Section 31-3.1-16 - Issuance of new certificate(a) The division of motor vehicles, upon receipt of a properly assigned certificate of title, with an application for a new certificate of title, the required fee and any other documents and articles required by law, shall issue a new certificate of title in the name of the transferee as owner and mail it to the first lienholder named in it or, if none, to the owner.(b) The division of motor vehicles upon receipt of an application for a new certificate of title by a transferee other than by voluntary transfer, with proof of the transfer, the required fee and any other documents and articles required by law, shall issue a new certificate of title in the name of the transferee as owner. If the outstanding certificate of title is not delivered to it, the division of motor vehicles shall make demand for the certificate from its holder.(c) The division of motor vehicles shall file and retain for five (5) years every surrendered certificate of title, the file to be maintained so as to permit the tracing of title of the vehicle designated in it.R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3.1-16