Registration FAQs

How do I register my car in Massachusetts?

Motor vehicle registrations are handled by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles. Initial registrations must be done in person at any RMV office. The initial fee for titling is $50; you will probably also pay sales tax, as well as a registration fee, which varies according to the license plate type.

Is vehicle insurance required in Massachusetts?

Minimum insurance is required in Massachusetts to obtain and keep a vehicle registration. Massachusetts requires any motor vehicle to have insurance against property damage, medical claims by the driver and others, and general liability.

Why do I have to get a Massachusetts registration stamped by my insurance company?

The Massachusetts RMV will not accept a registration application unless it has been stamped by a licensed insurance company or agent. This is to make sure that the vehicle has at least state-mandated minimum coverage before it is registered.

What is a title?

A title proves ownership of the vehicle. In Massachusetts, when you apply for an initial registration, you will also apply for a new title at the same time. If you bought your car from a dealer, the dealer will take care of the title transfer. If you bought your car in a private sale, the seller must sign the title over to you as part of the transaction.

Where is my title? I don't remember getting one.

If you bought your vehicle with a loan, as most buyers do, this means the lender holds a lien on the title. The RMV automatically sends the title to the lienholder. Once you pay off the loan, the lender releases the lien and should send you the title.

How long is my Massachusetts registration good for?

Massachusetts vehicle registrations must be renewed annually. Registration renewals are processed by the Massachusetts RMV. The easiest way to renew a registration is online with a credit card. However, registrations can also be renewed by phone, mail or in person.

What if I don't get my registration?

You will obtain your registration immediately from the RMV when you register your vehicle at a full-service RMV office. You will receive a title by mail within six to eight weeks after registration. If you are making loan payments on the vehicle, the lienholder has the title until the loan is paid off.

If you renewed your registration online or by mail and you don't receive your new certificate or decals, call the RMV Telephone Center for help. If you lease your vehicle, it's possible your registration got sent there instead―so call your lienholder first to check.

How do I get a duplicate title?

If you've lost your vehicle's title, follow this procedure to obtain a new one:

• Fill out an Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title.

• Mail the application and a $25 check to the following address:
  • Attn: Duplicate Titles Department
  • Registry of Motor Vehicles
  • P.O. Box 55885
  • Boston, MA 02205-5885

Allow seven to 10 days after the application is received for a new title to be processed and mailed to you.

How do I get replacement license plates?

You can order replacement plates at any RMV branch office or over the phone. The fee is $10 per plate. You will be issued a temporary plate to be displayed on your vehicle until you receive the actual plates via mail.

How do I get a duplicate registration?

You can order a duplicate registration online for $15 with a credit card. You can also order a duplicate over the phone for the same price.

Do I have to pay excise tax with my Massachusetts registration?

In Massachusetts, excise tax is paid to the city or town where the vehicle is registered. You are not required to have proof of paid excise tax when you renew a registration. However, if you don't pay excise tax, you can have your registration suspended or refused for renewal.

How do I pay Massachusetts sales tax on a new vehicle?

Massachusetts charges a five percent sales tax on vehicles, collectable during the initial registration process. This can add up―$1,000 on a $20,000 vehicle, for example. If you purchase from a dealer, the dealer will charge you the tax and pay the state for you. If you purchase from a private sale, the RMV will look to collect the sales tax when you first register the vehicle.

Can I lie about the purchase price to pay less sales tax?

It's tempting in a private sale to conspire with the seller to put a lesser amount on the bill of sale than was actually paid, in order to lower the sales tax levy. Most of the time, however, this isn't going to work, and it's also illegal. When you pay sales tax to the RMV, the RMV will compare the bill of sale to the "blue book" value of the vehicle and charge you the higher price.

I’ve heard the IRS honors a tax deduction that has to do with my vehicle registration fees. Is this true?

Yes. The scoop is that the IRS counts a vehicle registration fee that's based on your vehicle's value as a personal property tax, which is deductible. This is true even if your state calls the fee a "registration fee" or a "vehicle use fee." Check out page 146 of the IRS's Publication 17 for more details.

But before you start entering your registration fees on line 7 of the 1040A form, double check to make sure your state calculates the car registration fee based on the car's value. For example, if your state charges you 1% of the car's value each year as a vehicle fee, and you pay $100 based on your car's value ($10,000), then you can deduct $100. If your state charges you for 1% of the car's value, plus a bunch of other miscellaneous fees, then you can still only deduct the $100. The fees might be itemized on your vehicle registration card or registration renewal form.

Other states ignore the car's value and charge only based on the vehicle weight; in those cases, you can't take the deduction.

If you aren't sure about whether the state charges this fee or you can't find the fee, contact your local motor-vehicle office. If you have questions about taking the deduction, call a tax professional or the IRS.

How do I register my boat in Massachusetts?

Boat registrations and titling are handled by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Police. Most boats using state waterways need to be registered and titled, with sales and excise tax paid before the registration will be approved.

Do I have to register my car if I put it in storage?

It's up to you whether or not to maintain your nonoperable vehicle's registration. If you decide to cancel, you must return your registered plates to the RMV. You must also return the plates 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.

LINKS TO MORE INFORMATION

• Massachusetts registration procedures
• Massachusetts insurance requirements
• Massachusetts titling regulations
• Boat registration and titling in Massachusetts