Free Rhode Island Free Printable Bill of Sale
A bill of sale is on the Rhode Island DMV's private-party registration checklist (the DMV links a sample), and the seller must give one to the buyer. The buyer must apply for a new title at the Rhode Island DMV promptly after delivery (there is no fixed day count) and must pass both a safety inspection and an emissions inspection before the vehicle can be registered.
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Prefer a print-and-sign version? Our guide lists the fields a printed bill of sale commonly needs for DMV paperwork — with download-ready blank templates for all vehicle types. Read: Free Printable Bill of Sale Templates →
Rhode Island Free Printable Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Primary Form
Standard bill of sale
Agency
DMV
Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles
Primary ID Field
VIN
Sales Tax
7%
Title Required
Yes
Inspection
Required
Rhode Island Free Printable Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Enter the complete legal names and addresses of both participants
- Log the 17-character VIN with year, make, model, and the current reading
- State the purchase price — Rhode Island's motor vehicle sales tax is 7%, one of the higher rates in New England
- BOTH buyer and seller must sign and date the bill of sale
- Seller assigns the title by completing the transfer section on the back of the certificate of title
- Buyer applies for a new title at the Rhode Island DMV promptly after delivery
- Pass both a safety inspection and an emissions inspection before the new registration is issued
Common Pitfalls
- Have both parties sign — a bill of sale signed by buyer and seller is the clearer record
- Rhode Island requires both a safety inspection AND an emissions inspection for registration; missing either will prevent the buyer from completing registration
- The sales tax is due by the 20th of the month after the purchase date on the BOS, even before registration
- Rhode Island's 7% sales tax applies to the purchase price stated in the BOS, or to book value if higher for a vehicle 7 years old or less — ensure the price is accurate
- Sellers should retain a copy of the signed BOS and notify the DMV of the sale to avoid liability for future violations or parking tickets
Rhode Island Free Printable Bill of Sale — FAQs
Is notarization required on a Rhode Island vehicle bill of sale?
No. Rhode Island does not require notarization of a private-party vehicle bill of sale or the title assignment. The exception is the TR-1 registration application: if a registrant cannot be present, that person's signature on it must be notarized.
Does Rhode Island require both safety and emissions inspections?
Yes. Rhode Island requires both a safety inspection and an OBD-based emissions inspection for most vehicles before a new registration can be issued. Both inspections must be passed at a licensed inspection station.
What is the sales tax rate on vehicles in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island charges a 7% motor vehicle sales tax — on the greater of NADA clean retail value or the sale price for a vehicle 7 years old or less (the sale price for vehicles 8–29 years old). This is among the higher rates in New England.
How many print-outs does the paperwork need?
Print at least two signed copies — one for the buyer to submit at the DMV when applying for the new title, and one for the seller to retain as proof of the sale.
Where does the buyer go to transfer the title?
The buyer visits a Rhode Island DMV office in person. They bring the signed BOS, the seller-assigned title, payment for the 7% sales tax, and the title fee. Online private title transfers are not available.