Car Registration

If you have a motor vehicle that you expect to drive legally on Massachusetts streets, it must be insured to at least meet state minimum standards and be registered with license plates issued by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). It doesn't matter if it's a car, truck, motorcycle or ATV. If you want to drive it legally, you're going to have to register and insure it.

In Massachusetts, the RMV handles all motor vehicle registrations. You do not have to go to your municipal offices or pay excise tax to your city or town to get a registration in Massachusetts―although it will eventually catch up with you if you do not pay your taxes. You will need to be able to prove insurance coverage by having your insurance company stamp your registration application before turning it into the RMV.

How to Register a Motor Vehicle in Massachusetts

The registration process in Massachusetts is basically the same no matter what the vehicle―get insurance, turn in a stamped application to the RMV, get plates and a sticker for your vehicle. But there are some differences in the process depending on where you bought your vehicle: from a Massachusetts dealer, an out-of-state dealer, or in a private sale.

If You Bought Your Vehicle from a Massachusetts Dealer:

• The dealer should present you with a completed Application for Registration and Title (RMV-1). You need to check it and sign it. If there is a lien against the vehicle, which generally happens if you're buying a car with a loan, this will be listed on the registration application.

• Go to your insurance agent to obtain an active insurance policy and have the agent stamp and sign the application.

• Bring the registration application to your nearest Massachusetts RMV office, along with one of the following:

• A Certificate of Origin (new vehicles only)

• The previous owner's title, if a titled vehicle (model years 1980 and newer)

• The bill of sale and proof of last registration, if a non-titled vehicle.

• Pay the registration fee, which varies depending on the type of vehicle and the plates you want. The dealer should have already collected a five percent sales tax, which will go directly to the state Department of Revenue.

If You Bought Your Vehicle from an Out-of-State Dealer
or Private Sale

• If you bought from an out-of-state dealer or in a private sale, the process is basically the same, except the out-of-state dealer will not supply you with the completed RV-1 form. Instead, you will obtain one from your auto insurance company or agent.

• Private sales require a title and/or bill of sale from the previous owner of the vehicle.

After completing any of these transactions, you will receive a registration certificate, license plates and a decal for the rear plate. You must obtain a vehicle inspection sticker within seven days of the registration date.

Compulsory Insurance in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, you need to have at least the mandated minimum insurance in order to register a vehicle. There are four areas of the standard policy where Massachusetts requires insurance minimums:

• Bodily injury to others: minimum of $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident.

• Personal injury protection: up to $8,000 for medical expenses and lost wages.

• Bodily injury caused by an uninsured vehicle: minimum of $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident.

• Damage to someone else's property: minimum of $5,000 per accident is required.

These are minimum legal requirements. Your insurance agent is not allowed to stamp your registration application unless you meet these minimum requirements. You probably will want to purchase much more insurance in all of these areas to protect yourself and your assets. You can work with your insurance agent to discuss what the best mix of coverage is for you.

Nonoperational Vehicles

Whether or not to maintain your nonoperable vehicle's registration is up to you. If you decide to cancel, you must return your registered plates to the RMV. You must also do the same if you opt to drop your vehicle's insurance coverage.

When you decide to return your vehicle to the road, you must submit an Application for Registration (RMV-1) to any full service RMV office, along with the appropriate fees. You can grab an RMV-1 from your licensed in-state insurance agent.

Different Massachusetts Plate Options

For fun or to express yourself, you can purchase vanity plates for just about any motor vehicle registered in Massachusetts. Check the availability online first. You can then order plates at any RMV office or through the telephone center. Allow 12 to 14 weeks for delivery.

Massachusetts has a wide variety of special license plate options available to the general public. These plates allow motor vehicle owners to contribute money and show some allegiance to favorite causes.
Current plates offered include the following:

• New England Patriots: benefits the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation.

• Basketball Hall of Fame: benefits the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield.

• Environmental (right whale: benefits the Massachusetts Environmental Trust.

• Invest in Children: benefits the state Child Care Quality Fund.

• Massachusetts Animal Coalition: benefits non-profit and municipal animal control agencies.

• Red Sox/Jimmy Fund: benefits the Jimmy Fund, fighting children's cancer.

• Cape Cod and Islands: benefits economic development of Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard.

• Fish and Wildlife: benefits the Massachusetts Environmental Trust.

• United We Stand: benefits the Massachusetts 9/11 Fund and local police and fire departments.

• Boston Bruins/Youth Hockey: benefits Massachusetts Youth Hockey.

• Olympic Spirit: benefits the U.S. Olympic Committee.

• Blackstone Valley: benefits the Massachusetts Environmental Trust.

Renewing Massachusetts Registrations

You can renew a Massachusetts motor vehicle registration online, by phone, by mail or at any RMV branch office. You will receive a renewal form about six to eight weeks before the registration is set to expire. You can use this form to renew the license in any method described above.

Non-renewals

If you have any unpaid tickets (even parking tickets), unpaid child support, or a warrant issued in your name from any Massachusetts court, the RMV will not process your registration renewal.

You cannot settle these debts or obligations with the RMV. You will need to settle them with their respective agencies yourself, and then have written proof of the settlements to show to the RMV, before the renewal will be allowed to proceed.

Lost Massachusetts Registrations

You can get a duplicate registration online, by phone, by mail or at any RMV branch office. The cost is $15. Allow at least 10 days processing time for the registration to be delivered to you.

Massachusetts Registration Fees

Fees for Massachusetts registrations depend on the vehicle and the type of plate desired. Visit the official RMV online fee schedule for complete information.