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) 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: Certificate of Title in deceased name Original Notice of Appointment from Probate Court naming the administrator or executor Signed title (by executor or administrator as seller) For vehicles from year 2000 and older, bring the following to the DMV: Old Registration in Deceased’s name Original Notice of Appointment from Probate Court naming the administrator or executor Signed title (by executor or administrator as seller) 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: Certificate of Title in deceased name Original Death Certificate For vehicles from year 2000 and older, bring the following to the DMV: Old Registration in Deceased’s name Parents of Deceased: No Surviving Spouse or Executor For all vehicles from year 2001 and newer, bring the following to the DMV: Certificate of Title in deceased name Original Death Certificate For vehicles from year 2000 and older, bring the following to the DMV: Old Registration in Deceased’s name No Survivors, No Executor For all vehicles from year 2001 and newer, bring the following to the DMV: Certificate of Title in deceased name Original Death Certificate Voluntary Executor under small estates RI General Law 33-24.1 (obtained at local City or Town Hall) For vehicles from year 2000 and older, bring the following to the DMV: Old Registration in Deceased’s name Voluntary Executor under small estates RI General Law 33-24.1 (obtained at local City or Town Hall) If you need assistance dealing with the driver’s license, license plates, or disabled person placards of the deceased, please click here .