Farm Plates

Farm plates are now being sent as a set of two plates.  Upon researching the single farm plate of past years, it appears that Farm plates didn’t fall into the category of single plate vehicles but were assigned a single plate because they were originally for tractors.  With the new plate technology, the system is likely printing them based on plate codes.  RIGL 31-3-10 ** (See below) 

It is our recommendation that you attach both plates whenever possible to avoid any fine.

Please refer to RI DMV Farm Plate Requirements for up to date requirements.

The RI DMV takes applications for Farm Plates at the Cranston DMV only.

Application for Farm Plates
(This form is linked to the RI DMV website, so it is as current can be offered.)

Requirements for Farm Plates (as noted on the above application form):

1. Farm tax exempt letter from the Rhode Island Division of Taxation (See link to application below).
2. Bill(s) of Sale.
3. Completed tax exemption form (found at registry).
4. Photos of vehicle: front, side, rear, and interior. *See below
5. Complete Application for Registration and Title Certificate (TR-1) form.
– Vehicles may only be registered in accordance with the entity/entities listed on the farm tax exempt certificate.
6. Requirement checklist approval by the DMV’s Enforcement Office.

Farm Tax Exemption Form Application 2019

You should stop at the enforcement desk on the first floor before going upstairs.  They will check to make sure you have all the proper paperwork and stamp it for you.  (Otherwise they send you back downstairs to enforcement first thing.)

Relevant RI General Laws:

RIGL 31-1-8  Farm Vehicle defined

RIGL 31-3-31 Registration of Farm Vehicles.

RIGL 44-18-30 (Go to (32)  Level I and Level II Farms defined

RIGL 31-3-2 (b) and (c)   Vehicles Subject to Registration Describes circumstances where a farm vehicle is exempt from registration requirement.

*Other items we have been made aware you may need:

  • Picture of the VIN# plate on the driver’s side door or door frame.
  • A statement that you owe no taxes from your tax town.

Regulations for the Safety Inspection of Farm Vehicles:  (links to DMV) Includes content on Inspection; Registration; Size, Weight and Load Limits; Slow Moving Vehicle Emblem.  (Farm Vehicle Inspection Requirements:  All vehicles registered as farm vehicles under R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-31, except farm tractors, shall be subject to the provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws §31-38-1 et seq.)

** § 31-3-10. Issuance of registration plates.

The division of motor vehicles, upon registering a vehicle, shall issue to the owner one fully reflective registration plate for each motorcycle, trailer, semi-trailer, in-transit vehicle, transporter, bailee vehicle, or a dealer vehicle and two (2) fully reflective registration plates for every other motor vehicle. Application for and issuance of so-called commercial registration plates shall be provided at all offices maintained by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles under § 31-2-6.

Updated July 2023