A Rhode Island motor vehicle bill of sale is a written record of a private vehicle sale that lists the seller, the buyer, the vehicle, and the price. Rhode Island's DMV lists it among the documents needed to register a vehicle bought from a private party, and it supports the legal transfer of the title.
Last Updated: September 2026. This guide is reviewed and updated regularly to reflect current Rhode Island law. If you notice an error or outdated information, please contact us.
Build Your Document
Answer a few simple questions to make your document in minutes
Save and Print
Save progress and finish on any device, download and print anytime
Sign and Use
Your valid, lawyer-approved document is ready
There is no state-specific bill of sale form for Rhode Island, so you're encouraged to use the templates on FormsPal. You can also use the official forms collected below. For example, Form TR-1 should be submitted to register or title your vehicle.
| Document Name | Rhode Island Vehicle Bill of Sale Form |
| Other Names | Rhode Island Car Bill of Sale, Rhode Island Automobile Bill of Sale |
| DMV | Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles |
| Bill of Sale Required? | Yes |
| Avg. Time to Fill Out | 15 minutes |
| # of Fillable Fields | 63 |
Rhode Island's rules for this document do not require notarization, but keeping a signed copy helps if a dispute comes up later.
It’s necessary to use a bill of sale template that matches the type of transaction you intend to make. The state requires one for a private-party sale, and choosing the right template protects both parties.[1.2] You can select the form for your specific transaction or prepare a custom bill of sale for an asset without a specific template.
In Rhode Island, you should sign a motor vehicle bill of sale to transfer vehicle ownership. In practice, the form is the seller’s record that the vehicle changed hands on that date.
| Alternative Name | Car Bill of Sale |
| Seller’s Signature | Required |
| Buyer’s Signature | Required |
| Notarization | Optional |
| Download | PDF Template |
Rhode Island boat bill of sale is one of the necessary documents you need to hand in to register a vessel. In practice, motorized boats are registered with the state and carry their registration card and decals on board.
| Alternative Name | Vessel Bill of Sale |
| Seller’s Signature | Required |
| Buyer’s Signature | Required |
| Notarization | Optional |
| Download | PDF Template |
Rhode Island firearm bill of sale records the act of gun transfer. In practice, both parties keep a copy as their record of the transfer.
| Alternative Name | Gun Bill of Sale |
| Seller’s Signature | Required |
| Buyer’s Signature | Required |
| Notarization | Optional |
| Download | PDF Template |
You can use a Rhode Island general bill of sale to secure the sale deal of any asset type. Ensure you have all fields filled with complete property data, so vendor and buyer can be legally protected. Bill of sale forms are valuable for personal record keeping.
| Alternative Name | Generic Bill of Sale |
| Seller’s Signature | Required |
| Buyer’s Signature | Required |
| Notarization | Optional |
| Download | PDF Template |
A Rhode Island bill of sale form for motor vehicles is a legal document. It records the buyer’s purchase from the seller and describes the vehicle and the terms of the sale. It is required for the registration process, and Rhode Island’s DMV instructions for a private-party sale do not list notarization for the bill of sale, so notarizing it is optional.[1.2] The document must include the seller’s information, such as their name and address.[1.1]
Follow these steps to prepare it:
Step 1: Date the Bill of Sale
Fill in the date the bill of sale is made between the seller and the buyer.
Step 2: Specify the Seller’s Information
Fill out the seller’s legal name and address, including city, state, zip code, phone number, and email address.
Step 3: Indicate the Buyer’s Information
Fill out the buyer’s legal name and address, including city, state, zip code, phone number, and email address.
Step 4: Describe the Motor Vehicle
Fill out the vehicle description: make, model, body type, year, odometer mileage, color, and VIN.
Step 5: Specify the Purchase Date, Price, and Payment Method
Fill out the purchase date and price, then check the payment method: paid in full, trade-in, deposit with a balance due date, or gift. Complete the tax section as well.
Step 6: Review the Standard Terms
Page 3 of the form includes standard language on ownership, liens, and the “as is” sale. Read this section. It has no blanks to fill in.
Step 7: Signatures
The seller and buyer each sign, print their name, and date the form. A witness also signs, prints their name, and dates it.
Step 8: Acknowledgment
Fill in the county and date, then sign before a notary in the acknowledgment on page 4. Rhode Island’s rules for this document do not require notarization, so this section is optional.[1.2]
The dealer usually submits the registration papers on your behalf when you buy from a dealership. If you buy from a private seller, no one files the paperwork for you, so you must visit your local DMV office and bring the required documents:
New residents must register their vehicle with the Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) along with the following documents:
There are different forms based on how the vehicle has been purchased. If you have purchased the vehicle from a dealer or a private party, you must bring a few documents.
If you are a Rhode Island resident and you have purchased a vehicle from a dealer, then you need to submit the following information to Rhode Island DMV:
If you are a Rhode Island resident and purchased from a private party, bring similar documents to the DMV office. Add the title, which lists the vehicle’s weight, and proof of the previous owner.
Registration and titling fees vary depending on the vehicle’s weight. You can use the vehicle registration charge table on the DMV website to find out how much the vehicle registration will cost.
Request for Title Information is used to obtain motor vehicle information regarding its title and verify its current titled owner.
A person uses an Affidavit for Motorcycle, Moped, and Motor Scooter to obtain a certificate of title for a motorcycle or motor scooter.
Affidavit for Cancellation of Registration certifies that the registrant wanted to cancel the vehicle registration but could not return the plate due to specific reasons.
Application Application for Initial Vessel Certificate of Title is designed for vessels that are not documented through the United States Coast Guard (USCG).
Application for License to Carry a Concealed Weapon (with instuctions)
Other Rhode Island Forms
Under Rhode Island law, transferring it requires the seller to sign the title’s assignment section over to the buyer.[2] If you’re gifting it, the seller must also sign the back of the title to complete the assignment. If a lender holds a lien, the lienholder must release it, typically with a letter of lien release attached to the title.[1.1]
General information, not legal or tax advice.
