Apply for a registration and title for a vehicle purchased from a dealer

To apply for a registration and title for a vehicle purchased from a dealer, you will need the following:

• A completed Registration and Title Application
• Proof of insurance
• Proof of ownership
• Correct payment

You will also need to meet the identity requirements when registering/titling a vehicle.

Leased vehicles and lessees – additional considerations

• The leasing company must be registered with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. If the leasing company is not registered with the Department of Revenue, the application will be rejected until the leasing company registers
• A power of attorney is required from the leasing company if the customer/lessee is signing documents on behalf of the leasing company

Out of state dealer purchase

If you purchased the vehicle from an out-of-state dealer, you must go to a licensed Massachusetts insurance agent. There, you must:

• Get an active insurance policy
• Have the agent stamp and sign an application for registration and title.  If you purchased the vehicle from an out-of-state dealer, the agent must complete the form.  If you purchased the vehicle from a Massachusetts dealer, they must they must complete and sign the form.
• If there is a lien against the vehicle, the lienholder information must be complete and accurate

The completed application must have the bill of sale and one of the following documents:

• A manufacturer's certificate of origin (new vehicles only), or
• The previous owner's certificate of title, dealer reassignment form if applicable
• The previous registration for vehicles that are exempt from title due to their age

If you present the certificate of origin or the previous owner's title, check for the following on the back:

• The date sold
• The odometer reading
• The sale price
• You and the dealer or the previous owner(s) must sign the back of either of these forms

An out-of-state dealer or a service provider may mail the required documentation.  To title and register a vehicle for a Massachusetts resident, send the documents to:

Registry of Motor Vehicles
Registration Department
P.O. Box 55895
Boston, MA 02205-5895

NOTE: This address is strictly for out-of-state dealers and service providers. The RMV will return any documents received to the sender that are not from an out of state dealer or service provider.

The RMV will return transactions to the sender if they do not include all the required documentation. All titles must include an Registration and Title Application. Include all supporting documentation.

After you complete the transaction, you will receive the following:

• A registration certificate
• New plates
• A year of expiration decal for the rear plate

A 6.25% sales tax will be collected based on the purchase price of the dealer sale. If the dealer is not registered with the Department of Revenue, the sales tax will be calculated at 6.25% of the purchase price or the National Automotive Dealer Association (NADA) trade-in value, whichever is higher.

The RMV will process the title and mail it in approximately 6 to 8 weeks.  If you have a loan on the vehicle, the RMV will mail your title to your lienholder.

Any erasures, white-outs, or alterations on the proof of ownership or application will not be accepted.  The application must be legible, and printed on white 8 ½” x 11” paper.  Color paper and card stock will not be accepted.  The application must match the supporting documentation being presented.

Information on Massachusetts Vehicle Excise Tax

An excise tax bill is generated annually for all active Massachusetts vehicle registrations.  The RMV generates the excise tax bill; however payment is due to the city or town where the vehicle is garaged within 30 days from the issue date of the bill. You are responsible for payment of your excise tax even if you do not receive a bill. Interest and penalties accrue for outstanding bills.

If you change your address:

• Within Massachusetts, make sure you notify the RMV and your local tax assessor to ensure you receive your excise tax bill(s) at the proper address.
• Out of Massachusetts, make sure you cancel your plate(s) and vehicle registration to stop excise tax bills from being generated.        

If you are no longer in possession of your vehicle or have taken your vehicle off the road, you must cancel your plate and registration to avoid an excise tax bill. This includes a vehicle that has been reported lost, stolen, a total loss, or repossessed. 

If you have an outstanding excise tax bill, you may not be able to renew your driver’s license or vehicle registration, or obtain any other credential from the RMV.

For more details, go to mass.gov/guides/motor-vehicle-excise.