Registering a vehicle in Rhode Island that was previously registered in another state requires a crucial step: a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) check. This process, often referred to as a “Scan Cars Vin” in common search queries, is mandatory and ensures the vehicle’s legality and identification. This guide provides a detailed overview of how to navigate the VIN check process in Rhode Island, making your vehicle registration smoother and faster.
Understanding VIN Checks for Car Registration in Rhode Island
A VIN check, or VIN inspection, is a verification process conducted by authorized personnel to confirm the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on a vehicle matches official records and that the vehicle is not stolen or misrepresented. In Rhode Island, this is a necessary step for vehicles previously titled or registered outside of the state. This requirement is in place to protect both vehicle owners and the state from fraud and ensure that all vehicles registered in Rhode Island meet legal standards.
Why are VIN Checks Required?
The primary reasons for requiring a VIN check when registering an out-of-state vehicle include:
- Preventing Vehicle Theft and Fraud: VIN checks help to identify stolen vehicles or vehicles with altered VINs, preventing them from being legally registered.
- Verifying Vehicle Identity: The check confirms that the vehicle being registered is accurately represented by its documentation, ensuring consistency and legality.
- Compliance with Rhode Island Law: Rhode Island law mandates VIN checks for vehicles previously registered elsewhere to maintain the integrity of vehicle registration records within the state.
Who Needs a VIN Check in Rhode Island?
You will need a VIN check in Rhode Island if you are:
- Registering a vehicle that was previously registered or titled in a state other than Rhode Island.
- Bringing a vehicle into Rhode Island from out of state, even if you were the previous owner in another state.
How to Get Your VIN Check in Rhode Island
Rhode Island offers multiple avenues for completing your VIN check, ensuring accessibility and convenience for residents.
VIN Checks at Local Police Departments
The most common method for obtaining a VIN check is by visiting your local municipal police department. This service is readily available and ensures the inspection is conducted by law enforcement officials.
To get a VIN check at a local police department, you will need to bring:
- Original Vehicle Title or Photocopy: If the vehicle title has a lien on it, a photocopy is acceptable.
- Electronic Title Printout: For vehicles from electronic title states with a lien, an electronic printout is required.
- Valid Proof of Prior Ownership: If you are coming from a non-titled state, you will need valid proof of ownership documentation.
- The Vehicle: You must bring the actual vehicle to the police department for the VIN inspection.
It’s advisable to contact your local police department beforehand to inquire about their hours of operation, any associated fees for VIN checks, and if you need to schedule an appointment. RI.gov provides a directory of Rhode Island’s cities and towns, where you can find contact information for local police departments in the “more info” section of each listing.
Temporary Plates for VIN Checks
For those needing to get a VIN check before fully registering their vehicle in Rhode Island, the DMV offers 5-day temporary plates. These plates are specifically for allowing you to drive your vehicle to a local police station to obtain the necessary VIN inspection.
To obtain a 5-day temporary plate at the DMV, you must:
- Have all required paperwork for vehicle registration (excluding the VIN check itself).
- Provide proof of Rhode Island vehicle insurance.
These temporary plates are strictly for obtaining a VIN check within Rhode Island and cannot be used to transport a vehicle out of state.
Out-of-State VIN Checks
In situations where a vehicle is purchased out of state and needs to be registered in Rhode Island before being transported to the state, a VIN check can be performed by a law enforcement agency in the jurisdiction where the vehicle is currently located.
For out-of-state VIN checks, Rhode Island provides a specific form:
[ version=”1.0″ encoding=”utf-8″?
For VIN Inspections Performed Out of State PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes
version=”1.0″ encoding=”utf-8″?
](/media/1166/download?language=en)
Alt text: Link to download the PDF form for Out-of-State Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Inspections.
You can download this form, have it completed by an authorized law enforcement officer in the state where the vehicle is, and then submit it with your other registration documents in Rhode Island.
VIN Checks by RI New Car Dealers
As of July 2023, Rhode Island licensed new car dealers can also perform VIN checks in conjunction with law enforcement agencies for new vehicles. This provides another convenient option, especially if you are purchasing a new vehicle from a dealer within Rhode Island.
For new motor vehicle dealer VIN checks, the required forms and procedures are available here:
[ version=”1.0″ encoding=”utf-8″?
RI New Motor Vehicle Dealer VIN Check Process PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes
version=”1.0″ encoding=”utf-8″?
](/media/2716/download?language=en)
Alt text: Link to download the PDF document outlining the Rhode Island New Motor Vehicle Dealer VIN Check Process.
[ version=”1.0″ encoding=”utf-8″?
RI Dealer VIN Check Form (fillable) PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes
version=”1.0″ encoding=”utf-8″?
](/media/2721/download?language=en)
Alt text: Link to download the fillable PDF form for Rhode Island Dealer VIN Check.
Consult with the new car dealer to understand their process for VIN checks and how they can assist with your vehicle registration.
Conclusion
Getting a VIN check is a vital step in registering an out-of-state vehicle in Rhode Island. By understanding the requirements and available options – local police departments, temporary plates, out-of-state checks, and new dealer services – you can efficiently complete this process. Ensure you have the necessary documentation and contact the relevant authorities to streamline your vehicle registration and legally drive your vehicle in Rhode Island.
