Woonsocket Radio News Room

 

House passes Boylan bill to waive VIN check fees for veterans and military members

 

STATE HOUSE — The House today voted to approve a bill from Rep. Jennifer Boylan to waive the fee for vehicle identification number (VIN) inspections for veterans and active-duty military personnel.

“Waiving these fees is a small way we can welcome military service members and their families to the Ocean State,” said Representative Boylan (D-Dist. 66, Barrington, East Providence). “Service members often move more frequently than civilians due to the commitment of their service, meaning these fees can add up.”

When a resident registers a vehicle in Rhode Island for the first time and that vehicle’s last registration was in another state or country, they must have the VIN checked against the vehicle’s paperwork at their local police department. The legislation (2025-H 5081) waives the $10 fee for this certification for veterans and active-duty military personnel, including National Guard members and military reserves.

The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration, where Sen. Walter S. Felag Jr. (D-Dist. 10, Warren, Bristol, Tiverton), who chairs the Senate Special Legislation and Veterans’ Affairs Committee, has introduced companion legislation (2025-S 0075).

 

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