Frequently Asked Questions

You will not be able to renew vehicle registration if you have any outstanding parking tickets, excise tax bills, abandoned vehicle offenses or have failed to pay child support. If any of these issues apply to you, they must be first resolved before you can proceed with registration renewal. You will also not be allowed to renew if your registration was lost, damaged or stolen before it is time for renewal. In these instances, you must get a replacement car registration.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Massachusetts

It is best that you, not another individual, renew your Massachusetts vehicle registration. For your convenience, the MA DMV offers drivers four ways by phone, online, in person or by mail to renew registration.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Massachusetts

Yes, most boats are required to be registered in the state of Massachusetts and they are done through the Boat, Off-Highway Vehicle and Snowmobile Registration Bureau. The BOVSRB has five different offices in the state. To see a full listing of them, visit their Registration Offices page.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Massachusetts

Yes, it is highly recommended that you report lost car registration or stolen car registration to the proper authorities. Doing so can help you reduce the chances of identity theft or fraud.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Massachusetts

Yes, the state of Massachusetts requires that you surrender your license plate if you intend to move to a different state. You can do this by either handing them in person at an RMV branch, or by sending them to the address below:

Attn: Express Registry of Motor Vehicles PO Box 55889 Boston, MA 02205-5889

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Massachusetts

If you have damaged registration, it is recommended that you turn them during the process of replacing car registration. Your original vehicle registration will not be considered valid after you obtain a replacement.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Massachusetts

Motorized scooters are viewed as motorcycles in the state of Massachusetts. Therefore you will be required to undergo the standard “registering car” process.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Massachusetts

Yes, most vehicles in Massachusetts are required to undergo a smog check and emissions testing. However, certain vehicles may be exempt, including the following:

• Military vehicles
• Electric powered cars
• Motorcycles
• Moped
• Diesel vehicles less than 8,500 lbs, over 15 years old and manufactured before 1998
• Diesel vehicles up to 10,000 lbs, over 15 years old and manufactured before 2007

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Massachusetts

The state of Massachusetts allows drivers to renew car registration in one of four ways: online, by phone, in person or by mail.

• Online Visit the MA RMV Registration Renewal page.
• By Phone Contact the RMV Telephone Center.
• In Person Visit any RMV branch.
• By Mail You must submit any applicable registration form and the renewal fee.

Send it to the address below:

Attn: Mail In Registration Registry of Motor Vehicles PO Box 55891 Boston, MA 02205-5891

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Massachusetts

In order to transfer your DMV vehicle registration to a different state, you will need to verify their own rules and regulations. Each state uses a slightly different process. It is best to call their DMV ahead of time so you can be prepared visiting one of their offices once you have moved.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Massachusetts

You may apply for handicap placards and plates by visiting any RMV branch, or if you prefer, you may visit the Medical Affairs office. This office is located at:

25 Newport Avenue EXT Quincy, MA

If you wish to fill out your application ahead of time or send it by mail, you can obtain the Application for Disabled Parking Placard/Plate Application for Disabled Parking Placard/Plate.

For mail-in requests, send it to:

Medical Affairs/ RMV P.O. Box 55889 Boston, MA 02205

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Massachusetts

Should you find yourself with stolen car registration, it is recommended that you contact local authorities and report the incident. Doing so will protect the security of your identity.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, there are four different ways in which you can obtain a replacement car registration:

• Online
• By Phone
• In Person
• By Mail

Online

To replace car registration online, you must visit the MA RMV Duplicate Registration page.

By Phone

Contact the MA RMV Telephone Center to request car registration replacement over the phone. Make sure to have a major credit card available, such as a MasterCard, Visa or Discover.

In Person

If you wish to get a Massachusetts car registration copy in person, bring the following with you to a nearby RMV:

• A completed Universal Form
• Payment for a replacement fee
• Proof of identification, such as your Massachusetts drivers license

By Mail

Send a written letter that includes your vehicle s description, along with payment in the form of a check or money order to the address below:

Attn: Mail In Registration Registry of Motor Vehicles PO Box 55891 Boston, MA 02205-5891

Replacement Plates

If you need to order replacement plates, you may do so at an RMV office or by calling 1-800-858-3926.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Massachusetts

If your vehicle was purchased from a dealer:

• Make sure the dealer fills out the Application for Registration and Title.
• Obtain an insurance policy in the state of Massachusetts.
• Make sure the back portion of the Certificate of Origin is completed.
• Present the Application for Registration and Title (RMV-1) form at a nearby RMV office.

If your vehicle was purchased from a dealer outside of Massachusetts:

• Obtain an insurance policy in the state of Massachusetts
• Present the Application for Registration and Title along with either the Certificate of Origin of your new car or the previous owner s Certificate of Title.
• Make sure the back portion of the Certificate of Origin is completed.
• Present the Application for Registration and Title (RMV-1) form at a nearby RMV office.

If your vehicle was purchased from a private party and you need to register used car

• Obtain an insurance policy in the state of Massachusetts.
• Present the Application for Registration and Title (RMV-1) form along with either the Certificate of Origin of your new car or the previous owner s Certificate of Title.
• Mileage must be noted in the transfer of ownership; for example, on the car title.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Massachusetts

Failure to renew car registration before its expiration date may result in extra, unwanted fees. Drivers will receive a registration renewal notice in the mail between six and eight weeks before expiration as a reminder.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Massachusetts

You can order replacement plates either at an RMV office or by calling 1-800-858-3926. There is a $10 fee attached to this transaction. Be aware that you cannot get green plates with the same number.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Massachusetts

All motor vehicles, including motorcycles and commercial cars must be registered. Thus, you should keep your registration inside your vehicle s glove compartment at all times.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Massachusetts

Typically, you would need to apply for MA car registration replacement in the following instances:

• Damaged registration/plates
• Lost registration/plates
• Stolen registration/plates

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Massachusetts

When getting car registration, your fees will depend on various factors, including your plate and vehicle type. For more specific information, take a look at the MA RMV Schedule of Fees pamphlet.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Massachusetts

Massachusetts charges a $25 fee for duplicate vehicle registration. If you pay in person, you will be asked to pay with cash, a check or a money order.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Massachusetts

When getting car registration, your fees will depend on various factors, including your plate type. However, for more specific information, take a look at the MA RMV Schedule of Fees pamphlet.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Massachusetts

If you are replacing car registration in person, you will need to present the following:

• A completed Universal Form
• Payment for the $25 replacement fee
• Proof of identification, such as your Massachusetts drivers license

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Massachusetts

In order to obtain new DMV car registration, some of the documents you will need to present include the following:

• Proof of car insurance
• Application for Registration and Title (RMV-1) form
• Certificate of Title
• Proof of identification, such as your MA drivers license

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Massachusetts

If renewing your MA DMV car registration in person or by mail, you will need to hand a completed RMV-3 Car Registration Renewal Form, along with any applicable fees. Keep in mind that the Renewal Form must be signed if it has “Ins. Stamp Required” listed on it.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Massachusetts

New tags generally take some time to be mailed to drivers. However, if weeks pass and you have not received your registration tags, you should contact the RMV Telephone Center. You can also visit one of your nearby RMV branches to inquire after further information.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Massachusetts

Massachusetts offers one-year and two-year registration periods. The date in which it expires depends on the type of car registration you have.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Massachusetts

You can easily find a car registration office near you by visiting any MA RMV full-service branch. Full-service RMV branches will help you complete a number of actions, such as obtaining, renewing or replacing your car registration.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Massachusetts

For car registration replacement in person, you will need to submit a Universal Form. This form is available at the RMV office.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Massachusetts

When renewing car registration, you should receive a renewal notice in the mail six to eight weeks prior to your vehicle s expiration date. If you do not receive the notice, you are still required to renew.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Massachusetts

Your car registration will expire on the date listed on your card. Drivers will receive a registration renewal reminder in the mail between six and eight weeks before the expiration date.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Massachusetts