Title & Proof of Ownership
Massachusetts titles all motor vehicles and trailers used on highways and all vessels 14 feet or longer designed for use with a motor, or that use a motor at any time, unless exempt. Manufactured homes are titled unless considered real property.
Title-Required and Exempt Units
Title Required
Motor vehicles, highway trailers over 3,000 lbs. gross weight, manufactured homes unless real property, and vessels 14 feet or longer designed for motor use or that use a motor at any time.
Title Exempt
Vehicles/vessels owned by the U.S. government, federally documented vessels, implements of husbandry, special mobile equipment, self-propelled wheelchairs or invalid tricycles, trailers 3,000 lbs. gross weight or less, snowmobiles, ATVs, mopeds, and certain passenger vehicles model year 1980 and older purchased before November 26, 1990.
Manufactured Homes
Manufactured homes are titled unless classified as real property. Excise tax may apply when registered or otherwise treated as taxable property.
Vessels / Recreation Units
Vessels are titled and registered through the Massachusetts Environmental Police. ATVs and snowmobiles are registered but are exempt from title.
Application for Title
A Registration and Title Application is submitted to any full-service RMV Service Center. Out-of-state dealers or service providers may mail title/registration applications to the Registry of Motor Vehicles, Registration Department, PO Box 55895, Boston, MA 02205-5895. Business to Business locations process bulk transactions for dealers and insurance companies.
| Title Item | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Vehicle title | $75.00 |
| Owner-retained title | $75.00 |
| Salvage repairable title | $50.00 |
| Salvage title | $50.00 |
| Reconstructed / recovered theft title after inspection | $75.00 title fee plus salvage inspection fee |
| Salvage inspection | $50.00 |
| Duplicate vehicle title | $25.00 |
| Duplicate vessel title | $16.50 |
| Assigned VIN | $50.00 |
| Vessel title | $27.50 |
| Add vessel lienholder after initial title | $16.50 |
| Remove vessel lien | $16.50 |
Make RMV checks payable to MASSDOT RMV. Vessel checks are payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Standard vehicle title delivery may take 6–8 weeks. Fast title service is available in emergency situations, and vehicle title status may be checked online.
Electronic Signatures
Electronic signatures may satisfy signature requirements. As part of RMV’s ATLAS upgrade, record/data access agreements and related documents may be reviewed and electronically signed through DocuSign. RMV must approve electronically generated insurance certifications and stamps before implementation.
Vessel / ATV / Snowmobile E-Signature
Electronic signatures may be accepted on a bill of sale or purchase agreement for vessels, ATVs, or snowmobiles if accompanied by a printed email chain showing approval of that signature method between purchaser and seller or broker and client.
Memorandum Title
A non-negotiable memorandum title is issued when a vehicle is brought into Massachusetts from out of state and the lienholder holds the out-of-state title. It is not transferable unless accompanied by the out-of-state title.
Bonded Title
If ownership evidence is insufficient, the vehicle must be bonded for 1½ times clean trade-in value. A notarized affidavit of full vehicle history, VIN inspection, and available ownership documentation are required. Bond is valid for three years.
Proof of Ownership
New Vehicles
Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin or Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin and bill of sale.
Used Vehicles
Certificate of Title and bill of sale.
Non-Title Issuing Jurisdiction
Registration and bill of sale.
Government Surplus Vehicles
U.S. Government Certificate to Obtain Title to a Vehicle (SF97-1) and bill of sale.
Foreign Vehicles
Foreign ownership documents plus Entry Summary (CBP 7501) or Declaration for Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles (CBP 3299). English translation is required for foreign-language documents.
Recreational Units
A Recreational Vessel/Vehicle Bill of Sale may be used for vessels, ATVs, and snowmobiles. A Recreational Vehicle Bill of Sale may be used for off-highway vehicles and snowmobiles.
Surrender / NMVTIS: Proof of ownership must be surrendered. Documents are not returned to the issuing state. Massachusetts provides data to and inquiries NMVTIS before issuing titles.
Title Brands, Duplicate, Amended & Title Only
Title Brands
Massachusetts uses primary and secondary brands. Primary brands include Reconstructed, Owner Retained, Mileage in Kilometers, Custom Vehicle, Replica Vehicle, Specially Constructed Vehicle, Street Rod, Odometer May Be Altered, Odometer Replaced, Odometer Discrepancy, Undisclosed Lien, Memorandum, Bonded, and salvage categories Repairable and Parts Only. Secondary salvage sub-brands include Collision, Fire, Flood, Salt, Theft, Vandalism, and Other. Identical out-of-state brands carry forward.
Duplicate Title
Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title is used for vehicle duplicate title. Duplicate may be obtained online. Fee is $25.00. Online no-lien duplicate titles may arrive in 7–10 business days; mail applications may take 20–22 business days. Vessel duplicate title fee is $16.50, and lienholder must apply if a current vessel lien exists.
Amended Title
Title Amendment Form is used for amended title. ELT lien amendments may process in one business day; mailed amended title requests may take 15–22 business days.
Title Only
Title-only may be issued.
Stolen, Salvage, Reconstructed, Junked & Abandoned Units
Stolen Vehicle / Vessel
Owner or lienholder may report vehicle theft to RMV and must report recovery to the original reporting agency. Stolen and unrecovered vehicles are treated as total loss salvage vehicles. A written stolen vessel or motor report must be made to the Marine Theft Bureau within 15 days.
Salvage Vehicle
A total loss salvage motor vehicle is stolen and unrecovered or damaged by collision, fire, water, or other occurrence so it is uneconomical to repair. Salvage titles are either repairable or parts only. Passenger vehicles 10 or more years old at time of loss and manufactured homes are exempt. Insurers must apply for salvage title within 10 days of acquisition, or provide evidence of total loss payment and attempts to obtain title if title is unavailable.
Owner Retained / Salvage Repairable
Owner-retained title requires insurer appraisal report, current registration copy, title application marked Owner Retained Title, and $75.00 fee. Salvage Repairable Title requires title application marked Salvage Repairable, existing title, appraisal report, and $50.00 fee.
Reconstructed / Recovered Theft
Before registration or sale, owner must apply for inspection with salvage title, bills of sale for all major component parts, and $50.00 inspection fee. After satisfactory inspection, submit title application with current Salvage Repairable Title and $75.00 title fee. New title is branded Reconstructed or Recovered Theft Vehicle with Theft sub-brand where applicable.
Junked Vehicle / Vessel
Anyone taking possession of a motor vehicle for junking or scrapping must surrender title within 10 days and submit completed Junking or Scrapping a Motor Vehicle or stamp title “Junked” with salvager/recycler information. Record is labeled “Junk,” and the vehicle may not be titled or registered. Vessel owners must notify MEP in writing within 15 days of vessel destruction.
Abandoned Vehicle / Vessel
Abandoned vehicle ownership generally requires court order, or for involuntary towing, an Affidavit of Sale of Involuntarily Towed Vehicle with registered mail receipts, newspaper ads, police intent-to-sell notice, and bill of sale. Abandoned vessel claim process requires file search, certified notices, publication when required, 90-day waiting period, notarized abandonment affidavit, newspaper clippings, title application, HIN tracing/photo, and title fee.
Odometer, VIN & HIN Inspection
Odometer disclosure is required at transfer. Vehicles model year 2010 or older, trailers and other vehicles without odometers, and trucks over 16,000 lbs. GVWR are exempt. A Proof of Visual Inspection may be completed by local or state law enforcement. Massachusetts assigned VIN is issued for missing or destroyed public VIN, replica, specially constructed, street rod, custom, kit, and homemade trailers over 3,000 lbs. GVWR. Homemade vessels and pre-1972 vessels without 12-character HIN must be inspected before registration using an online Boat Inspection Request.
Lien Law
Lienholder information is entered on the Massachusetts title application and submitted with existing title, if any, and applicable title fee. Vehicle liens are perfected as of creation if delivery is completed within 10 days; otherwise, perfection dates from delivery. For vessels, security interest is perfected as of the later of delivery or attachment.
Vehicle Liens
Title application with lienholder information is submitted with the existing title and $75.00 fee. Whoever completes the title application is responsible for noting the lien.
Adding a Lien
To add lienholder to existing title, submit Title Amendment Form with original title and $25.00 fee. All owners must sign.
Second Lien
Primary lienholder must deliver title to the subordinate lienholder for submission to RMV, or submit the subordinate lien application and fee with title. RMV issues new title showing subsequent lien and mails it to first lienholder.
Vessel Liens
Initial vessel title fee is $27.50. Adding a lienholder after initial vessel title issuance is $16.50. Vessel title is mailed to the first lienholder.
Assignment, Release, UCC & ELT
Assignment of Lien
Lienholder submits title with lien properly released, Title Amendment Form, and $25.00 fee. Amended title is sent to the new lienholder. For electronic lien, title record is sent electronically.
Release of Lien
Liens must be released within three days of satisfaction after demand and, in any event, within 10 days, then title forwarded to next lienholder or owner to avoid penalty. Fee is $25.00 to remove lien. Lienholder Complaint Form may be used when lienholder fails to timely release; first offense fine is at least $500.00.
Mechanic / Garage / Storage Liens
A vehicle may be acquired and sold for unpaid repair or storage fees, but a court order is required to transfer ownership.
UCC
Liens on non-titled vehicles may be filed with the Secretary of the Commonwealth, Corporations Division, UCC, One Ashburton Place, 17th Floor, Boston, MA 02108. Online filing is available.
Electronic Lien & Title Program
Massachusetts ELT requires lienholders to contract with a Massachusetts Certified Service Provider. The title record remains electronic until lien satisfaction, repossession title print request, lienholder paper-title request, or owner move to another state requiring paper title. When satisfied, lienholder sends an electronic release to RMV, and RMV mails a paper title to the owner or designee.
Transfer of Title
Transfer is accomplished by assignment of title. Vehicle title must be applied for within 10 days of purchase to avoid penalty. Vessel title must be applied for within 20 days. The Massachusetts Environmental Police must be notified within 15 days of vessel sale, and the certificate of number must be surrendered.
Damage Disclosure & Sale Disclosures
Seller must disclose if a vehicle has a salvage title. Seller must also disclose any known defects impairing safety or use. If seller knows the engine or electrical parts have been submerged in water, or that the vehicle was used as a police car, taxicab, rental, or lease vehicle, that fact must be stated in writing on the bill of sale to avoid penalty.
Add / Remove Owner
Same procedures as any other transfer. New title and registration are required, and the transaction may be subject to sales tax.
Joint Ownership
All owners must sign to transfer ownership.
Transfer Upon Death
Surviving spouse may transfer or retain vehicle with Affidavit of Surviving Spouse, death certificate copy, and existing title. Registration and Title Application is required if spouse retains vehicle and registration remains active. If transfer is to someone other than spouse, personal representative assigns title and provides appointment papers. Vessels, ATVs, and snowmobiles use Affidavit of Surviving Spouse or Heirs.
TOD / Notarization
Massachusetts does not allow a beneficiary to be added to title. Notarization of title transfer is not required.
Power of Attorney
A power of attorney is required whenever a third-party agent signs a document needed to process registration or title transaction for the principal/applicant/owner. Vehicle Owner’s Limited Power of Attorney may be used.
Limited Assignment Space
For out-of-state title with no assignment space, submit title and bill of sale if casual sale. When all dealer reassignment spaces are complete, Dealer Reassignment of Title (DRT-1) is used for later transfers.
Repossession
After default under a security agreement, a 21-Day Right to Cure Letter must be sent to the debtor. If not cured within 21 days after notice is sent, repossession is allowed without breach of peace.
Repossession Limits
Vehicles cannot be repossessed from property owned or rented by the debtor without the owner’s consent. Local law enforcement must be notified within one hour of obtaining possession of the vehicle.
Plates
To avoid penalty, plates must be returned to owner by the end of the second day after taking possession of the vehicle.
Required Documents
When the title lienholder repossesses a vehicle, a notarized Affidavit of Repossession is submitted with title and Registration and Title Application. Lienholder does not need to obtain title in its name before transferring the vehicle.
Titled Vessel Repossession
If lienholder repossesses a titled vessel and holds it for resale, lienholder must secure a new title in its name before transfer. Title fee applies. Massachusetts repossession rules also apply to out-of-state lienholders and repossessors.
Registration
All motor vehicles, mopeds, and trailers used on highways and vessels designed for motor use or that use a motor at any time, ATVs, and snowmobiles must be registered. Implements of husbandry and USCG-documented vessels are exempt.
Application for Registration
Registration is submitted to any full-service RMV Service Center or through the Electronic Vehicle Registration system. Certificate of registration must be carried in the vehicle. New residents must register vehicles in Massachusetts when establishing residency. Vessels, ATVs, and snowmobiles are registered through Massachusetts Environmental Police with a Registration and Titling Application; cash is not accepted.
- B2B locations process bulk transactions for dealers and insurance companies.
- EVR allows approved end users to process registration and title transactions online through an EVR service provider.
- Vessel, ATV, and snowmobile registration status may be checked online.
- Written notice must be sent to MEP within two days after transfer of an ATV or snowmobile, with registration certificate signed by new owner.
IRP
An established place of business in Massachusetts is required to obtain IRP registrations in Massachusetts. A completed IRP New Account Application is submitted by mail or in person. Renewal may be made by mail or online. IRP trip permit is valid 72 hours and costs $15.00.
Nonresidents
Nonresident vehicles/trailers properly registered elsewhere may operate in Massachusetts only to the extent reciprocity exists, generally not more than 30 days in any one year, and not if owner has regular abode, business, or employment in Massachusetts. Nonresident students must file a nonresident driver statement with local police. Vessels registered elsewhere may be used for up to 60 consecutive days. Out-of-state ATV and snowmobile registrations are not valid in Massachusetts.
Planned Non-Operation
Inoperable or stored vehicles do not require registration. Registration may be cancelled online. Once plates are cancelled, they must be recycled or destroyed. Vehicles with cancelled registration are exempt from excise tax.
Registration Only
Titling is prerequisite to registration unless the vehicle is exempt from titling.
Renewal
Renewal reminders are sent. Vehicle renewals may be made in person, by mail, or online. Vessels, ATVs, and snowmobiles may be renewed by mail, in person, or online. Online MEP vessel/ATV/snowmobile registration transactions include a $1.50 online processing fee.
Expiration
Dealer plates expire March 31. Owner-contractor and transporter plates expire June 30. Farm plates expire September 30. Vanity plates, commercial vehicles 6,000 lbs. or more, and repair plates expire December 31. Other plates and registrations are staggered for one- or two-year terms.
Special Permits, Military & Plates
Special Permits
IRP Trip Permit: $15.00 for 72 hours. IFTA Permit: $20.00. IRP/IFTA Combination Permit: $35.00. Overweight irreducible-load permit: $400.00 annually or $40.00 per trip. Super load single trip: $300.00. Reducible load permits: $50.00 per 1,000 lbs. over Federal Bridge Formula.
Military Registration
Nonresident military may retain home-state registration if insurance meets Massachusetts minimums. If vehicle was purchased, titled, and registered in a state other than home state, Massachusetts title/registration must be obtained within 30 days of assignment. Nonresident military and spouses are exempt from excise tax for nonbusiness vehicles.
Resident Military
Resident active full-time military deployed or stationed outside Massachusetts for at least 180 continuous days in a calendar year are exempt from excise tax on one noncommercial vehicle per calendar year. Massachusetts National Guard/reservists or dependents may defer excise tax while on active service outside Massachusetts and up to 180 days after completion with Application for Registration Hold and deployment papers.
Veteran Plates
Qualified permanently disabled veterans are exempt registration fees, motor vehicle excise tax, and sales tax for one passenger vehicle or pickup truck purchased or leased for personal noncommercial use. Various military award and Gold Star plates are exempt registration fees.
Plates
Two plates are required except trailers, motorcycles, mopeds, dealers, farm, transporters, repair, and green/white older passenger plates. Plates remain with owner and may transfer to similar vehicle within seven days from date previous vehicle was sold, traded, gifted, etc. New residents are not required to surrender out-of-state plates.
Dealer / Manufacturer Plates
Dealer plates are used for demonstration and delivery. Fee is $100.00 plus $20.00 per plate. Manufacturer plates are used for demonstration and sale-related purposes with the same fee. Out-of-state dealer and manufacturer plates are reciprocal.
Fees, Plates & Registration Costs
Massachusetts fees vary by title type, lien status, registration class, vehicle weight, special plate type, vessel length, ATV/snowmobile status, registration term, and whether the transaction is processed through RMV, B2B, EVR, or MEP.
| Common Fee | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Vehicle title | $75.00 |
| Duplicate title | $25.00 |
| Title amendment / add lien / remove lien | $25.00 |
| Vessel title | $27.50 |
| Add or remove vessel lien | $16.50 |
| Duplicate vessel title | $16.50 |
| Passenger vehicle registration | $60.00 biennial |
| Antique registration | $50.00 annual |
| Auto home registration | $50.00 annual |
| Ambulance registration | $25.00 annual |
| Taxi registration | $60.00 annual |
| Motorcycle registration | $20.00 annual |
| Moped registration | $40.00 biennial |
| Semitrailer registration | $300.00 for 5 years |
| Commercial vehicles up to 5,000 lbs. | $40.00 per 1,000 lbs. biennial |
| Commercial vehicles over 5,000 lbs. | $20.00 per 1,000 lbs. annual |
| Trailers | $20.00 per 1,000 lbs. annual |
| Plate transfer | $25.00; $16.50 for vessel/ATV/snowmobile transfer |
| Duplicate plate | $10.00 per plate |
| Duplicate / amended registration | $25.00; $11.00 for vessel/ATV/snowmobile registration; $5.50 duplicate decal |
| Dealer / manufacturer plate | $100.00 plus $20.00 per plate |
| MEP Vessel / ATV / Snowmobile Fee | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Motorboat under 16 feet | $44.00 biennial |
| Motorboat 16 feet to less than 26 feet | $66.00 biennial |
| Motorboat 26 feet to less than 40 feet | $88.00 biennial |
| Motorboat 40 feet and over | $110.00 biennial |
| ATV / snowmobile | $44.00 biennial |
| Nonresident ATV / snowmobile | $33.00 annual |
| MEP online processing | $1.50 online transaction fee |
Fee Reductions, Refunds & Tolls
Commercial and motorcycle registration fees are reduced 50% on or after October 1. Antique, auto home, taxi, trailer, and vanity fees are reduced 50% on or after September 1. Full refund requires Rebate/Refund Application with unused registration and plates within 10 days of effective date; prorated refunds may apply if registration is cancelled before the first day of the seventh month. Failure to pay tolls may place non-renew status on registrations.
Taxes
Sales / Use Tax
Massachusetts sales/use tax is 6.25% based on purchase price. For casual sales, tax is based on purchase price or clean trade-in value, whichever is higher. Trade-in credit is allowed when trading to a registered dealer or lessor, and credit is allowed for sales tax paid to a reciprocal state.
New Resident / Nonresident Tax
New residents are exempt from sales tax on vehicles purchased, titled, and registered in another state for more than six months. Nonresidents are subject to sales tax if they take title to and/or possession of the vehicle in Massachusetts.
Exempt Transfers
Exemptions may include vehicles transferred by contest, drawing, or raffle; fire engines and ambulances; transfers to insurers; business entity transfers; transfers by intestacy or will; repossession transfers; qualifying disabled-person sales; vessels used exclusively for scheduled commuter passenger service; aircraft sales; and qualifying intracity local service motor buses.
Gift / Family Transfers
Gifted vehicles require MVU-24 and $25.00 gift fee or MVU-26 for qualifying family transfer exemption.
Boat / Recreation / Snow Vehicle Tax
If a vessel, OHV, or snowmobile was not purchased through a dealer, purchaser must file and pay tax using ST-6. Exempt transactions use ST-6E. Filing may be done online.
Payment Timing
Sales tax must be paid by the 20th day of the month following purchase, use, storage, or other consumption within Massachusetts to avoid interest and penalties. ST-7R must be filed for vehicles not required to be titled or registered.
Excise / Property / HVUT
Motor vehicles and trailers pay excise tax at $25.00 per $1,000 valuation, minimum $5.00. Vessels pay $10.00 per $1,000 valuation, with vessels valued at $1,000 or less exempt. Vehicles, snowmobiles, and ATVs not subject to or exempt from excise tax are subject to personal property tax. Stamped IRS Schedule 1/Form 2290 is required for vehicles with taxable gross weight of 55,000 lbs. or more.
Excise Tax Penalties & Abatement
Motor vehicle excise nonpayment may result in non-renewal of driver license or vehicle registration, plus $20.00 removal fee. Vessel excise late payment may result in penalty equal to $20.00 or 20% of amount due, whichever is greater, plus interest, and may restrict mooring or docking in Massachusetts waters. Excise abatement may be available when a vehicle/trailer is stolen and the owner reported theft to police within 48 hours and surrendered registration to RMV.
Official Forms & Resources
Key Massachusetts RMV, Environmental Police, Department of Revenue, State Police, UCC, EVR, IRP, inspection, tax, and dealer resources commonly used for title, registration, lien, vessel, ATV, snowmobile, salvage/reconstructed, repossession, permit, tax, insurance, and inspection workflows.
General Information
Lease Information
Leased vehicles follow the same forms, fees, and procedures as privately owned vehicles. Leasing company must be registered with Massachusetts Department of Revenue. Title and registration are issued in lessor’s name.
Rental / Lease Tax
Sales tax is collected on rental receipts, and no trade-in credit applies. Excise tax also applies. A $2.00 police training surcharge is imposed on each vehicle rental transaction, excluding Transportation Network Companies and rental periods under 12 hours charged hourly.
Insurance Requirements
Minimum coverage is $20,000/$40,000/$5,000 plus $8,000 PIP. Insurer must sign the Registration and Title Application. Insurers must notify RMV if coverage lapses; owner must obtain new insurance within 10 days or registration is revoked.
Safety / Emissions Inspection
All vehicles registered in Massachusetts must pass yearly inspection. Newly purchased vehicles must be inspected within seven days of registration. Massachusetts LEV program requires most new vehicles with 7,500 or fewer miles to have factory-installed California-certified advanced emission controls. Massachusetts has adopted California ZEV, Advanced Clean Trucks, Phase 2 GHG, and Heavy-Duty Omnibus standards.
Records
Records are filed by title number, VIN, name, and registration number. Registration records are kept for previous and current years. RMV database holds lien records, and title history or photocopy requests may require Request for Personal Information.
Enforcement
Massachusetts State Police, local law enforcement, and Environmental Police may support VIN/HIN inspections, salvage/reconstructed inspections, theft reports, vessel theft reporting, and abandoned vessel processes.
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Fees, requirements, forms, taxes, and procedures may change. Always verify current information with Massachusetts RMV, Massachusetts Environmental Police, Massachusetts Department of Revenue, Massachusetts State Police, or another applicable agency before submitting paperwork or payment.