Rhode Island Personalized License Plates
In Rhode Island, residents can personalize their license plates—referred to as "Vanity Plates"—for various vehicle types, including passenger vehicles and motorcycles. Personalized plates allow for a combination of letters and numbers, subject to specific character limits and guidelines.
Get Rhode Island plate ideas
Describe yourself — name, job, hobbies — and we'll suggest personalized plate ideas you can preview on a Rhode Island plate.
Stuck for an idea? Browse our plate lists for nurses, teachers, jeep owners, dog lovers and fishing, or all plate idea lists. Every idea fits Rhode Island's character limit or can be trimmed to it.
How to Get a Personalized Rhode Island Plate
- Check Plate Availability: Before applying, verify if your desired plate combination is available using the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)'s Vanity Plates page.
- Submit an Application:
- Online: Use the RI DMV Vanity Plate Reservation portal to select your plate design, enter your desired combination, and complete the application process.
- By Mail: Complete the Application for Ordering Vanity License Plates and submit it, along with the appropriate fees, to the address listed on the form.
- Await Approval: The DMV will review your application to ensure the requested plate combination adheres to state guidelines. Once approved, the personalized plate will be manufactured.
- Receive Your Plate: You will be notified when your personalized plate is ready for pickup at your local DMV office. Processing times may vary.
Important Notes for Rhode Island Residents
- Character Limits:
- Standard Plates: Up to 6 characters for passenger vehicles.
- Motorcycle Plates: Up to 5 characters.
- Prohibited Content: Plates must not contain offensive or inappropriate language. The DMV reserves the right to deny any combination deemed offensive to good taste and decency.
- No Punctuation: Punctuation marks or special characters are not permitted. Spaces are allowed and count as characters.
- Plate Ownership: Personalized plates are generally tied to the vehicle owner, not the vehicle itself. If you sell your vehicle, you may transfer the personalized plates to another vehicle registered in your name.
- Renewal: Personalized plates must be renewed annually, along with your vehicle registration.
Fees:
| State | Initial Fee | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | $68.50 | $68.50 |
These fees are in addition to standard vehicle registration fees.
Rhode Island DMV - Vanity Plates