Bill Would Overhaul License, Registration Rules In Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, RI — A proposed law could decrease crowds at the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles by extending license expiration dates to 10 years and allowing car dealers to register vehicles online. If approved, the bill would also allow license plates to be returned through the mail.

The bill was introduced by representative Evan Shanley of Warwick. If passed into law, it would streamline the DMV process by offering options to keep Rhode Islanders out of the division's offices.

Instead of issuing temporary plates and registering vehicles in-person at the DMV, car dealers would now have the option to complete the process online. Temporary plates would no longer apply, a sticker on the vehicle would serve as a license plate until the real one arrives. Rather than return to the dealership to pick up the plates, the division would mail them to the vehicle owner directly.

Most relevant to drivers, driver's licenses would now expire after 10 years, instead of five. Drivers over the age of 75 would be required to renew their license after three years, instead of the current two. In addition, Rhode Island residents could receive a new license in the mail for just $5 after submitting a change of address.

Finally, the changed law would allow license plates to be returned via mail, instead of requiring a visit to the DMV.