The issue date on a Rhode Island driver's license is labeled ISS and appears on the front of the card. The Division of Motor Vehicles issues licenses valid for 5 years for most adult drivers. Here is where to find ISS and what every field on your Rhode Island license means.

Where to find the issue date on a Rhode Island driver's license

On the current Rhode Island license design, the issue date is labeled ISS and printed on the front of the card. ISS stands for Issue Date and shows when Division of Motor Vehicles issued your current card. Renewing your license resets the ISS date on the new card while your license number stays the same.

Date fields on a Rhode Island driver's license

• ISS — Issue date. When your current card was printed.
• DOB — Date of birth. Your birthdate for identity and age verification.
• EXP — Expiration date. Rhode Island driver's licenses are valid for 5 years for most adult drivers.

What does DD mean on a Rhode Island driver's license?

DD stands for Document Discriminator, a unique serial number for each physical card. It changes every time a new card is issued, even if your license number stays the same. Banks, car rental agencies, and identity systems use the DD to confirm the card has not been altered.

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Restrictions on a Rhode Island driver's license

The restrictions field on Rhode Island licenses is labeled RSTR or Restrictions. Common restriction codes:

• A — Corrective lenses required while driving
• B — Daylight driving only
• C — No highway or expressway driving
• E — Automatic transmission only
• F — Outside mirror required on driver's side

Rhode Island REAL ID

Rhode Island offers both standard and REAL ID-compliant licenses. A REAL ID Rhode Island license has a gold star in the upper right corner. From May 7, 2025, a REAL ID or another accepted federal document is required for domestic air travel and certain federal facilities. To get a Rhode Island REAL ID, visit a Rhode Island license office in person with proof of identity, Social Security number, and two documents showing your Rhode Island address.

How to renew a Rhode Island driver's license

Rhode Island DMV offers online renewal at dmv.ri.gov for eligible drivers who do not need a new photo and whose information has not changed. In-person renewal is required for first-time REAL ID, new photos, and CDL transactions.

How to find your original Rhode Island licensing date

The ISS date on your card shows when your current card was issued, not your original licensing date. To find your original date, request a copy of your Rhode Island driving record through the Division of Motor Vehicles website or in person at a Rhode Island license office.