The State of Rhode Island requires that all vehicles with an out of state title undergo a VIN Check, prior to registration.
The Smithfield Police Department performs VIN Checks on Thursdays. See the schedule below.
Thursdays – Smithfield Residents & Businesses ONLY
Location: Smithfield Police Department, 215 Pleasant View Avenue, Smithfield
Times: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
(Upon arriving at the police station, slowly proceed directly to the “detached garage” in the rear parking lot. There is no need to first stop in at the Front Communications Center.)
The Smithfield Police Department OCCASIONALLY conducts VIN Checks at Toyota of Smithfield, 550 Geo. Washington Highway, on Tuesdays, 9:00 am – 12:30 pm. To verify that an officer is available, call the Smithfield Police Department at (401) 231-2500, and speak to the dispatcher.
General Information about VIN Checks:
You must have the vehicle, title (or a copy), and any document with your name and address on it. The procedure takes about ten minutes. The cost is $10.00 (cash or check – PLEASE HAVE EXACT CHANGE).
Vehicles manufactured before 2001 do not require a title in order to be registered in Rhode Island; consequently, VIN Checks are not necessary for these vehicles.