RegistryFee

Rhode Island Vehicle Registration Fee Calculator

Rhode Island registers passenger vehicles by weight, billed per two-year cycle: $30/yr up to 4,000 lbs, stepping up with weight, plus a $40-per-two-year DOT surcharge. The municipal car tax was fully phased out in 2022–2023. New for January 2026: EVs pay $200/yr, plug-in hybrids $100, and hybrids $50. The title fee is $52.50.

Verified against official Rhode Island sources on 2026-07-21. How we verify fees.

Your vehicle

Registration due now
$100.00
Covers 2 years — averages $50.00 per year.
Each renewal (2 years)
  • Registration fee
    By weight
    $60.00
  • DOT surcharge
    $40 per 2-year cycle
    $40.00
One-time fees (first registration)
  • Title fee
    $52.50
One-time total: $52.50

Estimate only — actual fees are set by your state and county at the time of registration. Data last reviewed 2026-07-21.

Good to know

  • EV/PHEV/hybrid fees and the higher DOT surcharge took effect January 1, 2026.

What determines vehicle registration cost in Rhode Island?

  • Vehicle weight ($30/yr ≤4,000 lbs, up from there)
  • $40 per-2-year DOT surcharge
  • EV/PHEV/hybrid surcharges

Frequently asked questions

How much is car registration in Rhode Island?

$30/yr for a car up to 4,000 lbs (about $60 per two-year cycle) plus a $40 DOT surcharge per cycle. Heavier vehicles pay more by weight.

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Vehicle Registration calculators for other states

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More Rhode Island fees

Title transfer →Driver's license →Marriage license →Birth certificate →Divorce filing →Name change →LLC / business →Real estate transfer tax →Sales tax permit →Boat registration →Moped & scooter →Golf cart & LSV →Disabled parking placard →

vehicle registration in nearby states

Connecticut →Massachusetts →New York →

Official Rhode Island resources

Estimates here are informational — the state is the only source of an official quote.

Rhode Island DMV ↗☎ (401) 462-4368dmv.ri.gov — fee source ↗dmv.ri.gov — fee source ↗

Data last reviewed 2026-07-21.