✅ Updated November 2021

Ultimate guide to Registering your Vehicle in Massachusetts

Here's the ultimate guide to registering your vehicle in Massachusetts. We've simplified the entire process for you so you can save time.

What You'll Need to Register your Vehicle in Massachusetts

📌 Application for Registration and Title ( Form RMV-1 ) (completed & signed by dealer OR by yourself and the private seller; also signed & stamped by a registered insurance agent)

📌 Proof of insurance

📌 If you purchased the vehicle from a dealership…

      • Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (for brand new vehicles only; must include date sold, odometer reading, purchase price, and dealer signature on back of form);
      • Dealer re-assignment form or previous owner's Certificate of Title (must include date sold, odometer reading, purchase price, and your and previous owner's signatures on back of Certificate of Title); OR
      • Bill of sale and previous registration certificate (for vehicles that are age-exempt from titling)

📌 If you purchased the vehicle in a private sale…

    • Vehicle title from seller, including (on back of title):
      • Date of sale
      • Odometer reading at the time of sale
      • Purchase price (if omitted, must provide a bill of sale)
      • Printed names and signatures of both buyer and seller
    • Most recent registration and bill of sale (if the vehicle is exempt from registration due to age)

📌 Lienholder information (if applicable)

📌 Payment for fees and taxes

  • $75 for Massachusetts title fee
  • $60 for 2-year passenger vehicle registration fee
  • Sales tax (calculated as 6.25% of purchase price of vehicle; not applicable to vehicles purchased out-of-state and registered out-of-state for at least 6 months)

What You'll Do to Register your Vehicle in Massachusetts

If you purchased your vehicle from a dealership...

  • Step 1: Have the dealer complete and sign the Application for Registration and Title ( Form RMV-1 )
    • Ensure that lienholder information is included (if applicable)
  • Step 2: Procure vehicle insurance and have insurance agent stamp and sign your completed Application for Registration and Title ( Form RMV-1 )
  • Step 3: Visit your nearest RMV office ( optional: make an appointment!)
    • Submit required documents and ID
    • Submit $60 payment plus sales tax assessment (if applicable)
    • Receive your temporary vehicle title, vehicle registration certificate, new license plates, and a registration decal for your rear license plate
  • Step 4: Within 7 days, bring your vehicle for inspection, which must include the following:
    • Safety test
    • Emissions and smog test (applicable to most vehicles)
  • Step 5: Receive your Massachusetts vehicle title via U.S. mail within 2-4 weeks

If you purchased your vehicle from a private seller...

  • Step 1: Procure vehicle insurance and have the insurance agent comlete, stamp, and sign your Application for Registration and Title ( Form RMV-1 )
    • Ensure that lienholder information is included on the form (if applicable)
  • Step 2: Visit your nearest RMV office ( optional: make an appointment!)
    • Present the required documents & ID
    • Submit $60 payment plus sales tax assessment (if applicable)
    • Receive your temporary vehicle title, vehicle registration certificate, new license plates, and a registration decal for your rear license plate
  • Step 3: Within 7 days, bring your vehicle for inspection, which must include the following:
    • Safety test
    • Emissions and smog test (applicable to most vehicles)
  • Step 4: Receive your Massachusetts vehicle title via U.S. mail within 2-4 weeks

Caveats and Exceptions

Is the vehicle from a family member or a gift?  Then you may be exempt from paying sales tax.  Complete and submit a Sales Tax Exemption Form ( MVU-26 ) to determine your eligibility.

More Massachusetts DMV Questions?

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