Rhode Island Bill of Sale
Select a document type to generate a completed, Rhode Island-specific bill of sale. Each document includes all legally required fields for your jurisdiction. Notarization is not required in Rhode Island.
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Vehicle
Cars, trucks, SUVs, and other motor vehicles
Motorcycle
Motorcycles, scooters, and motorbikes
Boat
Boats, watercraft, jet skis, and vessels
Trailer
Utility trailers, travel trailers, and cargo trailers
Mobile Home
Mobile homes and manufactured homes
Personal Property
Furniture, electronics, equipment, and other personal property
Firearm
Create a bill of sale for private firearm transfers including handguns, rifles, and shotguns. Includes make, model, serial number, caliber, and barrel length. Important legal disclaimers included for all 50 states + DC.
Vehicle POA
Authorize someone to handle a vehicle title transfer or registration on your behalf. Limited to DMV transactions only - not a general power of attorney.
Rhode Island Requirements Overview
Verified against official Rhode Island statutes and Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles guidance. Last reviewed October 2026. How we verify our legal data.
Selling privately in Rhode Island
When you sell a vehicle, boat, trailer, or other titled property privately in Rhode Island, a completed bill of sale records the price, date, and the legal names of both parties. That is the documentation Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles relies on to process the title transfer. Rhode Island also requires an odometer disclosure for vehicle and motorcycle sales, which is built into every document.
Rhode Island does not require notarization, though either party can choose to notarize for added protection. After the sale, the buyer should complete the title transfer with Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles promptly after the sale. Keep your copy of the completed bill of sale as proof of the transaction.
Rhode Island-specific notes: Odometer disclosure is required for vehicle sales in Rhode Island. Rhode Island sets no fixed number of days; the buyer must apply for a new title promptly after delivery (R.I. Gen. Laws 31-3.1-12).
The buyer must apply for a new title promptly after the sale.
Federal law requires an odometer disclosure for model year 2011 and newer vehicles until they are 20 model years old; model year 2010 and older vehicles are exempt.
No title from the seller? A bill of sale alone usually isn't enough to title a vehicle in Rhode Island. First ask the seller to request a duplicate title from their state. If that isn't possible, many states offer a bonded title, and the application usually asks for a signed bill of sale as proof you bought the vehicle.
Our guides cover both: What to do when the seller has no title and Bonded titles by state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a bill of sale in Rhode Island?
Having a bill of sale is recommended for any significant transaction in Rhode Island. For vehicle sales, it provides essential documentation for the title transfer process with Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles. Even when not strictly required by law, a bill of sale protects both buyer and seller by creating a formal record of the transaction.
What should a Rhode Island bill of sale include?
A Rhode Island bill of sale should include the full legal names and addresses of both buyer and seller, a detailed description of the item (including identification numbers), the sale price, the date of the transaction, and signatures of both parties. For vehicles and motorcycles, odometer disclosure is required.
Does a Rhode Island bill of sale need to be notarized?
No. Rhode Island does not require a bill of sale to be notarized. Notarization is optional but can add a layer of protection by verifying the identities of both parties.
How long do I have to transfer the title in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island does not publish a fixed deadline. Complete the title transfer with Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles as soon as possible after the sale. Keep your completed bill of sale as proof of the purchase date and price.
How much does it cost?
Each bill of sale costs $5. Choose a document style, fill in your details, and download your completed PDF instantly. Re-download available for 5 days.
Create Your Rhode Island Bill of Sale
Select a document type above to get started. Every document includes Rhode Island-specific requirements and instant PDF download.