A RI DMV Update concerning “Amateur Radio Operator Plates”

I received another phone call from the RI DMV.  This time it was from one of the employees in the finance office.  He had contacted the department lawyer, and informed me that there are really only three fees associated with getting a ham call plate in RI.

The first is the $1.50 “DMV Surcharge” fee, and the second is a $5.00 “Enhanced Access” fee (Both of these fees are charged for every DMV transaction now).  So the plate cost is $6.50 (a one time fee).  There is no actual fee for the plate itself (neither a “first time” nor “remake” fee).  The third fee is a change of registration to change from my original plate to the new ham plate.  This final fee is paid when I pick up the new plates.

Even better, I was told that I could mail in the application for the plates, using the standard Vanity Plate form (the only form available online), and simply write “Amateur Radio Operator Plates.  $6.50 fee per finance.” in the upper-left margin, then fill in the call in the vanity letter area.  I would then receive a post card in 4 to 6 weeks when the plates were available.

Here’s the form:  RI DMV Vanity Form