How to Change a Car Registration Address in Massachusetts
The transaction to change a car registration address in Massachusetts can be completed through the state Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) by vehicle owners who make changes to their residential and/or mailing address. You can request an address change on a car registration via several methods.
However, regardless of how you complete the process of changing a car registration address in MA, you will only succeed in updating your vehicle records. To obtain an amended car registration certificate with your new address, you will be required to apply for a replacement registration card. To find out more on how to change a car registration address in MA, continue reading the following sections.
Instances Where You Must Change Your Address on Your Massachusetts Car Registration
The process of changing a car registration address in Massachusetts must be finalized when the vehicle owner moves to another residence within the state or he or she makes changes to his or her mailing address. However, you will also have to complete the address change procedure when you move to Massachusetts from another state with out-of-state registration documents.
In rare instances, the state RMV may erroneously issue a registration certificate with an incorrect address. In such cases, you will be required to change your address with the registry and apply for a duplicate registration card.
Massachusetts Address Change Time Limits for Updating Your Car Registration
Vehicle owners are required to request an address change on auto registration in Massachusetts within 30 days of making changes to their physical and/or mailing address, according to current state law. Failure to comply and update your vehicle registration address may lead to certain adverse consequences.
For instance, if you continue driving without updating your vehicle records, you are at risk of receiving a traffic citation. Also, if your address information is out of date, you may not receive your car registration renewal form by mail.
How to Change Your Address on Your Massachusetts Car Registration Online
The most convenient method of changing your vehicle registration address in Massachusetts is to utilize the corresponding address change utility of the RMV Online Service Center. To access the online address change on car registration service, applicants will be required to enter their driver’s license or ID card number, the last four digits of their Social Security Number and a valid email address.
Then, to finalize the procedure to change an auto registration address in MA via the internet, customers will be prompted to furnish several types of information, such as their personal data and their new address.
Once the system confirms the submitted information, it will process the address change request and update the applicant’s vehicle record correspondingly. After finalizing the online address update, you can either order a duplicate car registration or cover your old address and write in the new one on your old registration certificate.
How to Change Your Address on Your Massachusetts Car Registration by Phone
Completing the procedure to change a car registration address in Massachusetts by phone is another way of updating your vehicle records from the comfort of your home. To successfully finalize the address change on auto registration over the phone, you will be required to call the RMV Contact Center and provide your name, photo ID number, Social Security Number and your old and new address.
Note that the process of changing a car registration address in MA by phone can also be completed by applicants with a hearing or speech impairment, since the state RMV provides a TTY contact line. Once an agent of the registry receives your information, he or she will process your address change request and your records will be updated shortly.
How to Change Your Address on Your Massachusetts Car Registration in Person
Car owners who are unable to complete the Massachusetts address change on a car registration via one of the above methods can always visit a nearby RMV office and update their records in person. To finalize the in-person process of updating a vehicle registration address, customers will be required to submit the same types of information that apply for the above application methods. When you update your address information in person, you will be offered the option to replace your current registration card with one that displays your new address.
When to Renew Instead of Update Your Registration in Massachusetts
The process to change your vehicle registration address in Massachusetts and the auto registration renewal transaction can be completed at the same time only if the vehicle owner is in his or her renewal period. To successfully change your car registration address and renew your tags, you will be required to furnish your new address prior to paying your renewal fee.
If you are renewing in person, you can record your MA address change on a car registration on the RMV Vehicle Registration Renewal Form (RMV-3) and submit it along with the remaining items necessary for tag renewal. Note that the RMV-3 form can also be mailed. If you choose to pay your renewal fees via the internet, you will first be required to update your address via the online method outlined above.
Massachusetts DMV Address Change Fees
When changing a car registration address in Massachusetts, vehicle owners will be required to pay a fee only if they complete another RMV transaction as well.
For example, if you finalize the address change on vehicle registration and request a replacement document displaying your new address, you will be required to pay the standard duplicate registration card fee of $25. If you are renewing your license plates and updating your information at the same time, on the other hand, you will have to pay for a $60 renewal fee.
Sources
- Change your address with the RMV from Mass.gov