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Rhode Island driving lesson · Getting Your License

Transfers, Renewals & License Changes

A 4-minute lesson from the Rhode Island course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.

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Read time
4 minutes
Course unit
Getting Your License
Checkpoint questions
6
Source pages
16, 74, 75, 76

New to Rhode Island, or already licensed and need to renew or update your card? These rules tell you when you can skip the tests, how long your license lasts, and how to change your name or address.

Know the rule

If your license is suspended in another state, you must resolve it with that state before applying for a Rhode Island license.

Handbook p. 16 ↗

Know the rule

If your out-of-state license is valid or has not been expired for more than 5 years, you do not have to take the knowledge exam or the driving skills test. The same applies to a former Rhode Island license expired 5 years or less.

Handbook p. 16 ↗

Know the rule

Restrictions and endorsements on your out-of-state license (for example, a motorcycle endorsement) transfer to your Rhode Island license as an equivalent.

Handbook p. 16 ↗

To transfer an out-of-state license:

  • Complete an Application for First License
  • Submit the required identity documents
  • Show acceptable proof of Rhode Island residency
  • Present and surrender your out-of-state license
Handbook p. 16 ↗
2 years

A transferred license lasts up to 2 years, expiring on your second birthday after issue; then renew for 5 years

Handbook p. 16 ↗

New residents under 18 with out-of-state driver ed must:

  • Show 33 classroom hours from an accredited program (in-car training can't count toward them)
  • Show proof of at least 8 classroom hours on alcohol/drugs and driving
  • Show proof of organ donor curriculum
  • Provide the curriculum and certificate from the other state
  • Take a 3-hour Rhode Island law class ($20) at CCRI for a certificate
  • Then pass the knowledge exam and driving skills test
Handbook p. 74 ↗

Know the rule

All new residents under 18 must take the knowledge exam and the driving skills test. Out-of-state permits and junior licenses don't cover Rhode Island's alcohol, organ donor and state/local law requirements.

Handbook p. 74 ↗

Know the rule

You can renew up to 90 days before your license expires—online at www.dmv.ri.gov, at a DMV branch, or at a AAA branch if you are a member.

Handbook p. 75 ↗
5 years

Maximum time a Rhode Island license is valid

Handbook p. 75 ↗

Renewal schedule for older drivers (prorated)

Renewal schedule for older drivers (prorated)
Age at renewalLicense lasts
714 years
723 years
73 and older2 years
Handbook p. 76 ↗

Know the rule

Change your address online, or mail the free Change of Address form and write the new address on the back of your license. For a new photo license with the new address, go in person with your license and proof of residency.

Handbook p. 76 ↗

Know the rule

For a name change, change it with Social Security first and allow at least 24 hours. Then bring your current license and an original government document (such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree) to a DMV branch; a fee applies.

Handbook p. 76 ↗

Know the rule

To replace a lost license you must show one identity document with your legal name and date of birth.

Handbook p. 76 ↗

Put it into practice

You move from Ohio with a license that expired 3 years ago. Because it has not been expired more than 5 years, you skip both tests: fill out the Application for First License, show ID and RI residency, and surrender the Ohio license. Your new license expires on your second birthday after issue.

Check your understanding

Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.

If your out-of-state license has not been expired for more than how long, you can transfer it to RI without retesting?
  1. 2 years
  2. 1 year
  3. 5 years
  4. 10 years

Answer: 5 years

If your out-of-state license is valid or has not been expired more than 5 years, no knowledge exam or driving skills test is required.

Handbook p. 16 ↗
How many days before its expiration date can you renew your Rhode Island driver's license?
  1. Up to 30 days before
  2. Up to 180 days before
  3. Only on the exact expiration date
  4. Up to 90 days before

Answer: Up to 90 days before

You can renew your driver's license up to 90 days before its expiration date.

Handbook p. 75 ↗
For how many years is a standard Rhode Island driver's license valid?
  1. A maximum of 5 years
  2. A maximum of 4 years
  3. A maximum of 8 years
  4. A maximum of 2 years

Answer: A maximum of 5 years

A standard Rhode Island license is valid for a maximum of five years.

Handbook p. 75 ↗
A driver who is 73 years old must renew their license how often?
  1. Every 3 years
  2. Every 2 years
  3. Every 4 years
  4. Every 5 years

Answer: Every 2 years

The prorated renewal schedule requires renewal every 2 years at age 73 and older, every 3 years at 72, and every 4 years at 71.

Handbook p. 76 ↗
An out-of-state transfer applicant with a motorcycle endorsement on their prior license can expect what to happen in Rhode Island?
  1. They must retake the full motorcycle course
  2. The endorsement is dropped and must be reapplied for
  3. The equivalent endorsement will be transferred
  4. It stays valid only until the old license expires

Answer: The equivalent endorsement will be transferred

Any restrictions or endorsements from an out-of-state license transfer with an equivalent restriction or endorsement.

Handbook p. 16 ↗
An out-of-state transfer license issued in Rhode Island is initially valid for how long?
  1. Up to two years, ending on your second birthday
  2. Exactly five years, like a normal license renewal
  3. Six months, like a temporary permit
  4. Ten years

Answer: Up to two years, ending on your second birthday

The transferred license is valid for up to two years, expiring on your second birthday from the time you obtain it.

Handbook p. 16 ↗
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