RI DMV’s are all reservation/appointment now, and do take credit cards (though tack on a 3% processing fee). I recently had to switch over my license and registration from out of state and it was quite painless, and not too horribly expensive.

Point #2 about having all your paperwork done in advance will make your life so much easier and the process much faster, and make sure you read the requirements for what you need to prove identity (my old state’s license and my passport was enough for me) and residence (2 pieces of official mail/eligible bills or accounts). The RI DMV website is kind of a pain but all the info and forms you need are there - do as much as you can in advance!