rhode island drivers license renewal - RI

Renew your Rhode Island drivers license. Prepare all your DMV info. Get all the forms, rules and steps required for your RI drivers license renewal. The fastest way to get a renewed license in Rhode Island is to use the DMV's website and renew online. If you cannot use their website because you do not have a credit card, you are always welcome to show up in person at any rhode island dmv office. If you are a member of AAA, you may renew at one of their offices. You could be eligible to renew by mail if you have a valid reason for being out of state. Lastly, it may be more convenient to let us help you with your renewal by signing up with our site. We’ll supply you with a checklist, and all of the important forms, rules, and steps. Please continue reading below to get started with your Rhode Island license renewal.

Rhode Island Drivers License Renewal Information

Expiration Date

Licenses in the Ocean State must usually be renewed every five (5) years. However, if you last obtained your license when you seventy five (75) years or older, it will need to be renewed every two (2) years. Your license will always expire on your birth day. If you are unsure of your expiration date, look at your current drivers license as it will show the date. 

Renewal Notice

As long as your address is up to date with the RI DMV, you should receive a renewal notice via mail in the weeks leading up to your expiration. The renewal notice will contain the renewal application form that you must submit when appearing in person. In order to receive this notice make sure that you document any address change with the DMV. If you do not receive this notice, don't worry, you may download the renewal form here. Always be proactive about your renewal. Allowing it to expire is not the DMV's fault.

When To Renew

You may visit any DMV office before your license expires. It's always best to prepare ahead of time in order to avoid complications. Try to visit the DMV office at its least busiest time. Normally, the best times to go are during the middle of the week and during the middle of the month. Avoid the end of month or Mondays and Fridays.

Expired Rhode Island License

Driving with an expired license is illegal and you will be subject to a fine of $75.00. On top of that, you be faced with these restrictions:

• Licenses expired for over one hundred and eighty (180) days may not renew online.
• If your license has expired for more than three (3) years, your old license number cannot be used again. You will be given a new number.
• If more than five (5) years have passed since expiration, you will not be allowed to renew at all. You must show up in person and retake the knowledge and driving tests.  

Drivers in Rhode Island who have their license placed on suspension may not drive here or any U.S. state. You must serve your suspension period and then reinstate it with the DMV Operator Control. Every suspended license is a different case. Please call 401-462-0800 to go over your reinstatement and suspension options.  It's normal to see an increase in your car insurance rates following a suspension. That's why it's smart to shop around for prices. We can help you get an affordable insurance rate you.

Renew Rhode Island Drivers License Online

In order to allow for an easier renewal option, the state government and the DMV have teamed up to allow the online renewal of your expiring license. Let's go over the eligibility rules to use the website:

Requirements to Renew Online

• You cannot use this method to renew a commercial drivers license. 
• If your license has expired over one hundred and eighty (180) days ago, you cannot renew online. Suspended or revoked licenses will also be rejected.  
• Any changes to your mailing address or your physical features will not be allowed online. 
• You must have a credit card
• You must have your current license that is about to expire.

STEPS

1. Visit the https://www.ri.gov/DMV/licenserenewal/ site to begin.
   • You'll be asked to enter your license number, last name, birth date, and zip code.
2. You will also be asked questions about your vision and health.
3. Make payment for the Fee.
   • $31.50 for drivers under seventy one (71) years of age. 
   • Prorated fee for drivers seventy one and older.
4. If approved, you will need to print out the temporary receipt. This receipt must always be carried alongside your expiring driver's license in the event that you are questioned by a police officer.
5. Your final permanent license will be mailed to you. It will arrive in twenty eight (28) business days. 

Note: To contact the DMV concerning your license, please use the following information:

Website: http://www.dmv.ri.gov/contact/
Phone Numbers: 401-462-5862
Fax: 401-462-5785

Rhode Island Drivers License Renew by Mail

This option is not allowed for most drivers in Rhode Island. The only exception is for Rhode Island residents that are away from the state temporarily. This typically occurs for people that are working, studying or living out of state for a few months. Active duty military can also renew by mail. If these situations do not apply to you, please try the online renewal.

Requirements to Renew By Mail

• Your license may not be expired for more than five (5) years.
• You may not renew a CDL by mail.
• For questions about your eligibility, please call 401-462-4368.

Out of State Renewal/Extension By Mail

STEPS

1. Sign the following Photo Waiver Renewal Request form. 
2. Fill out the following Photo License Waiver Affidavit form.
3. Fill out the following Driver License Application and print it out. You'll need to enter your name,  birth date, gender, SSN, driver license number, address, out of state address, phone, birth city, height, weight, hair and eye color, answer a few questions about citizenship status, restrictions, DUI's .
4. Your signature is required. Date the application.
5. Your eye care specialist must mail the following Vision Examination form. 
6. Make payment for the Fee. The only forms of payment accepted are money order or checks.
   • $31.50 for drivers under seventy one (71) years of age. 
   • Prorated fee for drivers seventy one and older.
7. Mail your forms together with payment to the following address:

   Division of Motor Vehicles 
   Attn: License and Registration
   600 New London Avenue
   Cranston, RI 02920

8. A new two (2) year license will be mailed to you. If your current license is the new digitized type, your last picture will be used. If not, a license without photo will be sent. 

Note: If you would like to change your license to the standard five (5) years license, please visit a rhode island dmv office when you return to Rhode Island.

 

If your license has not arrived, please contact the DMV at:

Website: http://www.dmv.ri.gov/contact/
Phone Numbers: 401-462-5862
Fax: 401-462-5785

Renew Rhode Island Drivers License In Person

You may either renew at a DMV office or at a AAA office. 

Requirements to Renew In Person

• Your current license cannot have expired over five (5) years ago.

STEPS

1. Prepare to take your current driver's license. If it is missing, please bring additional identification documents (read section below for details)
2. Bring your renewal application form. You'll need to enter your name,  birth date, gender, SSN, driver license number, address, out of state address, phone, birth city, height, weight, hair and eye color, answer a few questions about citizenship status, restrictions, DUI's .
3. Visit any rhode island dmv office or any AAA office. Make sure to double check their hours of operation.
4. Bring enough money to pay the Fee.
   • $31.50 for drivers under seventy one (71) years of age. 
   • Prorated fee for drivers seventy one and older.
5. Your picture will be taken.
6. Your final new digital license will be mailed to you. It will arrive in less than forty five (45) days. In the meantime, you will be given a temporary license that you may use for sixty (60) days.

 

Note: If your license has not arrived, please use the following information to contact the DMV concerning your status:

Website: http://www.dmv.ri.gov/contact/
Phone Numbers: 401-462-5862
Fax: 401-462-5785

 

Rhode Island Drivers License Renewal Documents

• Your current license that is expiring will serve as proof of identification.  
• If you are not able to bring your current license, you must bring:
  • One (1) proof of identification document. Examples included your birth certificate, passport, military ID, etc..
  • One (1) proof of Rhode Island residency document. Examples included a utility bill, bank statement, payroll stub, insurance policy, etc..
• If you are here temporarily on a visa, you must show all documents that prove your legal presence.
• In order to see a list of all documents, please look at page 3 of your renewal application. 

Auto Insurance

When renewing your license in Rhode Island you will need to confirm whether your motor vehicle is properly insured. In order to drive on any public road in Rhode Island you must carry liability insurance by law.  Your proof of insurance must always be on your possession while driving. You must pick an insurance company that is licensed in Rhode Island. Make sure that you're not overpaying for your auto insurance by getting a free online quote by our trusted partners. Click here to begin.