In Massachusetts, vehicles must be registered with the state's Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) to operate on public roads legally, as mandated in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 2. Vehicle owners must understand and comply with the state-specific regulations for vehicle registration to avoid penalties.
The state agency manages vehicle registrations, driver's licenses, and other services. It maintains records of all registered vehicles in the state and enforces registration requirements to promote public safety and facilitate vehicle ownership identification.
When registering a vehicle in Massachusetts, owners must provide various documents, such as proof of ownership, a valid driver's license, and evidence of Massachusetts insurance. The MA RMV also requires some vehicles to pass safety and emissions inspections before registering.
How To Register a Car in Massachusetts?
Vehicle registration in Massachusetts involves a multi-step process that varies depending on the vehicle type, ownership status, and whether the vehicle is new or used. It consists of providing the necessary documentation, obtaining insurance, and visiting an MA RMV Service Center.
To begin the process, individuals must complete the Registration and Title Application, which can be accessed on the RMV's website. This form requires information about the vehicle, such as the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), make, model, year, and personal information about the owner(s).
After registration, the RMV will issue a registration certificate, license plates, and a registration decal for the rear plate.
Registration of Vehicles For New Residents in Massachusetts
New residents of Massachusetts must register their vehicles with the RMV as soon as they become residents. To transfer an out-of-state registration and title to Massachusetts, new residents need to follow these steps:
- Obtain proof of Massachusetts insurance with a signature from a licensed Massachusetts insurance agent.
- Provide proof of ownership through a certificate of title or, if a lien exists on the vehicle, the registration from the previous state.
- For a sales or use tax exemption for a vehicle bought outside of Massachusetts, complete an Affidavit in Support or Form MVU-29.
- Submit the completed Registration and Title Application, current out-of-state registration, and the completed sales tax exemption form to the nearest MA RMV Service Center.
Registration of Vehicles Purchased from a Dealership in Massachusetts
When purchasing a vehicle from a dealer in Massachusetts, the registration process involves several steps and required documents. The dealer will typically complete and sign an Application for Registration and Title on behalf of the buyer. The buyer must then visit a licensed Massachusetts insurance agent to obtain an active insurance policy and sign the application.
Required documents for registering a vehicle purchased from a dealer in Massachusetts include:
- A completed Registration and Title Application, signed by the dealer
- Proof of insurance
- Proof of ownership, such as Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin, previous owner's Certificate of Title or dealer re-assignment form, and previous Registration
- Bill of Sale
If the proof of ownership is a Certificate of Origin or the previous owner's title, make sure that the date sold, odometer read, and purchase price have been completed on the back. Both the dealer or previous owner(s) and the buyer must sign the back of these forms.
The completed application and supporting documents must be brought to an RMV Service Center for processing. A 6.25% sales tax will be collected based on the vehicle's purchase price.
Registration of Vehicles Purchased from Private Individuals
When purchasing a vehicle from a private individual (non-dealer) in Massachusetts, the buyer must first obtain an active Massachusetts insurance policy through a licensed insurance agent, who will complete, stamp, and sign an Application for Registration and Title.
Required documents for registering a vehicle purchased from an individual in Massachusetts include:
- A completed Registration and Title Application, stamped and signed by the insurance agent
- The previous owner's Certificate of Title or registration and Bill of Sale (for vehicles exempt from title due to age)
- Applicable fees
The completed application must be accompanied by the previous owner's Certificate of Title or, for vehicles exempt from title due to age, the last registration and Bill of Sale. Federal and Massachusetts laws require the seller(s) to state the mileage upon transfer of ownership, and both buyer(s) and seller(s) must sign, hand print their names, and date the transfer document.
Registration of Vehicles for a Short-Term Non-Resident
Non-residents who purchase a vehicle from a dealer in Massachusetts may apply for a temporary registration to allow them to drive the car back to their home state. This process involves obtaining a temporary plate and providing specific documentation to any MA RMV.
Required documents for a Non-Resident Short-Term Registration include:
- A completed Registration and Title Application
- Proof of insurance
- Payment of the $20 temporary registration fee
- Provide proof of identity for individuals or a Federal Identification Number for businesses.
An authorized dealer can only complete this transaction through the RMV's Business 2 Business (B2B) services or as a walk-in customer at an RMV Service Center.
Vehicle Registration for Military Members in Massachusetts
Massachusetts military members may have specific requirements and considerations when registering their vehicles with the RMV. The following information outlines the process for various situations:
Active Duty Military with Massachusetts Residency
For active duty military with Massachusetts residency, follow the standard registration process for Massachusetts residents. Provide proof of Massachusetts insurance, ownership, and payment of applicable fees. Active duty military members may be eligible for certain exemptions or discounts on registration fees and excise taxes.
Active Duty Military with Out-of-State Residency
Military members with out-of-state residency may maintain their vehicle registration in their home state, subject to that state's laws and regulations. If registering the vehicle in Massachusetts, follow the process for new residents when transferring an out-of-state registration and title.
Active Duty Military Deployed Outside of Massachusetts
Military members with Massachusetts residency stationed out-of-state must follow a specific procedure. If their current registration expires while deployed, they must request a registration extension. They must submit a written request to the RMV, a copy of deployment orders, and a self-addressed, stamped envelope for the return of the extension decal.
Massachusetts National Guard Members
National Guard members in Massachusetts may qualify for registration fee exemptions or discounts when registering their vehicles. They should provide relevant documentation during registration to prove active service in the Massachusetts National Guard.
Additionally, National Guard members may be exempt from paying Massachusetts excise taxes if they meet certain criteria, such as being deployed outside of the state or a non-resident stationed in Massachusetts.
To claim these exemptions, National Guard members must submit appropriate documentation, such as deployment orders or a letter from their commanding officer, to their local tax assessor's office. Detailed information about these benefits and the required documentation can be found on the Massachusetts Department of Revenue website.
MA License Plates
After registration, the RMV will issue license plates, a registration decal for the rear plate, and the registration certificate.
When a vehicle is registered, the owner receives two license plates that must be displayed on the front and back of the vehicle.
Massachusetts offers several types of license plates, including standard, specialty, and vanity plates. Standard plates have a combination of letters and numbers, while specialty plates support various organizations and causes, such as environmental or charitable groups. Vanity plates allow vehicle owners to choose a personalized combination of letters and numbers.
How To Obtain Vanity License Plates in Massachusetts?
To obtain vanity or personalized license plates in Massachusetts, interested individuals must follow a specific process through the RMV. Applicants should check the availability of their desired plate characters using the RMV's online Vanity Plate Lookup tool.
This tool allows users to input their preferred combination of letters and numbers to see if it is currently available. If the desired combination is available, the next step is to complete the Special Plate Application or Form RMV-120.
Note that the first two characters of vanity plates must be letters. The entire plate can contain six characters, including letters and numbers. However, the total limit for motorcycle vanity plates is only five characters.
The completed application and the appropriate fees must be submitted to the RMV in person, by mail, or online. The RMV can refuse any combination deemed offensive, vulgar, or in poor taste. Once the application is approved and processed, the new vanity plates will be mailed to the address provided on the application.
How Much Does Vehicle Registration Cost in Massachusetts?
According to the "Schedule of Fees" document from the Massachusetts RMV, the cost of vehicle registration in Massachusetts varies depending on the type of vehicle and plate.
For passenger vehicles, the registration fee ranges from $50 to $110 per year or two years, depending on whether the plate is regular, reserved, vanity, or special. For example, a regular passenger plate (PAN) costs $60 for two years, while a vanity plate (PAV) costs $80 annually.
Commercial vehicle registration fees are determined by weight, with a minimum fee of $20 to $40 per 1,000 lbs annually or biennially. Additional fees may apply for reserved or vanity commercial plates.
Motorcycle registration fees are generally lower, with a normal plate (MCN) costing $20 annually, a reserved plate (MCR) costing $40 annually, and a vanity plate (MCV) costing $70 annually.
There are also fees for various other vehicle types, such as trailers, buses, liveries, and dealer/repair plates, which are outlined in the document. Certain special plates, such as those for disabled veterans or Medal of Honor recipients, may be issued at no cost.
How To Renew Vehicle Registration in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, vehicle owners receive a registration renewal notice from the RMV well in advance of their registration expiration date. The RMV sends these renewal notices between 6 and 8 weeks before the expiration, allowing ample time for the owner to complete the renewal process before their current registration lapses.
Completing the renewal process before the expiration date is essential to avoid potential penalties or fines. Upon receiving the notice, individuals can renew their vehicle registration online, by mail, or in person.
Renew Online
To renew a vehicle's registration for a passenger plate online in Massachusetts, individuals must meet the following eligibility within six months of the current expiration date:
- Have an email account or mobile phone for text messages
- Possess a valid credit/debit card or checking account
- Have no outstanding tickets, excise tax, or EZ-Pass violations
- Maintain an active insurance policy
- Know their plate number
The online renewal process can be completed through the Renew My Registration of the myRMV Online Service Center. On this system, individuals must provide a Massachusetts License/Permit/ID number, date of birth, and the last four digits of their Social Security number to initiate their online renewal.
Renew by Mail
To renew vehicle registration in Massachusetts by mail, the vehicle owner must complete the Registration Renewal Application that is mailed to them. If the form indicates "Ins Stamp Required," the owner must have their insurance agent stamp and sign the form to confirm active insurance coverage.
The owner should then detach the "Application for Renewal" portion of the form and include a check or money order payable to "MassDOT" for the applicable registration fees. The completed and detached form and payment should be mailed to:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
PO Box 55891
Boston, MA 02205-5891
Renew in Person
To renew a vehicle registration in person, owners should locate their nearest RMV Service Center or call the customer service line at 857-368-8200. Vehicle owners should also gather all the documents and information required for the renewal process, including their current registration, proof of insurance, and payment for the appropriate fees.
Upon arriving at the RMV Service Center, vehicle owners must take a ticket for the appropriate service and wait for their number to be called. Once called to the counter, they will present their documents and information to the RMV representative, who will guide them through the renewal process.
How To Check if a Vehicle Is Currently Registered in Massachusetts?
Individuals can use the myRMV Registration Information online tool to check if a vehicle is currently registered in Massachusetts.
To check a vehicle's registration status online, provide plate type and vehicle registration number. The system will display the vehicle's current registration status, including the expiration date and any associated information, such as the registered owner's name and address. There is no fee associated with checking the status of a vehicle registration in Massachusetts.
Certain vehicle registration types, such as repair, dealer/manufacturer, owner-contractor, farm, and transport, are unavailable for online status checks. If a vehicle falls under one of these categories, the individual must visit an RMV Service Center in person to obtain the registration status information.
For those unable to visit, call (857) 368-8030 for inquiries about specific plate types, while (857) 368-8120 for apportioned plates.