VIN Verification Information
The hours for VIN verification's are :
Mon - Friday (Excluding major holidays)
9 am - 11 am
1 pm - 3 pm
4:30 pm - 6:30 pm (Daylight Savings Time Only)
Saturday 9 am - 11 am *weather permitting - Rain or snow will cause VIN checks to be cancelled
The West Warwick Police Department adheres to the following policy regarding the examination of vehicle identification numbers (VIN checks):
- The vehicle must belong to a Resident of West Warwick or be sold by a West Warwick Dealership.
- The vehicle must be brought to the West Warwick Police Department for the inspection by the owner of the vehicle or if bought at a West Warwick located dealership then a representative from the West Warwick Dealership must bring the vehicle to be inspected.
- There is a $10.00 fee, payment can be made in cash, check or money order and made out to The Town of West Warwick.
- Original Documents Required ***NO COPIES
RHODE ISLAND'S TITLE LAW HAS CHANGED - *Effective January 1, 2024*
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ALL VEHICLES coming into Rhode Island from out of state, regardless of model year, require a VIN Inspection from a local municipal police department.
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If an out of state vehicle is being registered in Rhode Island, and the state from which the vehicle is coming is a state that required a title for that vehicle, that title MUST be in the name of the seller, properly assigned to the buyer, and be presented, along with VIN Inspection at the time of sales tax payment or registration at the RI DMV.
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If an out of state vehicle is being registered in Rhode Island, and the state from which the vehicle is coming is a state that did not require a title for that vehicle, a valid proof of ownership (e.g. old registration, or paid sales tax form) in the name of the seller must be presented, along with a VIN Inspection, at the time of sales tax payment or registration at the RI DMV.
Paperwork needed for a new or recently purchased vehicle
1. Proof of residency within West Warwick - any type of mail with a West Warwick
address (utility bill, RI operators license) **All paperwork must have current and
accurate address information.
2. Bill of Sale or Gift Letter - a proper bill of sale for the motor vehicle or a gift letter.
3. Title - Either the original Title and the original "Bill of Sale" from the dealership or
private sale. If title is held by the bank, then original bill of sale and financial
paperwork. Any vehicle that no longer requires a title, we will need the
original bill of sale and current registration.
4. $10.00 fee - Personal checks, money orders or cash only please.
Paperwork needed for a transfer of residency from out of state registration
1. Proof of residency within West Warwick - any type of mail with a West Warwick
address (utility bill, RI operators license) **All paperwork must have current and
accurate address information.
2. Title or Active Registration - Original Title must be provided unless the title
is held by the bank. If bank holds title then we will need the current active
out of state registration.
3. $10.00 fee - Personal checks, money orders or cash only please.
