License Plate FAQs

You have questions about Massachusetts license plates, and we have answers!

My tag fell off my car. How do I get a new one?

If you've lost your vehicle tag, or if it has been damaged, you can only get replacements in person at your local RMV or over the phone at (617) 351-4500 or (800) 858-3926.

If you've only lost one tag, you'll be given a temporary permit to keep in the car until the replacement tag arrives. If you've lost both plates, you'll have to apply for a new set with new numbers.

You cannot apply for green plates with the same number. If your single green plate is lost or stolen, you'll be issued a set of the new red and white plates as replacements.

The replacement fee for each tag is $10.

I got two plates in the mail. Do I use both of them?

Yes, affix one tag to the front of the car, and one to the rear.

Next week, I'm buying my first car. How do I apply for a tag?

Congratulations! You'll obtain your tag when you register and title the vehicle in your name, and pay the appropriate fees and taxes due on the purchase.

When my tags arrived, there were no decals included. Is that OK?

No. Just call your local RMV telephone center during regular weekday business hours and the decals will be mailed to you.

Can I take care of my vehicle registration and driver license renewals online in Massachusetts?

Many transactions can be handled through the RMV Express Lane. Using this online system, you'll need your credit card and vehicle and license information.

Along with driver license and vehicle transactions, you'll also be able to pay traffic tickets, check on your driver's ed certification, and make certain changes to documents.

How do I get a personalized tag for my new car?

You can order vanity plates in person or by phone. You can also check the availability of the tag you want online.

Your tag must meet certain requirements to be accepted: each tag must begin with two letters, and letters and numbers cannot be mingled, with no more than six characters for passenger vehicles, and five characters for motorcycles.

Get more details about vanity and specialized license plates at DMV.ORG's license plate section.

I just moved to Massachusetts and keep hearing about the "I Pay Tax" program. What is it?

This program is designed to report residents who may be avoiding paying taxes by registering their vehicles in another state while continuing to reside in Massachusetts.

If you suspect someone of this, you may report them by completing an I-Pay-Tax Complaint Form and submitting by fax to (617) 351-9212 or by mail to:

• I-Pay-Tax Compliance

• P.O. Box 55889

• Boston, MA 02205-5889

How do I order antique license plates?

Easy. Complete an Antique Plate Application and have it notarized. Then drop it off along with all applicable fees to your nearest RMV office.

Do I have to surrender my Massachusetts license plates after relocating to a new state?

Yes. You must return your license plates either in person to your former full service RMV branch office or by mail to:

• Registry of Motor Vehicles

• Attn: Express

• P.O. Box 55889

• Boston, MA 02205-5889