Motorists are expected to perform a car title transfer in Massachusetts when they want to pass along the ownership rights over a motor vehicle to another legal entity. Drivers who are wondering how to fill out transfer of title need to complete a procedure through the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV).

The MA RMV has determined a set of title transfer requirements that motorists must satisfy in order to successfully perform a transfer of ownership rights between two legal entities. If you are still trying to find out how do you transfer a title on a car in Massachusetts, continue reading the sections below for more information about the procedure.

What is a car title transfer in Massachusetts?

Prior to performing title transfers for cars in Massachusetts, residents need to first learn what a title transfer is and to discover the reasons why it should be transferred to another legal entity. A certificate of title is a legal document issued by the MA RMV that serves as proof of the ownership over a motor vehicle.

Motorists who are transferring a car title to another legal entity are actually transferring the ownership rights to the person who purchases the vehicle. However, both legal entities need to perform a car title transfer procedure by participating in the process and preparing the mandatory documentation.

When is a vehicle title transfer required in Massachusetts?

A car title transfer in Massachusetts is a procedure that vehicle owners may be required to complete in various situations. The most common instance when motorists may be mandated to perform a transfer of car title is when they purchase a motor vehicle from another legal entity.

Moreover, an auto title transfer may be performed when individuals receive a motor vehicle as a gift or as a transfer from family members.

Information and Documents Necessary to Transfer a Title in Massachusetts

A process of auto title transfer in Massachusetts may require individuals who purchase or obtain a motor vehicle to prepare certain documents and information. When transferring a car title, new vehicle owners need to provide the following documentation:

• A completed and signed application form for a title
• The assigned certificate of title from the previous to the current owner
• A previous registration and bill of sale for vehicles that are exempt from title due to their age
• Payment for the applicable title fee and registration fee
• Sales tax exemption form, completed and signed by the previous owner

Moreover, when performing a car title transfer, new owners may be required to provide additional documents and information, depending on their specific situation. Therefore, prior to completing a transfer of car title in Massachusetts, motorists need to find out the title transfer requirements and paperwork that is required for the procedure.

Note: When presenting the certificate of title from the previous owner for a car title transfer procedure, new owners must ensure that the date of transfer, the odometer reading and the selling price are written on the back of the title.

Steps for Performing a Transfer of Title in Massachusetts

Note that drivers cannot complete a title transfer online in Massachusetts, so in order to pass over ownership over a vehicle, they will need to visit the RMV. Before planning their trip there, vehicle owners should make sure they have gathered all the necessary documentation to complete the process.

To perform a motor vehicle title transfer in Massachusetts, motorists need to complete a procedure in person at a local MA RMV branch. In other words, individuals who want to perform title transfers for cars after selling or purchasing motor vehicles need to complete several steps, as discussed below.

First of all, new vehicle owners who are transferring a car title in their possession need to collect a set of documents that are signed by the previous owners and assigned in their names. Then, the transfer of car title may require new owners to provide additional paperwork and payment for different fees and taxes.

Getting a New Car Title Versus Title Transfers in Massachusetts

Motorists who are getting a new car title in Massachusetts need to know that the procedure for applying for a new car title differs from a title transfer procedure. Therefore, it is important for vehicle owners to assess the differences between these two procedures.

In general, the state’s Registry of Motor Vehicles (MA RMV) requires motorists to apply for a DMV new title within 10 days of purchasing a new motor vehicle. The new title for a car is a legal document that serves as proof of ownership rights over a certain vehicle.

Conversely, drivers do not need to order a new car title when transferring the ownership rights to another legal entity. Instead, they must transfer an existing certificate of title to a new owner. In most cases, a title transfer is needed when purchasing or selling a vehicle. However, car owners may also be required to transfer a certificate of title when a vehicle has been given to them as a gift, donation or as part of an inheritance.

Car Title Transfer Fees in Massachusetts

The last step of the Massachusetts car title transfer procedure requires motorists to provide payment for the applicable fees and taxes. Drivers who are transferring car titles in their names may be mandated to pay a $25 transfer fee, as well as costs related to transferring a registration and license plates.

Moreover, when performing a vehicle title transfer after receiving a motor vehicle as a gift, motorists may be required to pay a gift fee of $25.

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