Rhode Island Vehicle Bill of Sale

Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car in Rhode Island?

Yes. The Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles requires a bill of sale for all private vehicle purchases. The bill of sale must include the names and addresses of the buyer and seller, the vehicle's year, make, model, body type, color, VIN, the purchase price, the date of sale, an odometer disclosure, and signatures of both parties. The bill of sale is submitted alongside the Application for Registration and Title (Form TR-1) and is used to calculate the 7% sales tax.

Does a Rhode Island bill of sale need to be notarized?

No. Rhode Island does not require the bill of sale or the title assignment to be notarized. The official RI DMV bill of sale form has no notary block. Both the buyer and seller sign and date the document, and those signatures are sufficient. Notarization is optional and may be sought for additional assurance but has no effect on the document's legal validity.

How long do I have to register a vehicle after purchase in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island requires the buyer to register the vehicle and pay sales tax within 30 days of the purchase date. Sales tax must be paid by the 20th of the month following the sale to avoid interest and penalty charges. The buyer takes the assigned title, bill of sale, proof of Rhode Island insurance, and a completed Form TR-1 to the local DMV office. An official police VIN check is required for out-of-state titled vehicles.

How much is the sales tax on a private vehicle sale in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island imposes a 7% sales tax on private vehicle sales. For vehicles seven years old or newer, the tax is assessed on the greater of the purchase price or the NADA Clean Retail book value. This means that stating a low price on the bill of sale will not reduce the tax if the vehicle's book value is higher. For vehicles older than seven years, the tax is typically based on the stated purchase price.

Is an odometer disclosure required in Rhode Island?

Yes. The official RI DMV bill of sale form integrates the federal odometer disclosure statement. The seller must enter the current odometer reading and indicate whether it reflects actual mileage, exceeds mechanical limits, or involves a discrepancy. No separate odometer form is needed when using the state's integrated bill of sale form. The disclosure is required for vehicles model year 2011 and newer through 2030.

What do I need to know about private vehicle sales in Rhode Island?

Private vehicle sales in Rhode Island are considered as-is by default. The state's Lemon Law applies only to new or relatively new vehicles purchased from licensed dealerships, so private buyers are responsible for any post-purchase repairs. The seller must remove their license plates before delivering the vehicle — plates do not transfer with the car. The seller should retain a copy of the signed bill of sale and title assignment for their records.

What if the vehicle has multiple owners?

If the vehicle is titled to more than one person, all owners on the title must sign the bill of sale. Use the "Add a co-seller" option on the form to add the second seller's name and address. Both sellers' names and signature lines will appear on the document. For electronic signing, each co-owner can sign on the same device in sequence, or the document can be passed from one device to another via QR code or shared link. Both buyers can likewise be named on the bill of sale using the "Add a co-buyer" option.