Sell Your RV in Rhode Island

RHODE ISLAND TITLE AND PAPERWORK

Rhode Island RV Title Rules After the 2024 Change

Rhode Island's title law changed on January 1, 2024. Vehicles from model years before 2001 retain a transition rule, while travel trailers and fifth wheels are specifically excluded from the state's generic low-weight property-trailer exemption.

Rhode Island DMV says all used vehicles, regardless of model year, are now issued a Rhode Island Certificate of Title upon payment of sales tax and/or registration.

Rhode Island law also says vehicles from model years before 2001 are not required to be issued a title certificate until ownership is transferred or the current owner creates a security interest.

RI DMV recognizes a legacy situation for qualifying Rhode Island vehicles from model year 2000 and older that were first registered to the seller before January 1, 2024. Current DMV guidance says those vehicles may transfer using a bill of sale and valid proof of ownership, such as an old registration or paid sales-tax form in the seller's name.

Does the 3,000-Pound Trailer Exemption Apply to a Travel Trailer or Fifth Wheel?

No. Rhode Island law exempts certain property trailers with a GVWR of 3,000 pounds or less, but expressly excludes travel trailers, fifth-wheel trailers, and park trailers from that definition. Generic trailer guidance should not automatically be applied to a recreational towable.

What If the RV Came From Another State?

RI DMV has specific rules when a camping recreational vehicle or trailer previously registered or titled elsewhere is being registered in Rhode Island. In that registration situation, a VIN check from a local municipal police department is required. If the prior jurisdiction required a title, RI DMV says that title must be in the seller's name and properly assigned. If the prior jurisdiction did not require a title, qualifying proof of ownership may be used instead. See the Rhode Island DMV camping recreational vehicle guidance.

How Does a Titled Transfer Work?

For a titled vehicle, Rhode Island law generally calls for the owner to execute the assignment and warranty of title and deliver the certificate and assignment as prescribed.

The exact documents for an individual OneRVBuyer transaction can still depend on the RV's ownership and title situation.

What If There Is a Lien?

Tell OneRVBuyer about an active or recently satisfied lien before the transaction is finalized. RI DMV says a person does not have to obtain a completely new title simply because a lien has been satisfied. The lienholder can sign off on the title and/or provide a lien-release letter.

Rhode Island also operates an Electronic Lien and Title program, so lien and title information may be maintained electronically in participating situations.

What If the Rhode Island Title Is Actually Lost?

RI DMV says duplicate titles can be issued only for active Rhode Island titled vehicles. Only the owner listed on the original title may apply, or the lienholder if a current lien remains. If the original title listed a lienholder and a lien-free duplicate is requested, an original lien release is required.

Do All Rhode Island Title Documents Need to Be Notarized?

There is no useful blanket answer for every title situation. For example, RI DMV's duplicate-title application requires the listed owner's signatures to be notarized. Other documentation situations may have different requirements.

Motorhomes and towables are not identical either. Rhode Island's odometer-transfer statute applies to motor vehicles, while travel trailers and fifth-wheel trailers are towable recreational vehicles. Motorhome mileage guidance should not automatically be applied to a towable RV.