Skip to main content
  • This page, Licensing Steps: Motor Vehicle Damage Appraisers, is   offered by
  • Division of Insurance

Licensing Steps: Motor Vehicle Damage Appraisers

Motor Vehicle Damage Appraisers inspect and estimate vehicle damage for insurance claims in Massachusetts. The Automobile Damage Appraiser Licensing Board (ADALB) oversees licensing, examinations, training programs, and professional standards for Motor Vehicle Damage Appraisers.

How to Get Licensed

Step 1: Apply Through NIPR

All new applications must be submitted through NIPR. With your application, submit the following documents to the NIPR Attachments Warehouse:

  • Work experience letter from a licensed Massachusetts appraiser verifying at least three months of supervised experience. The letter must be signed, dated and sealed by the appraiser.
  • Certificate from a Board approved damage appraiser course, or documentation showing two years of qualifying Massachusetts appraisal experience 
  • Completed MVDA Short Application
  • Passport-style photo 

Note: If your application requires supporting documentation such as proof of U.S. citizenship, or documents related to "Yes" responses to background questions (including a signed explanation and any final court or administrative records), please upload the required documents to the NIPR Attachment Warehouse when you apply. If you have already applied without uploading them, please submit the documents as soon as possible and email MVDA.mailbox@mass.gov after uploading, as the Division is not automatically notified when documents are added to the NIPR Attachment Warehouse.

Applications will not be reviewed until all required documents have been received.

Step 2: Take the MVDA Part I Examination

Once your application is reviewed and approved, you will receive instructions to register for the MVDA Part I examination. Examinations are administered through the Division's testing vendor, Pearson Professional Assessments. You must schedule and complete the examination within 12 months of approval.

Step 3: Take the MVDA Part II Examination

After passing the MVDA Part I examination, email a copy of your passing score report to MVDA.Mailbox@mass.gov. You will then be placed on the list for the MVDA Part II (Practical) Examination. The Division will notify you of the date, time, and location of your examination once it has been scheduled. Upcoming examination dates are posted on the MVDA Part II Exam Schedule page.

Step 4: Obtain Your License and Seal

After passing both examinations your MVDA license will be issued and you may print your license through SBS. You must obtain an official circular MVDA seal/stamp. The Division will send instructions and a seal/stamp form after licensure.

Maintain Your License

  • Address Changes: You must notify the Board within 30 days of any change to your home or business address.
  • Renewals: MVDA licenses expire on June 30. Renew through NIPR. A completed Seal/Stamp Form must be on file with the Board before your license can be renewed.
  • Late Renewals: Motor Vehicle Damage Appraiser licenses expire on June 30. If you do not renew your license by the expiration date, you must submit a written request to the MVDA Board for approval by emailing MVDA.Mailbox@mass.gov. 

Resources

Meetings and Records

Complaint Process

Need Help? Contact the Motor Vehicle Damage Appraiser Licensing Board and Team at MVDA.Mailbox@mass.gov

Skip table of contents
You skipped the table of contents section.

Help Us Improve Mass.gov  with your feedback

Please do not include personal or contact information.
Feedback