RI DMV Change of Address: Deadline, Methods, and REAL ID

To complete an RI DMV change of address, notify the Division of Motor Vehicles within 10 days of moving using the online portal, a mailed form, or a drop box at any branch. The address change itself is free. Rhode Island law gives you just 10 days after moving, and the fine for missing that deadline is $100.1Rhode Island General Assembly. Rhode Island Code 31-10-32 – Notice of Change of Address or Name2Rhode Island General Assembly. Rhode Island Code 31-41.1-4 – Schedule of Fines

The 10-Day Deadline

Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-10-32, anyone holding a Rhode Island driver’s license or state ID must notify the DMV in writing within 10 days of moving.1Rhode Island General Assembly. Rhode Island Code 31-10-32 – Notice of Change of Address or Name A separate statute, § 31-3-34, imposes the same obligation for vehicle registration records, and both violations carry a $100 fine.2Rhode Island General Assembly. Rhode Island Code 31-41.1-4 – Schedule of Fines If you hold a license and own a registered vehicle, missing both records could expose you to $200 in fines.

The practical risk is bigger than the fine. Registration renewal notices, inspection reminders, and legal correspondence all go to whatever address the DMV has on file. If those bounce back, you can miss a renewal and drive on an expired registration without knowing.

Three Ways to Submit the Change

The DMV accepts address changes three ways, and none of them cost anything for the change itself.3Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles. Name and Address Change

Online

The fastest option is the DMV’s online address change portal at ri.gov/DMV/address_change.3Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles. Name and Address Change Confirm your information on screen and submit. No appointment, no postage.

By Mail

Download the Change of Address Notice from the DMV website or pick one up at a branch.4State of Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles. Address Change Notice Fill it out and mail it to:

Division of Motor Vehicles
Attn: Address Change
600 New London Avenue
Cranston, RI 029203Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles. Name and Address Change

In Person or Drop Box

You can also bring the completed form to any DMV branch. Drop boxes are available at all branch locations during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.5Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles. Registration Transactions If you need help from staff, the DMV’s online reservation system lets you schedule an appointment.

What the Form Asks For

The Change of Address Notice is a single page. You need to provide:4State of Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles. Address Change Notice

  • Your full legal name, exactly as it appears on your current license or ID
  • Date of birth
  • License or ID number
  • Old residential address
  • New residential address
  • New mailing address, if different from your residential address (must be a Rhode Island address)

The form does not ask for your Social Security number. Fill in every field legibly. Incomplete or hard-to-read forms get bounced back, which can push you past the 10-day window.

Write the New Address on the Back of Your License

Once you submit the change, the DMV instructs you to print the new address on the back of your current license in the space provided.3Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles. Name and Address Change Your existing license stays valid until its printed expiration date regardless of what address is on the front.

Getting a New Card With the Updated Address

Updating the DMV database does not automatically generate a new card. If you want a replacement license showing the current address on the front, request a duplicate through the DMV’s online duplicate license service.6Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles. DMV Duplicate License Request Service The duplicate is mailed to whatever address the DMV has on file, so update the address first.

A duplicate license costs $27.50, the same whether it is a standard license or a REAL ID.7Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles. REAL ID For everyday use, writing the new address on the back of the existing card is usually enough, and you can wait until your next renewal for a card printed with the new address.

If Your Next Transaction Is a REAL ID

A REAL ID renewal or duplicate request requires two documents proving the new address. The two documents must come from separate sources or separate accounts, and P.O. Box addresses do not count.8Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles. REAL ID Identification Documents List Accepted documents include:

  • Utility bills dated within the past 60 days
  • Bank statements or personal checks dated within the past 60 days
  • A current lease agreement (handwritten leases are not accepted)
  • A property tax bill from the preceding year
  • A current auto insurance policy
  • A W-2 from the preceding year

If you just moved, gathering two qualifying documents at the new address can take a few weeks. Plan ahead so you are not scrambling at renewal. The full list is on the DMV’s REAL ID page.8Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles. REAL ID Identification Documents List

Voter Registration Updates Automatically

Rhode Island automatically registers eligible residents to vote when they complete DMV transactions, unless you opt out.9Vote.RI.gov. Update Your Voter Record Changing your address at the DMV should update your voter registration at the same time. To confirm, check your record at vote.sos.ri.gov.