by Armando Martinez
Hey, Massachusetts car buyers! If you're buying a car from a private owner, you'll need to register it with the state to drive it legally. But don't worry, the process is pretty straightforward. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps you need to take to register your car in Massachusetts in a relaxed tone.
Step 1: Obtain a Bill of Sale
First things first, you'll need a bill of sale from the seller. This document should include information like the car's make, model, year, and VIN, as well as the purchase price and the names and addresses of both the buyer and seller. Both the buyer and seller should sign the bill of sale. It's a good idea to keep a copy of this document for your records.
Step 2: Obtain the Car Title
Next, you'll need to obtain the car title from the seller. Make sure the title is signed over to you and that all the fields are properly filled out. If there are any liens on the car, make sure they're paid off before completing the sale.
Step 3: Obtain Insurance
Before you can register your car in Massachusetts, you'll need to obtain insurance. The state requires a minimum amount of liability coverage, which includes $20,000 for bodily injury per person, $40,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $5,000 for property damage per accident. Make sure to shop around for the best insurance rates.
Step 4: Make Sure You Can Prove Your Identity
In MA, when applying for a vehicle registration must provide proof of identity to complete the vehicle registration transaction. When you apply for a registration for a motor vehicle, you must provide at least one of the following:
- A valid unexpired driver’s license from any state or territory of the United States or Canada
- Your Social Security (SSN) Card - Physical SSN Card must be presented. The card cannot be laminated.
- Proof of lawful presence - Must present one of the documents listed on the acceptable identification documents list found here: https://www.mass.gov/doc/acceptable-forms-of-identification/download. If a vehicle has two owners, both owners must prove lawful presence
Step 4: Complete the Registration Application
Once you have the bill of sale, title, proof of insurance, and proof of identity and lawful presence documents gathered together, next you'll need to complete the registration application form TTLREG100_0123, which can be obtained online at https://www.mass.gov/doc/registration-and-title-application-0/download. You can also obtain this from your local RMV office. The application will ask for information such as the car's make, model, year, and VIN, as well as your personal information and insurance details.
In MA, you MUST have your insurance agent stamp the Application for Registration & Title form before you can submit it to the RMV. Go to your licensed Massachusetts insurance agent to obtain an active insurance policy card or policy copy and have the agent complete, stamp and sign the required section of the Application for Registration & Title form.
Step 5: Pay the Fees
Along with your registration application, you'll need to pay certain fees. These fees include a title fee, registration fee, and sales tax. The exact fees will vary depending on the age and value of the car, so make sure to check with the RMV for the total amount due.
Step 6: Submit Your Documents and Pay the Fees
Once you've completed the registration application, had your insurance agent affix the insurance stamp on it, it is time to visit your local RMV office. All registration and title applications must be presented in person where the RMV agent will collect your completed application and support documents from you, and ask you to pay the fees due to complete your transaction. To find the nearest DMV office location visit https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-registry-of-motor-vehicles/locations.
You are responsible for registration fee, title fee, and 6.25% sales tax. Registration fees vary by plate type. Refer to the RMV's schedule of fees for a list of RMV plate types and fees. Please note that the sales tax for a private sale is calculated at 6.25% of the purchase price or the National Automotive Dealer Association (NADA) trade-in value, whichever is higher.
Step 7: Receive Your License Plate and Registration
After completing the transaction, you will receive a registration certificate, new plates and a year of expiration decal for the rear plate. The title will be processed and mailed in approximately 6 to 8 weeks. If you have a loan on the vehicle, the title will be mailed directly to your lienholder.Keep these documents in a safe place as you'll need them to prove that your car is registered and legally allowed to be driven on Massachusetts roads.
Step 8: Get Your Car Inspected
You're almost done! Once you receive your registration, Massachusetts requires every vehicle registered in the state to have a current vehicle inspection sticker visibly displayed to be legally driven on state roadways. The vehicle check program is jointly administered by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) and the department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and it consists of both a safety inspection and a smog and emission test. Newly purchased vehicles must be inspected within 7 days of registration. To find an inspection station convenient to you visit https://www.mavehiclecheck.com/apps/station-locator.
Conclusion
Registering your car bought from a private owner in Massachusetts is a simple process. Just follow these steps, and you'll be driving legally in no time. If you have any questions or concerns, contact your local RMV office for assistance or visit https://www.mass.gov/doc/vehicles-purchased-from-an-individual-checklist-0/download for a handy checklist of documents you will need to complete your registration and title process. No need to stress, just take it one step at a time.
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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