Laws and Benefits for Veterans and Military Drivers in Rhode Island

There are a number of specific rules and laws that apply to active military personnel in the state of Rhode Island, and quite a few benefits that apply to both active military personnel and veterans.

Exemption from licensing and registration taxes and fees

There are no tax credits or fees in Rhode Island for either veterans or active duty military personnel. However, there are a couple of special programs that make life at least a little easier for military personnel on active duty.

Before deploying or sending on a new assignment, be sure to visit your local DMV office to apply for a Special Operator Permit. Unlike other driver's licenses, this permit does not expire and will remain valid throughout the deployment, no matter how long it takes. Thus, active duty military personnel do not have to worry about renewing their license when it expires.

After your service ends and you return to Rhode Island, you have 30 days to renew your standard driver's license. If you renew it during this time period, no tests are required, although you will have to pay the standard fee.

What can not be said about the registration of the car. It must be renewed every year until it expires. You can ask a relative to do this on your behalf, although they will need a power of attorney. However, the state also offers a convenient online renewal portal that can be accessed from anywhere in the world as long as you have Internet access. You can find it here.

Veteran driver's license badge

Veterans in the state of Rhode Island have the opportunity to mark their service on their driver's license with a special veteran's badge. There is no charge to add the designation itself, although veterinarians will still have to pay the appropriate license fee. Also, it can't be done online. You must appear in person at the DMV office and provide proof of your service and honorable discharge. Usually DD-214 is enough to prove it.

Military badges

Veterans have access to a number of different Rhode Island military honors. These include the following:

• Disabled Veteran
• National guard
• POW
• Purple Heart
• Veteran
• Veteran Parent with Gold Star

Please note that each of these plates has its own specific fees as well as eligibility requirements. You will need to download and complete the appropriate form (each plate has a separate form associated with it) and then submit it to the DMV to receive your plate. You can find more information about all selections of military badges, their costs, and access to the forms required to apply for a badge on the Rhode Island DMV website.

Please note that disabled veteran license plates are only available to 100% disabled veterinarians.

Waiver of military skills exam

Like most other states in the country, Rhode Island is offering current service members and veterans who have recently been honorably discharged and have experience operating military equipment the opportunity to take part of the CDL test. The only part that can be omitted is the skill check. The written knowledge test is still to be completed. To apply for this, you must pass the CDL Military Skills Waiver test, which can be found here.

Make sure your commander signs the waiver if you are still active. Submit the waiver with the CDL application.

Driver's License Renewal During Deployment

Rhode Island is offering military members the opportunity to apply for a Special Perpetual Operator Permit. Apply for this permit prior to deployment and you will not have to renew it no matter how long you are out of state (as long as you remain on active duty). Once the deployment is complete and back in the state, you have 45 days to renew your standard license. Please note that this exemption does not apply to your vehicle registration, which must be renewed every year. Use the online renewal portal to speed up this process.

Driver's license and vehicle registration of non-resident military personnel

Rhode Island does not require out-of-state military personnel stationed in the state to apply for a license or register their vehicle. However, you must have a valid driver's license and a valid vehicle registration in your home state.