Registration Renewal in Massachusetts
Here's exactly how to renew your Massachusetts vehicle registration — every route the state offers, what it costs, and what to do if your tags already expired. Start below, or ask Sam about your exact case.
How to renew your vehicle registration in Massachusetts
Registration Renewal in Massachusetts
Massachusetts requires you to renew the registration on your vehicle with the MA Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) whenever your registration expires. There are a number of ways to renew the registration and keep your vehicle legal, all of which are outlined below.
MA Registration Renewal Notice
The Massachusetts RMV will send a registration Renewal Form to you in the mail before your registration expires. The notice reminds you to renew your registration, as well as whether or not you need a stamp from your MA insurance agent.
Didn't Receive a Renewal Form?
There are a number of reasons you may not receive a renewal form in the mail; if it was mailed to the wrong address, you should still make sure to renew by your expiration date.
However, some more serious reasons for not receiving a renewal form will prevent you from renewing altogether. These reasons include:
- Any unpaid parking tickets, taxes, or vehicle citations.
- Your vehicle registration has been revoked.
If any of these scenarios apply, you will not receive your registration renewal form and will be barred from renewal until you present original documents from the agencies in which you have obligations proving you have taken care of all issues keeping you from renewing your registration.
check the status of your registration online.
If your stauts is good you can complete an Application to Renew (RMV-3) in place of the Renewal Form. You will need to bring the form to your insurance agent for their stamp before going in to the RMV.
Renew Your MA Vehicle Registration
You can renew your registration online, by phone, by mail, or in person.
If you need to check the status of your registration renewal, you can contact the MA RMV.
DID YOU KNOW?: Proof of car insurance may be REQUIRED when renewing your registration!
Compare rates and buy your policy online: Open the Insurance Center >>
Renew Online
You can renew your registration online if:
- The vehicle is owned by an individual (not a company/organization).
- Your renewal form says the insurance stamp is not needed.
- You have a MasterCard, Visa, Discover, or American Express credit card in order to pay the fees.
Go to the MA Registry of Motor Vehicles registration renewal page and follow the instructions to complete your registration renewal. You will need:
- Your driver's license number.
- The last 4 digits of your Social Security number.
- A valid e-mail address.
Your registration certificate and decal will arrive in the mail in about 14 days. It will be sent to the address listed in the RMV's database. If you need to change your mailing address, visit our Changing Your Address page for steps.
Renew by Mail
You can renew your registration by mail if:
- You have completed either the Renewal Form or the Application to Renew (RMV-3).
- Your insurance agent has stamped and signed the renewal form, if required.
- There are no outstanding tickets, warrants, or obligations.
Send the Renewal form or the RMV-3 form, along with a check or money order, to the MA RMV at:
ATTN: Mail-In Registration
Registry of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 55891
Boston, MA 02205
You will receive you registration and decals in the mail in about 14 days.
Renew In Person
You can visit your MA RMV service center or a local AAA office in person to renew your registration. You will need:
- A completed Renewal Form or an Application to Renew (RMV-3).
- The form should be stamped and signed by your insurance agent if required.
- Check, money order, or credit cards in order to pay all fees.
- Original documents releasing you from all obligations by agencies that were blocking your registration renewal.
MA Registration Renewal Fees
- Passenger Vehicles
- Regular plates: $60 (Renewal valid 2 years).
- Reserve plates (keep plate number): $100 (Renewal valid 2 years).
- Vanity plates: 1 year (Renewal valid 1 year. Passenger vehicle vanity plates are renewed in November.
- Motorcycles
- Regular plates: $20 (Renewal valid 1 year).
- Reserve plates (keep plate number): $40 (Renewal valid 1 year).
- Vanity plates: 1 year (Renewal valid 1 year) Motorcycle vanity plates are renewed in November.
- Replacement per license plate: $10.
- Replacement/duplicate registration: $25
Fees for commercial vehicles vary based on vehicle weight, plate type, etc. A complete list of license plates and fees can be found on the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles Schedule of Fees.
Massachusetts Insurance Requirements
Every vehicle in Massachusetts must have car insurance. If your renewal form says that an insurance stamp is required, your insurance agent will need to stamp the form and sign it so you can renew your registration.
If the MA RMV has your insurance information on record, your renewal form will say that an insurance stamp is not required.
If you do not get a Renewal Form, and have nothing blocking you from renewing your registration, you will need to get an Application to Renew (RMV-3) from your insurance agent with a stamp and signature.
MA Vehicle Inspections
All Massachusetts cars and trucks must get safety and emissions inspections annually. The inspections are not tied directly to renewing your registration, but your vehicle inspection must be current when you do renew.
Get more information on our Massachusetts Vehicle Inspections page.
Military Residents & Registration Renewal
Military personnel can renew their vehicle registration(s) online, by phone, or through the mail if you are stationed out of state. If you are stationed in Massachusetts, you can also visit the MA RMV service center in person.
If you do not get a renewal form, contact your Massachusetts insurance agent to get a signed and stamped Application to Renew (RMV-3) so that you can renew by mail.
Replace Your MA Registration or Plate
License plates, registration stickers, and registration certificates must be on or in the car at all times. They need to be in good condition and legible to be valid.
Replace a Vehicle Registration
A registration card can be replaced online, by phone or in person at the RMV or a AAA office that offers RMV services.
If you apply online the RMV system will verify your driver's license record or FID number can be electronically. If the information can be verified you will be able to download your duplicate registration and print it. If your driver's license or FID cannot be verified your duplicate registration will be mailed to the address on file at the RMV. If you have moved you will need to change your address first.
In order to replace your registration by phone you can call:
- (857) 368-8000 (for area codes 339, 617, 781, 857, and outside MA).
- (800) 858-3926 (for all other MA area codes).
- (877) 768-8833 (touch-tone for hearing impaired).
The fee to replace a registration is $25.
Replace a License Plate
If your license plates are not legible from up to 60 feet away from the vehicle, or if the reflective coating has worn off, they must be replaced. If you need a replacement due to damage, age, or loss/theft, you can:
- Go to your local MA RMV service center (you must go in person if both plates we lost or stolen).
OR
- Call to order replacements:
- (857) 368-8000 (for area codes 339, 617, 781, 857, and outside MA).
- (800) 858-3926 (for all other MA area codes).
- (877) 768-8833 (touch-tone for hearing impaired).
To order a new plate by phone you will need to have handy:
- Your registration number.
- The owners information.
- Information on the vehicle.
- Credit or debit card for the payment.
The fees for replacement plates are $10 per plate. Because you will be getting matching number plates, the plates will have to be ordered. You will be given a temporary plate until your permanent one arrives. If you have moved recently you will need to change your address before you apply for a replacement license plate.
If you need both license plates replaced, you will need to reapply for new plates and registration.
Green License Plate Exchange
Green license plates cannot be replaced with the same plate number you currently have; you will need to exchange them for the new red license plates.
Exchanging green for red plates is free; simply go to your local RMV service center with an Application to Renew (RMV-3) signed and stamped by your insurance agent.
Go to our page on License Plates & Placards in Massachusetts for more information.
Massachusetts Registration Renewal: FAQs
What do I need to renew my registration in Massachusetts?
To renew your registration in Massachusetts, your driver's license must be in good standing (i.e., no suspensions, revocations, unpaid parking tickets, etc.). You'll need a completed renewal application, if you're renewing by mail or in person, and payment for your renewal fee. If renewing online, be prepared to supply your driver's license number, the last four digits of your SSN, and an email address.
You also need to have an active insurance policy filed with the MA RMV—otherwise, you must take your renewal application to your insurer to have it stamped as proof of insurance.
How much is a car registration in Massachusetts?
How much it is to renew your MA registration depends on your license plate type and how long you're renewing for. Passenger vehicle plates cost $60 for 2 years; passenger reserved plates cost $100 for 2 years; vanity plates cost $80 for 1 year; motorcycle registrations cost $20 for 1 year; motorcycle reserved plates cost $40 for 1 year; and motorcycle vanity plates cost $70 for 1 year.
Special organization plates vary. Commercial license plates vary by vehicle weight, type, and use
Can I renew my MA car registration online?
Yes, you may renew your registration online as long as you have an active insurance policy on record with the RMV. Otherwise, you'll need to mail or hand-deliver a renewal application stamped by your insurance agent.
How do I cancel my registration in Massachusetts?
You can cancel your Massachusetts registration and plates online or by mail; however, if there are 2 owners of the vehicle, you must submit by mail. If you're canceling by mail, you'll need to submit an Affidavit for Cancellation of Registration (REG100).
You'll need your MA license plate number and an email address, plus either your driver's license/ID number, SSN, or FID number. There is no cost for registration cancellation in Massachusetts.
While you're at it
Renewal is the moment most people discover something else is out of date. Here's what's worth checking.
Frequently asked questions
DMV.ORG is a privately owned website that is not owned or operated by any state government agency.
