USA Rhode Island Driver License

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Rhode Island Driver License: 2025 Guide to Apply, Renew, and Transfer

Need to get, renew, or transfer your Rhode Island driver license? Whether you’re a new driver, a recent resident, or updating to a REAL ID, this comprehensive 2025 guide explains the process based on the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (RI DMV) requirements.

Types of Rhode Island Driver Licenses

Operator License (Class D) – Standard license for cars and light trucks
Limited Instruction Permit – Required for first-time drivers
Provisional License – For drivers under age 18
Commercial Driver License (CDL) – For large or commercial vehicles
Motorcycle Endorsement (Class M)
Identification Card (Non-driver ID)

Rhode Island REAL ID License

Rhode Island offers both REAL ID-compliant licenses and standard licenses. Starting May 7, 2025, a REAL ID (with a gold star) will be required to:

Fly domestically
Access federal buildings
Enter military bases

To obtain a REAL ID, you must apply in person with the required documentation.

How to Get a Driver License in Rhode Island

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

Age 16½ – Eligible for Limited Instruction Permit
Age 17 – Eligible for Provisional License
Age 18+ – Eligible for full Operator’s License (Class D)

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

To apply for a license or REAL ID, you’ll need:

Proof of identity (U.S. birth certificate or valid passport)
Proof of Social Security number (SSN card, W-2, or 1099)
Two documents showing Rhode Island residency
Legal presence documents (if not a U.S. citizen)

REAL ID applicants must bring all four document categories.

Step 3: Take Required Tests

New applicants must pass:

Vision screening
Knowledge test (multiple-choice exam on traffic laws and signs)
Road test (after passing the written test and holding a permit, if applicable)

Graduated Licensing for Drivers Under 18 (GDL)

Rhode Island has a three-stage Graduated Driver Licensing system:

Limited Instruction Permit (age 16½+)
- Must be held for 6 months
- Supervised driving only (by a licensed driver age 21+)
- Requires completion of a driver’s education course
Provisional License
- Allows unsupervised driving
- Curfew: No driving between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.
- Restrictions on teen passengers
Full Operator’s License (age 18+)
- Unrestricted driving

Transferring an Out-of-State License to Rhode Island

New to Rhode Island? You must transfer your license within 30 days of residency.

Steps:

Visit a DMV branch (appointments may be required)
Submit ID, residency, and SSN documents
Surrender your out-of-state license
Pass a vision test
Written and road tests are typically waived for valid, unexpired licenses

Renewing a Rhode Island Driver License

You can renew:

Online at dmv.ri.gov (if eligible)
In person (required for REAL ID upgrade)

Most licenses are valid for 5 years. You can renew up to 90 days before expiration.

Rhode Island DMV License Fees (2025)

License Type	Fee
Operator’s License (5 years)	$62.50
Learner’s Permit	$12.50
Duplicate License	$26.50
Motorcycle Endorsement	$26.50
CDL (depending on class)	Varies
Non-Driver ID Card	$26.50

Services Available at RI DMV

New and renewal licenses
Learner’s permits and road testing
REAL ID upgrades
Out-of-state license transfers
Motorcycle and CDL endorsements
Online renewal and duplicate license requests

Required Documents Checklist

✅ Proof of identity (passport or birth certificate)
✅ Proof of Social Security number
✅ Two proofs of Rhode Island address
✅ Driver’s education certificate (under 18)
✅ Out-of-state license (if transferring)