Vehicle Registration Renewal Blocks with RIDMV

What has happened: Your vehicle tax is seriously overdue, and the City has notified the state DMV to place a hold on the vehicle's registration renewal.

The DMV registration renewal form you received in the mail will state "Unpaid Taxes…. Providence." You must pay your delinquent motor vehicle taxes and obtain clearance prior to renewal..

Note: In the event of a block, you will not be able to renew your registration until you have obtained a clearance from the Tax Collector's office.

Your account must be current to obtain the clearance from us.

Clearing a registration block:

First, settle your tax account on the vehicle by bringing the account current.

There are three ways to do this.

1. Come to the City Collector's office with payment in full (cash or money order only) of the tax and interest.
2. If you know your tax account number (from your bill) and the full amount of payment, you may pay this with a credit card online through the City's website. If you need information about the amount due or account number, contact us at 331-5252.
3. If your account has been placed with a City-contracted collection agent (either Rossi Law Office or MCA) you may settle the account with them.

Second, once payment has been made, you must come to the Collector's office in City Hall to obtain a clearance for DMV in order to renew your registration.

If you personally come to City Hall, you may obtain the clearance after making payment. If you pay by credit card or through Rossi/MCA, you will need to ensure your funds have been credited to the account (usually one business day.) Print your confirmation of payment and bring it in with you.

Third, you can register at DMV (or AAA if you are a member.) registration paperwork.

City Policy: Once a registration block is imposed, payment IN FULL is required for clearance. If you have more than one vehicle registered in your name, all vehicles must be current in their taxes for clearance.

Important! Once a registration block is imposed, it cannot be automatically removed. Thus, if you are advised by DMV that City clearance is required, but you are current in your taxes, contact City Hall for a clearance.