CHANGING TO A 5-DIGIT PLATE
Because of the artwork (striped bass), the plate is restricted to 5 digits/letters or less.
You can request to change your 6-digit plate to 5 digits by going to the R.I. Division of Motor Vehicles. Bring your current plates with you and fill out Form TR-1. It will cost $21.50 for this change.
Steve R. from Portsmouth, RI had a 6-digit license plate, but wanted to get the Saltwater plate. He was able to change it after three trips to the RI DMV.
He shared his experience to hopefully help others have a smooth process in making the change.
8/10/18
"I tried today to get a new 5 space plate at Cranston DMV. I was in line for 55 minutes. It was another 2 hours before I could have been waited on for the transaction. I gave up, but I found out that this could be done at most of the DMV branch offices."
8/17/18
"It was a piece of cake! You complete the form, pay $21.50 and they hand you a new set and registration. I actually took the old plates off in the parking lot and handed them in when I received the new 5-digit plates (2 letters and 3 numbers).
The biggest challenge is rolling the dice on the wait time. I went to the Middltown DMV twice. The first time the wait was 3 hours. I came back the second time and in 15 minutes I was out with new plates."
When you go into the DMV bring with you the completed Form TR-1, your registration certificate, insurance card, driver's license and the plates you are trading in.