Massachusetts Vehicle Registration

Registering a Vehicle in Massachusetts

You may register your vehicle or trailer with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) in person at your
nearest RMV office location.

How you proceed will depend on if you purchased your vehicle from a dealer or individual. Please note, the Mass RMV requires you to title any motor vehicle (or trailer above 3,000 lbs.) within 10 days of purchase. To operate a motor vehicle legally in Massachusetts, every vehicle must also pass a vehicle inspection within 7 days of registration.

Continue reading below to learn more about how to register a vehicle in Massachusetts.

NOTE: As of September 20, 2021, certain RMV locations will begin accepting appointments for all transaction types that cannot be done online, by mail, or by phone.

Register a Vehicle (Purchased from a Dealer)

NOTE: To make an appointment with the MA RMV, please click the link and follow the prompts.

If you purchased your new or used vehicle from a car dealer, you’ll need to apply in person and bring the following documents to your nearest DMV office location:

WHAT TO BRING TO THE RMV

• A completed Registration and Title Application (Form TTLREG100)
  • You may have the dealer complete this form for you.
• Proof of car insurance
  • The Mass RMV requires you to find a licensed Mass insurance agent and obtain an active insurance policy with the agent stamp and signature.
• Documents to prove ownership
• Documents to prove your identity (see Proof of Identification below)
• Registration Fees (see Vehicle Registration Fees in MA below)

Remember to get a vehicle inspection within 7 days of purchasing your new or used vehicle.

Register a Vehicle (Purchased from an Individual)

If you purchased your new or used vehicle from an individual in Massachusetts, you’ll need to apply in person and bring the following documents to your nearest RMV office location:

WHAT TO BRING TO THE RMV

• A completed Registration and Title Application (Form TTLREG100)
• Either the previous owner’s vehicle title OR the previous owner’s registration document AND a bill of sale (some exemptions apply due to vehicle age).
• Proof of car insurance
  • The Mass RMV requires you to find a licensed Mass insurance agent and obtain an active insurance policy with the agent stamp and signature.
• Documents to prove ownership
• Documents to prove your identity (see Proof of Identification below)
• Registration Fees (see Vehicle Registration Fees in MA below)

Remember to get a vehicle inspection within 7 days of purchasing your new or used vehicle.

Proof of Identification in Massachusetts

If you do not have a driver’s license, a Massachusetts ID, or a Social Security number, you’ll need to show proof of lawful presence in the United States.

When you register a vehicle or trailer in Massachusetts, you must present at least one of the following documents:

• A valid, unexpired MA driver’s license or ID card
• A valid, unexpired driver’s license from Out-of-State (OOS)
• A valid, unexpired driver’s license from Out of Country (OOC)
• Social Security Card (unlaminated)
• Proof of lawful presence – click here for the complete list

For additional Massachusetts RMV forms, please visit our Form Directory.

Renewing Your Registration

In Massachusetts, all motor vehicles must have valid registration and renew every 1 year or 2 years depending on the type of license plate. You must also have valid car insurance to renew.

You may renew your car registration with the Massachusetts RMV either online or by mail.

If you do not have a vehicle/trailer registration renewal form, you can access it online.

Online

To renew your registration online with the Mass RMV, you must have:

• Your driver’s license number
• The last 4 digits of your Social Security number
• An email address
• Payment for applicable fees.

By Mail

To renew your registration of your vehicle/trailer by mail, you must send the Mass RMV:

• A completed vehicle/trailer registration form (with insurance stamp, if applicable)
• Applicable renewal fees (check or money order payable to MassDOT)

MA RMV Address:

Registry of Motor Vehicles
Attention: Mail-In Registration Department
PO Box 55891
Boston, MA 02205-5891

Please visit our Registration Renewals page for further details.

Replace Lost or Damaged Registration

To replace your lost or damaged MA vehicle registration or plate decal, you can do so online.

You will need to have the following:

• Vehicle registration or license plate number
• Driver’s license number, ID number, or Federal Identification (FID) number
• $25 applicable fee for registration replacement

If you replace your registration online, you will need to have:

• Vehicle registration number
• Driver’s license, ID, or FID number
• Email address
• $25 applicable replacement fee

You can print your registration immediately, or a document or decal will be sent within 10 days.

NOTE: Please update your address with the MA RMV before processing your transaction.

Out-of-state Registration Transfers in MA

NOTE: The Mass RMV requires all new residents to register their vehicles immediately. There is no grace period.

To transfer your out-of-state registration and title with the RMV, you will need the following:

• Proof of MA car insurance via the Registration and Title Application
  • It must have an insurance stamp and signature
• Proof of ownership (e.g., a certificate of title, or registration, if a lien exists)
• Your out-of-state registration
• The applicable registration transfer fees

If you have any specific questions, you’ll need to speak with your nearest MA RMV office.

Changes to Your MA Car Registration

You can change your name (must update title as well), address, vehicle color, and more.

To change the information on your MA RMV registration document in person, by mail or online, you must:

• Visit your car insurance agent
• Complete a Registration and Title Application with an insurance stamp.
• Pay the vehicle amendment fee of $25

You can change your address online, visit your local RMV office, or mail your application/fee to:

Registry of Motor Vehicles
Attention: Mail-In Registration Department
PO Box 55891
Boston, MA 02205-5891

Vehicle Registration Fees in MA

Registration fees for vehicles in Massachusetts will vary by plate type.

Generally, the Mass RMV requires a registration fee, a title fee, and 6.25% sales tax.

To get a full schedule of fees with the MA RMV and find out how much you will need to pay, please visit our Forms Directory.

Depending on the type of transaction, your Mass RMV location may accept the following forms of payment: cash, check, money order, Visa, MasterCard and Discover cards.

Make all checks payable to MassDOT.

Other RMV Fees

• Change registration is $25
• Duplicate Registration is $25
• The replacement plate is $15
• IRP Trip Permit (72 hours) is $15
• The certificate of title fee is $75