R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3.1-10: Refusing certificate of title.

The division of motor vehicles shall refuse issuance of a certificate of title if any required fee is not paid or if it has reasonable grounds to believe that:

(1) The applicant is not the owner of the vehicle;

(2) The application contains a false or fraudulent statement;

(3) The applicant fails to furnish required information or documents or any additional information the division reasonably requires; or

(4) The applicant fails to furnish evidence that any tax due with reference to the motor vehicle pursuant to the provisions of chapters 18 and 19 of title 44 has been paid in accordance with regulations prescribed by the tax administrator, and on any forms that shall be approved by the tax administrator and the division of motor vehicles.