or Adult Children: No Surviving Spouse, No Executor

For all vehicles from year 2001 and newer, bring the following to the DMV:

For vehicles from year 2000 and older, bring the following to the DMV:

Parents of Deceased: No Surviving Spouse or Executor

For all vehicles from year 2001 and newer, bring the following to the DMV:

For vehicles from year 2000 and older, bring the following to the DMV:

No Survivors, No Executor

For all vehicles from year 2001 and newer, bring the following to the DMV:

For vehicles from year 2000 and older, bring the following to the DMV:

If you need assistance dealing with the driver’s license, license plates, or disabled person placards of the deceased, please click here.