Overview
Selling or buying a used vehicle in Rhode Island? A bill of sale is more than proof of the deal here — the DMV actually requires one to register a private-party purchase and to calculate the sales tax. It records who sold what, for how much, and on what date, and it protects both sides: it locks in the price, the exact handover date, and the fact that the seller is no longer responsible for tickets or accidents once the keys change hands.
Rhode Island requirements
Is a bill of sale required in Rhode Island?
Yes. Rhode Island's DMV requires a bill of sale for a private-party purchase — it's used to register the vehicle and to calculate the 7% sales tax. The buyer files it along with the signed title and an Application for Registration and Title (Form TR-1).
Does it need to be notarized?
No. Rhode Island does not require the bill of sale to be notarized, and the title assignment doesn't need a notary either. You can notarize the bill of sale voluntarily for extra proof, but it isn't required to register the vehicle.
Title transfer deadline
The buyer should title and register the vehicle promptly — generally within about 30 days of the sale — at the Rhode Island DMV. Sales tax is due by the 20th of the month after the sale; paying late adds interest and penalty charges.
Motor vehicle sales tax
Rhode Island charges 7% sales tax on a vehicle purchase, paid by the buyer at the DMV. It's calculated from the price on your bill of sale, which is why the DMV requires the document for private sales.
Odometer disclosure
Federal law requires the odometer reading at the time of sale for vehicles under 20 model years old. Record it on both the bill of sale and the title.
How to fill it out
- 1
Enter the sale date and the Rhode Island city or town where the sale takes place.
- 2
Add the seller's and buyer's full legal names and addresses.
- 3
Describe the vehicle — make, model, year, color, and 17-character VIN.
- 4
Record the odometer reading and the federal odometer disclosure.
- 5
Enter the purchase price and choose 'as-is' or add warranty terms.
- 6
Both parties sign — then the buyer files the bill of sale and Form TR-1 at the Rhode Island DMV.
Ready to create your Rhode Island bill of sale?
Fill the form, watch it build live, and download the PDF — free, no signup.
Open the free builderWhat to include
- Seller & buyer names and addresses
- Make, model, year, color & VIN
- Odometer reading + federal disclosure
- Purchase price & sales-tax note
- “As-is” statement or warranty terms
- Date of sale and signatures
Rhode Island bill of sale by vehicle type
The same Rhode Islandbuilder works for more than cars — pick your vehicle and the form adapts: the right ID number (a VIN, a boat's HIN, or a serial number) and an odometer reading only where one applies.
- Car bill of sale
- Truck bill of sale
- SUV bill of sale
- Van bill of sale
- Motorcycle bill of sale
- ATV bill of sale
- RV bill of sale
- Camper bill of sale
- Trailer bill of sale
- Boat bill of sale
- Jet Ski bill of sale
- Snowmobile bill of sale
- Golf Cart bill of sale
- Tractor bill of sale
A few differ: boats and jet skis use a Hull ID Number (HIN) instead of a VIN and have no odometer; trailers, campers, snowmobiles, golf carts, and tractors have no odometer either; and boats, ATVs, and snowmobiles often register with a different agency (such as a wildlife, boating, or parks department) rather than the Rhode Island DMV (Division of Motor Vehicles). Confirm the details with the Rhode Island DMV (Division of Motor Vehicles).
Rhode Island bill of sale FAQ
Does a Rhode Island motor vehicle bill of sale need to be notarized?
No. Rhode Island does not require a vehicle bill of sale to be notarized, and the title assignment doesn't need a notary either. Notarizing is optional and only adds extra proof — the DMV still requires the bill of sale itself for private sales.
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car in Rhode Island?
Yes. Unlike many states, Rhode Island's DMV requires a bill of sale to register a private-party purchase and to calculate the 7% sales tax. It also proves the price, the sale date, and that you're no longer responsible for the vehicle.
Where do I transfer the title in Rhode Island?
At the Rhode Island DMV (Division of Motor Vehicles). The buyer brings the signed title, the bill of sale, proof of RI insurance, a completed Application for Registration and Title (Form TR-1), and payment for the title fee and 7% sales tax.
How long do I have to transfer the title in Rhode Island?
Plan to title and register promptly — generally within about 30 days of the sale. Note that sales tax is due by the 20th of the month after the sale, and paying late adds interest and penalty charges, so don't wait.
How much is sales tax on a used car in Rhode Island?
7% — calculated on the purchase price shown on your bill of sale. The buyer pays it at the DMV when registering, which is exactly why Rhode Island requires the bill of sale for private sales.
Do both the buyer and seller need to sign?
Yes. Both parties should sign and date the bill of sale, and each keeps a copy. If there are two buyers or two sellers, every party signs.
Is a handwritten bill of sale valid in Rhode Island?
Yes — Rhode Island doesn't publish a single mandatory form, so a handwritten bill of sale is valid as long as it has the key details the DMV needs. A complete, typed document like this one is simply cleaner and far less likely to be questioned.
Is this Rhode Island bill of sale really free?
Yes — completely. Fill it in, preview it live, and download the PDF with no signup, no credit card, and no watermark. Unlike sites that charge a fee or push a subscription to download, there's nothing to pay here.