by Armando Martinez
License Plate Transfer Process in Massachusetts
When selling a car in Massachusetts, the license plates stay with the seller. Before you complete the sale, take your license plates off the vehicle. Unless the license plate is transferred to another vehicle, cancel your registration online or at a Massachusetts RMV office as soon as possible. When the vehicle registration is canceled, the vehicle cannot be driven on any public road in the state. License plates do not have to be returned to the RMV when a vehicle’s registration is canceled but they must be either destroyed or recycled. To cancel a registration when there are two vehicle owners listed on the title, you must complete the Affidavit for Cancellation of Registration.
To complete the sale, the seller must provide the buyer with a signed and dated title, a bill of sale, and a valid safety and emissions inspection sticker. The buyer will need to obtain new plates and register the vehicle in their name within 10 days of purchase. Download this Vehicles Purchased from an Individual - Checklist to help you prepare for the title and registration process.
To transfer ownership and obtain new plates, the buyer must first go to a licensed Massachusetts insurance agent to obtain an active insurance policy and have the agent complete, stamp and sign an application for registration & title. Once that step is completed, the buyer mut take the completed application and supporting documents to a Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles RMV Service Center with the following documents:
- A signed and dated title
- A bill of sale
- A valid safety and emissions inspection sticker
- Proof of insurance
- An Application for Registration and Title
- Payment for registration fees, sales tax, and other applicable fees
License Plate Fees in Massachusetts
The fees for license plates in Massachusetts vary depending on the type of vehicle, type of license plate chosen, and other factors. Some of the fees you may need to pay include:
- Title fee: $75
- Registration fee: varies based on vehicle type and location
- Sales tax: 6.25% of the purchase price or the vehicle's fair market value, whichever is higher
- Safety inspection fee: $35
- Emissions inspection fee: $35
Additionally, there may be other fees for new license plates, registration stickers, and other administrative fees.
Conclusion
Selling a car in a private party sale in Massachusetts requires the seller to provide the buyer with a signed and dated title, a bill of sale, and a valid safety and emissions inspection sticker. The buyer will then need to obtain new plates and register the vehicle in their name within 10 days of purchase by visiting a Massachusetts RMV location with the necessary documentation and paying the applicable fees. For more information, visit the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles’ website. By following these steps, you can ensure a successful private party sale and a smooth license plate transfer process in Massachusetts. Good luck!
This article was written by Armando Martinez. Armando Martinez is among the nation’s experts on automotive titling, registration, DMV services and document operations. With nearly two decades of experience across a broad range of financial services functions and some of the largest names in auto, from Wells Fargo to Uber, Armando combines vision and ingenuity with a wealth of information so auto shoppers and sellers can learn from his experience.
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