You’ve come to the perfect site to register your vehicle in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts if you’ve recently relocated there. Car registration procedures in Massachusetts may differ slightly from one county to the next, but here’s a high-level overview of the whole process.
To register your vehicle, you must present evidence of ownership in the form of a title or bill of sale. Aside from the registration fee, there may be additional requirements, such as proof of insurance and emissions inspection, based on the jurisdiction.
When you are ready to proceed, take your completed documentation and required payment to the nearest Registry of Motor Vehicles office or authorized agent.
Contents
Collect All Relevant Information
Collect the necessary paperwork before you try to register your vehicle in Massachusetts. You’ll need to show proof of ownership, proof of insurance, and identification.
A signed title from the prior owner should serve as proof of ownership. As for your insurance documentation, it must verify that you have the state-mandated minimum liability coverage in Massachusetts. Licenses, passports, and similar identification documents are all acceptable forms of identification.
Find and sort through these papers first. Verify that you have everything you require. If you have lost your insurance policy documentation, your insurance company should be able to give you replacements. When you have collected all the necessary paperwork, arrange it in a folder according to the timeline of events. Going to the register will be less of a hassle now that you have the documentation in order.
Calculate All Costs
Multiple fees and taxes may be due at the time of purchase in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Start with the one-time registration charge. This cost is calculated by the car’s total mass and ranges from $50 to $100. You may also need to fork over some cash to cover sales tax. Sales tax is 6.25 percent in Massachusetts. The price of the car is increased by this amount. Multiplying the car price by 6.25 percent simply yields the sales tax. If you’re buying a car for $15,000, for instance, the sales tax will be $937.50. A title charge could also be added to the total. The average cost for this is $75. And finally, an excise tax can be something you have to pay. This fee averages about 5% of the car’s selling price. Excise tax is determined by taking the vehicle’s value and adding 5%. To illustrate, let’s say a car is worth $15,000; the excise tax would be $750.
Find Your County’s Driver’s License Office
Car registration in the Bay State requires visiting the appropriate licensing office. The RMV handles the registration of vehicles in Massachusetts. You can use their online office locator to identify the location that is most convenient for you. Using just your zip code, the locator will tell you which office is nearest to you. You can also call the RMV through the toll-free customer support number, 857-368-8000.
When you go to the Department of Motor Vehicles, bring your license and proof of insurance. Be sure to bring your title, registration, or bill of sale as further proof of ownership. You’ll also need to bring your vehicle’s VIN and registration payments to the DMV’s attention. The RMV will provide a registration certificate and license plate once all fees and paperwork have been submitted.
Please Finish Signing Up
The registration procedure in Massachusetts is easy as long as you follow some steps thoroughly.
Start with submitting an RMV-1 form (Application for Registration and Title). Include your name, address, and driver’s license number, as well as the vehicle’s make and model, VIN, and other required fields, on this form. The title or bill of sale will suffice as proof of ownership. Upon completion, you must deliver the form and payment to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles.
The next step is to take your car in for an inspection. If your car is less than ninety days old, a new vehicle inspection is required. The title and registration are required by the inspector. A completed inspection will result in the issuance of an inspection sticker, which must be displayed prominently on the windshield. Temporary license plates are required for any vehicle that is seven years old or newer. You’ll have to fork up some cash and fill out some forms to accomplish this. After obtaining the tags, registration will be complete.
What an accomplishment to have your vehicle officially recognized by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. You’ve done everything right and are now prepared to embark on your journey. Registering your vehicle in Massachusetts is crucial, so double-check that you have all the necessary documentation and details on hand. Bring your evidence of ownership, proof of insurance, and registration payments when registering your vehicle. After that, you’ll need to get your car through a safety check and VIN verification. Once all of those steps are complete, you will be able to receive your license plates and register your car. With the correct papers and a few simple steps, you can now enjoy the road with your new car. Happy driving!
