Moving to Rhode Island, REAL ID and renewals

By the end of this topic you can

• You can explain how to transfer an out-of-state license.
• You can describe the extra steps for new residents under 18.
• You can list the documents for a REAL ID license.
• You can say when and how to renew.

What you need to know and understand

• If your out-of-state license is valid or expired less than 5 years, you skip the knowledge and skills tests.
• You surrender your old license and submit an Application for First License with identity and residency documents.
• Your first Rhode Island license lasts up to 2 years, then renews for 5.
• A suspension in another state must be cleared before you apply.
• New residents under 18 must take the knowledge exam and the skills test.
• REAL ID needs one original identity document and two proofs of Rhode Island residency.
• You can renew up to 90 days before expiry, online, at a DMV branch or at AAA (members).

Transferring a license from another state

State law expects new residents to get a Rhode Island license within 30 days of moving. Transfers from US territories are handled only at DMV headquarters in Cranston. If you hold a license from another country, check with the DMV about what you need.

1. Clear up any suspension in your old state first.
2. Gather your identity document and proof of Rhode Island residency.
3. Complete the Application for First License.
4. Surrender your out-of-state license. Restrictions and endorsements, such as a motorcycle endorsement, carry over.
5. Pay the fee shown on the DMV fee table.

New residents under 18

Teens must meet Rhode Island's driver education standard. Out-of-state courses need 33 classroom hours (in-car time does not count), at least 8 hours on alcohol, drugs and driving, and organ donor material. If your documents show this, you may be able to take a short Rhode Island law class at CCRI instead of the full course; the manual lists a 3-hour class for $20, but CCRI now says out-of-state credit needs a documentation review, so check the current details with CCRI. You then reserve and take the knowledge exam and, later, the driving skills test.

REAL ID and renewals

For a REAL ID license, bring one original identity document, such as a valid US passport, a certified birth certificate or a Permanent Resident Card, plus two residency documents such as recent utility bills or bank statements. Photocopies are not accepted. If you got or renewed your passport in the last 6 months, bring a second identity document. Federal rules now require a REAL ID or another accepted ID, such as a passport, to board domestic flights.

Licenses are valid for up to 5 years. You can renew up to 90 days early. From age 71 the term shortens: 4 years at 71, 3 at 72 and 2 from 73. To change your name, update Social Security first, wait at least 24 hours, then visit the DMV with your license and the legal document.

Common mistakes

• Waiting so long that your old license has been expired more than 5 years, which means retesting.
• Bringing photocopies of birth certificates or residency proofs.
• Going to the DMV for a name change before Social Security has updated its records.
• Assuming a teen's out-of-state permit transfers automatically.

Test yourself: Moving to Rhode Island, REAL ID and renewals

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Learning to Drive in Rhode Island
• Rhode Island Driver’s Ed
• Rhode Island 50 Hour Driving Log and Affidavit Checklist