Obtaining a RI “Amateur Radio Operator Plate” from the new DMV

Let me begin by saying that Rhode Island has totally rebuilt their DMV — once the butt of thousands of jokes, and a prime example of government incompetence at its worst, it has morphed into an example that proves government CAN work for the people and can do it efficiently.

So in general I am wildly happy about the new and improved DMV.  Unfortunately, in fixing the old DMV, they lost the magic key for ham radio operators.  Amateur Radio Operator Plates, provided for under Rhode Island General Law 31-3-39, are NOT vanity plates.  Anyone holding a valid FCC issued license can obtain these special plates without the usual fees associated with special or vanity plates.  Unfortunately the normal telephone number leads to an endless loop of menus when trying to talk to someone about Callsign Plates, and use of the Online Application (the only “standard” way), is a mistake as it would lead to annual fees plus it won’t accept a call like “WB4SON” as this is not an allowable vanity tag.

I eventually found a special plate department phone number:  (401) 462-5801

I called that number and left a message, and less than 24 hours later a nice lady called and said that the correct procedure was to visit the main DMV office (600 New London Avenue Cranston, RI 02920), and take the elevator to the “Research Department” located on the 3rd floor.  I was instructed to bring a copy of my license, along with the original, and my current registration, and was assured that they would fill out the required paperwork to obtain my Amateur Radio Operator Plate.

Sounds wonderful and almost too easy.  I will report back.

RI Amateur Radio Operator’s Plate