Home » How to Register & Title Your Motorcycle » Register & Title a Motorcycle in Rhode Island

Register & Title a Motorcycle in Rhode Island

Need to register or title your motorcycle? We'll walk you through each step. First, let's take care of your motorcycle insuance.

Now is a great time to compare quotes to see if you qualify for a lower rate. Why pay more for insurance if you don't have to? Switch today and save!

⚠️ ATTENTION: Need to register or title your motorcycle? Be prepared to satisfy any insurance requirements. Click below for a free insurance quote.

Please answer the questions below to get started:

This page will cover the street legal requirements and registration and title process in Rhode Island and provide some tips on how to register if you bought the motorcycle without a title.

Learn more about motorcycle title transfers in Rhode Island.

Rhode Island Title & Inspection Requirements for Used Motorcycles

  • Does Rhode Island have an equipment/safety inspection?
    • Periodic inspection required.
  • Does Rhode Island require VIN Inspections for motorcycles bought out of state?
    • Required for out of state motorcycles 2001 or newer.
  • Does Rhode Island require a title for old motorcycles?
    • No titles required for motorcycles with a model year of 2000 and older.

Title and Register a Motorcycle in Rhode Island

You’ll need to provide the following to register your motorcycle in RI:

Find more information about Rhode Island motorcycle registration and registration renewal.

How to Register a Motorcycle with No Title in Rhode Island

If your project motorcycle doesn’t have a title:

Option 1: Bikes older than 2001 don’t require a title in RI.

  • Use a bill of sale.
  • Proof of previous owner.

Learn how to replace a lost motorcycle title in Rhode Island.

Option 2: Register in a No-Title State

Register the bike in a non-title, no residency requirement, mail-in registration application state, such as Vermont.

Rhode Island Street Legal Motorcycle Equipment Requirements

RI requires motorcycles to have the following:

  • Left side mirror.
  • Fenders on both wheels.
  • Handlebars no more than 15” above seat.
  • Passenger footrests and handholds required with passengers.
  • Speedometer required if originally equipped.

Learn more about street legal motorcycle requirements.


This information was correct at the time of writing it, but state laws are subject to change.

More Rhode Island Motorcycle Resources

6 thoughts on “Register & Title a Motorcycle in Rhode Island”

  1. Do I need a motorcycle license to register (or insure) a motorcycle in Rhode island or can I do that with my permit?

  2. I have a 2002 Suzuki gsxr 1000 do I need a title to register it in Rhode island or can I just use the bill of sale

      1. I’d like to buy a bike but they just have previous registration an bill of sale. 02 katana. Can I get it registered in my name in Rhode island?

Comments are closed.