The bill establishes a new chapter, CHAPTER 3.4, titled "Electronic Registration and Titling," within Title 31 of the General Laws concerning motor vehicles. It mandates the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to implement electronic systems for lien, titling, and registration by July 1, 2027. This includes provisions for the electronic submission of applications for registration certificates and titles, as well as the electronic transmission of liens and lien satisfactions. Business entities will be required to participate in this electronic process starting July 1, 2028, unless exempted.

Additionally, the bill introduces a secure digital vehicle title system that will provide title holders with online access to their motor vehicle titles and the status of titles in process. The secure digital title system must meet or exceed applicable security requirements and will be regarded as an official vehicle title from the State of Rhode Island, fully transactable within the state and other U.S. jurisdictions.

The bill also authorizes the DMV to assess a per-transaction fee for the use of electronic lien, electronic titling, electronic registration, and secure digital vehicle titling systems, which must be consistent with market pricing for the associated costs.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing laws related to odometer disclosures during vehicle transfers, allowing for the use of written or electronic forms to document mileage. It requires that the new certificate of title be provided electronically or printed using a secure process. The bill also includes provisions for electronic signatures on required forms, eliminating the need for notarization.

The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
2330: 31-23.2-6