Rhode Island DMV Extends July Registration Renewals and Raises Technology Fee
The Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (RI DMV) recently published an important agency announcement addressing two major updates that affect vehicle owners and drivers across the Ocean State. Officials explained that a technical issue with the DMV’s mail vendor delayed the mailing of July 2025 registration renewal notices, meaning that many customers may not receive renewal postcards until July 12, 2025 and possibly not until the following week. Rather than risk motorists inadvertently missing the registration deadline because their notices never arrived, the DMV is encouraging customers to take control of the renewal process by using its online customer portal and digital renewal options. The announcement urges drivers to "Save Time and Go Online" by completing their registration renewal through the portal so they don’t have to wait for a mailed notice.
The agency emphasised that all renewal passcodes printed on the delayed July notices will remain active until August 31, 2025. In addition, the DMV has extended the expiration date for all July 2025 registrations to August 31, 2025, giving drivers extra time to handle their paperwork. This extension is an important grace period for anyone whose registration might lapse because they did not receive a paper notice. The DMV points out that drivers who prefer not to wait for mail can immediately access the online portal to renew registrations, update address information and print temporary documents. Officials recommend bookmarking the site and creating an account if you haven’t already so you can track renewals and maintain compliance without relying solely on postal notices.
Alongside the renewal extension, the RI DMV announced a change to the Technology Surcharge. According to the agency, the state legislature’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget raised this mandatory fee from $2.50 to $3.50 effective July 1, 2025. The surcharge is applied to every DMV transaction, including registration renewals, title transfers and driver’s license services. While a one-dollar increase may sound modest, it can add up for households registering multiple vehicles or handling several DMV transactions throughout the year. The DMV directs customers to the Rhode Island General Assembly’s budget article for further details on the funding allocation.
Motorists in Rhode Island should note that DMV offices are currently operating by reservation only, so planning ahead is essential. By taking advantage of the online customer portal, you can avoid lines at Cranston headquarters and complete most tasks without visiting an office. To summarise, July renewal notices have been delayed and all July registrations are valid until August 31; passcodes from the mailed notices remain valid through that date. Meanwhile, the technology surcharge on every DMV transaction has increased from $2.50 to $3.50 effective July 1. Staying informed and utilising digital services will help Rhode Islanders navigate these changes smoothly.