Curious about how to get a drivers license in Rhode Island? Before getting your new Rhode Island license plates, you need to know whether or not you are required to obtain a RI license in the first place. You are required to get a Rhode Island driver’s license if any of the following applies to you:

• You are a current resident of Rhode Island who has never had a license
• You are a brand new resident of Rhode Island and want to apply for a Rhode Island license or transfer your out-of-state license
• You will be operating a non-commercial vehicle
• You have a legal presence in the state

If any of the following apply to you, then you are NOT required to get Rhode Island license plates.

• You are visiting Rhode Island with an out-of-state license
• You are an active military member stationed in the state (assuming you have a valid out-of-state license)
• You operate farm vehicles off of public highways
• You only operate registered off-highway vehicles without accessing public roads

What Do I Need to Get a Rhode Island Drivers License?

What do I need to get a RI driver license? When getting a Rhode Island driver license, it is important to make sure you show up with all of the proper documentation. These are the RI driver license requirements that you will need to take with you to the DMV.

• Completed LI-1 Form
• A certified birth certificate or Proof of Identity Document
• Driver Education Certificate (if under 18)
• Social Security Card (or a denial letter from the Social Security Administration containing the applicant’s name and date of birth)
• Proof of Residency
• Out-of-state drivers under 18 must also complete a knowledge exam test

Acceptable Proof of Identity Documents:

• Valid U.S. Territory or Canadian Driver’s License with photograph, signature, and date of birth (may not be expired for more than one year)
• Birth certificate (original and certified copy)
• U.S. or foreign passport
• U.S. Naturalization Certificate
• INS form I-94 (document showing entry into the U.S.)
• INS form I-688 (Temporary Resident ID Card)
• INS form I-688B, I-766 (Employment Authorization Card)

Acceptable Proof of Residency Documents:

• Valid Voter Registration Card
• Utility bill in your name or of an immediate family member with the same last name (within 60 days of issue date)
• Personal check or bank statement with your name and address (within 60 days of the issue date)
• Payroll check stub with your name and address (within 60 days of the issue date)
• Insurance policy for your home/apartment with your name and address
• Property tax bill for your residence
• If a minor, school records, including the student’s address (for the current school year)
• Letter from Rhode Island shelter or halfway house indicating that the applicant resides there (within 30 days)