Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV)
P.O. Box 55889
Boston, MA 02205-5889
(617) 351-4500 | www.massrmv.com
Massachusetts State Police
470 Worcester Road
Framingham, MA 07105
(508) 820-2300 | www.state.ma.us/msp
Massachusetts Highway Department
10 Park Plaza, Suite 3510
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 973-7800 | www.state.ma.us/mhd
Whoever acquires a motor vehicle shall be required to make an application for a certificate of title. Such application shall be made within 10 days from the acquisition of ownership.
Certificate of title application must be made before registration application.
Application for the first certificate of title of a vehicle in Massachusetts shall be made by the owner to the RMV on such form as the RMV shall prescribe. The application shall contain: (1) the name, residence, and mailing address of the owner; (2) a description of the motor vehicle including, its make, model, identifying number, type of body, the number of cylinders, the mileage shown on the odometer, and whether the vehicle is new or used; (3) the date of purchase by applicant, the name and address of the person from whom the vehicle was acquired, and the names and addresses of any lienholders in the order of their priority and the dates of their security agreements; (4) any further information that the RMV may require to identify the vehicle and to enable him or her to determine whether the owner is entitled to a certificate of title; (5) if the application refers to a new vehicle, it shall be accompanied by a certificate of origin; and (6) if the application refers to a vehicle last previously registered in another state or country, the application shall be accompanied by a certificate of title issued by the other state or country.
If an owner of a vehicle for which a certificate of title has been issued transfers his interest therein, he or she shall, at the time of the delivery of the vehicle, execute an assignment including the actual odometer reading and warranty of title to the transferee in the space provided on the certificate, or such other form as the registrar shall prescribe, and cause the certificate and assignment to be mailed or delivered to the transferee or the registrar.
The new owner shall, promptly after delivery to him or her of the vehicle, execute the application for a new certificate of title in the space provided on the certificate or on such other form as the registrar shall prescribe and cause the certificate and application to be mailed or delivered to the registrar.
Mobile homes must be registered.
Application for the registration of a motor vehicle may be made by the owner.
The application for registration of a motor vehicle shall contain the owner’s name, place of residence and address, date of birth, and the number of the applicant’s license to operate, if one has been issued.
The application for registration shall also contain a brief description of the motor vehicle, including the name of the maker, the vehicle identification number, the character of the motor power, and the type of transmission.
The application for registration shall also include a statement that there are no outstanding excise tax liabilities on said motor vehicle.
A registration fee shall also accompany an application for registration.
An application for the registration of a motor vehicle owned by a minor shall, if not made by the minor, be made by his parent or legal guardian for registration in the name of the minor as owner.
There is no period of grace for late registration.
A motor vehicle owned by a non-resident who has complied with the laws relative to motor vehicles, and the registration and operation thereof, of the state or country of registration, may be operated on the public streets without registration in Massachusetts.
Every non-resident enrolled as a student at a school or college in Massachusetts, who operated a motor vehicle registered in another state or country, shall file in triplicate with the police department in which such school is located, on a form approved by the RMV, a signed statement providing the following information: the registration number and make and model of the motor vehicle and the state or country of registration, the name and address of the owner, the names and addresses of all insurers, the legal residence of such non-resident, and his address while attending such school or college.
Massachusetts registration is required when a motor vehicle is operated in Massachusetts for more than 30 days in the aggregate in any 1 year or, in any case where the owner thereof acquires a regular place of abode or business or employment within Massachusetts.
Military personnel on active duty in Massachusetts may maintain vehicle registration from home state.
The registration of every motor vehicle shall expire at midnight of the expiration date appearing on said certificate of registration.
In no event shall a registration be valid for less than a period of 12 months.
Every person operating a motor vehicle shall have the certificate of registration for the vehicle and for the trailer upon his person or in the vehicle in some easily accessible place.
Each year passenger cars, light trucks, and SUVs that are model year 1997 and newer are tested for both safety and emissions.
Vehicles with even numbered model years must take emissions tests on even years, odd model year vehicles on odd years. Fee is $29 for either annual safety inspection or combined biennial safety/emissions inspection. Visit Massachusetts Vehicle Check for more information.
Vehicles failing the emissions test will have 60 days to get repairs and re-inspection. If vehicle still fails after repair, a waiver may be granted if emissions repair expenditures exceed: $800 for vehicles up to 5 model years old; $700 for vehicles 6 to 10 model years old; and $600 for vehicles over 10 model years old.
New cars will be exempt for their 1st 2 years.
Visible smoke emitted from the exhaust pipe is considered a safety-related failure, applicable to all vehicles regardless of age.
OBD is utilized as part of the state emissions inspection process.
A safety inspection is required annually.
| Automobile | Motorcycle | Duplicates | ||||||
| Title Fee | Registration Fee | Title Fee | Registration Fee | Plate Fee | Registration Fee | Driver’s License Fee | Title Fee | Special Plates |
| $75.00 | $50.00 | $75.00 | $20.00 | $10.00 per plate | $25.00 | $25.00 | $25.00 | $45.00 – $100..00 |
License plates are provided upon vehicle registration.
RMV provides 2 license plates per motor vehicle registration and 1 license plate per trailer registration.
The color scheme for license plates is red and blue on white or green on white.
License plates are validated with decals.
Handicap plates or placards for the disabled are available upon application with medical certificate to Medical Affairs Section, Registry of Motor Vehicles. Road test may be required if medical professional is unable to certify competency to operate safely.
The owner of a motor vehicle who transfers the ownership or who terminates the registration shall remove from the vehicle any visible evidence furnished to him by the RMV.
Tests required for obtaining a license include: a written test, a road test, and a vision screening (20/40 visual acuity required), testing both field vision and basic color recognition.
State has a system of graduated licensing for teen drivers.
At 16, teens are eligible for a learner’s permit. Permit holders may not drive unsupervised.
At 16 and 6 months, teens who have: (1) held a permit for a period of 6 months; (2) completed an approved driver’s education course; (3) completed 40 or more (30 if an approved drivers education program is completed) additional hours of behind-the-wheel experience driving supervised by a licensed driver age 21 or older; and (4) a clean driving record for a minimum of 6 months are eligible for a junior operator’s/intermediate license.
At 18, teens who have held a junior operator’s/intermediate license for at least 12 months are eligible for an unrestricted license.
Application for license or permit requires the following: Social Security Number (or a valid passport), date of birth, full name, sex, height, mailing address, and residential address.
Applicant must also present 3 identifying documents.
License normally includes photograph.
License number is usually an assigned number unless social security number is requested.
Non-citizens who are non-residents of Massachusetts may drive for 1 year on the license issued by their home country.
An operator’s license is valid for 5 years and expires on the holder’s birthday.
Renewal of license may be done up to 1 year prior to the expiration date.
Application for renewal includes: social security number, date of birth, license number, full name, mailing address, and residential address of the applicant.
Vision testing required for each in-person renewal.
Applicants age 75 and older must apply in-person.
Active duty military personnel may drive on an expired license for up to 60 days after honorable discharge from military service or return to Massachusetts. Active duty military personnel may be issued renewed non-photo driver’s license if stationed outside Massachusetts.
Class A: Any combination of vehicles with a Gross Combination Vehicle Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 lbs. or more provided the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 lbs., except a school bus. With a Class A license and the appropriate endorsements, a driver may operate any vehicle covered within Classes B and C.
Class B: Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs. or more, or any such vehicle towing another vehicle not in excess of 10,000 lbs. GVWR, except a school bus. With a Class B license and appropriate endorsements, a driver may operate any vehicle covered within Class C.
Class C: Any vehicle that is either less than 26,001 lbs. GVWR or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 lbs. GVWR or a vehicle placarded for hazardous materials or designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the operator, except a school bus.
Class D: Any single vehicle or combination except a semitrailer unit, truck trailer combination, tractor, or truck having a registered gross weight in excess of 26,000 lbs., a bus, or a school bus.
Class M: Motorcycle. If operator has a Class D license, he or she may opt for a Class M endorsement on their driver’s license.
All drivers are prohibited from text messaging. Junior operators under age 18 are prohibited from cell phone use.
Citizen band radio channel 9 is monitored for emergency calls. Emergency cell number is *77 or *SP.
Wearing headphones is not permitted while driving, unless the headphones are used for communication in connection with controlling the course or movement of said vehicle.
Drivers traveling in the same direction and approaching a stationary emergency vehicle, highway maintenance vehicle, or tow or recovery vehicle with flashing lights must slow down to a safe speed and, if practicable, move to a non-adjacent lane.
Seat belts are required for the driver and all passengers age 13 and older.
Violation of the seat belt law is a secondary offense.
Riding in the cargo area of a pickup truck is not permitted for persons under age 12 if the vehicle is being driven less than 5 miles and less than 5 mph; some other exceptions apply.
Children age 8 through age 12 shall use an appropriate child restraint or wear a safety belt that is properly adjusted and fastened.
Children under age 8 and less than 4 feet 9 inches tall shall be properly fastened and secured by a child restraint system.
Violation of the child restraint law is a standard offense.
Every person operating a motor vehicle, upon approaching a railroad crossing shall reduce the speed of the vehicle to a reasonable and proper rate before proceeding over the crossing, and shall proceed over the crossing at a rate of speed and with such care as is reasonable and proper under the circumstances.
Every person operating a school bus or any motor vehicle carrying explosive substances or flammable liquids as cargo, upon approaching a railroad crossing, shall bring his vehicle to a full stop not less than 15 feet and not more than 50 feet from the nearest track of the railroad and shall not proceed to cross until it is safe to do so.
When approaching a vehicle which displays a sign bearing the words “School Bus” and which is equipped with front and rear alternating flashing red signal lamps which are flashing, and which has been stopped to allow pupils on or off of the vehicle, a person operating a motor vehicle shall, except when approaching from the opposite direction on a divided highway, bring his vehicle to a full stop before reaching said school bus and shall not proceed until the warning signals are deactivated.
No person shall alter, modify, or change the height of a motor vehicle with an original manufacturer’s GVWR of up to and including 10,000 lbs., by elevating or lowering the chassis or body by more than 2 inches above or below the manufacturer’s specified height.
Headlights are required to be on one half an hour after sunset to one half an hour before sunrise, and during any other period when visibility is reduced by atmospheric conditions, such as rain, snow, fog, or when wipers are in use.
Hazard light use is not permitted.
Tire chain usage is permitted for hazardous weather or other related incidents only, but may not damage the highway surface.
Studded tires are permitted November 2 to April 30 unless otherwise authorized by Registrar.
The use of non-transparent or sunscreen material or window application is allowed if it has a total visible light reflectance of not more than 35% or a visible light transmittance of not less than 35% on the side windows immediately adjacent to the right and the left of the operator’s seat, immediately to the rear of the operator’s seat and the front passenger seat, or on the rear window if the vehicle is equipped with 2 outside mirrors.
The use of any transparent material is limited to the uppermost 6% along the top of the windshield, provided such strip does not encroach upon the driver’s direct forward viewing area.
A special window treatment or application determined necessary via written attestation by a licensed physician, for the protection of the owner or operator of a private passenger motor vehicle who is determined to be light or photosensitive, is allowed upon approval of an application made to the RMV and proper display of an exemption sticker.
No person shall drive any motor vehicle equipped with any television viewer, screen, or other means of visually receiving a television broadcast which is located in the motor vehicle at any point forward of the back of the Driver’s seat or which is visible to the driver while operating such motor vehicle.
Radar detectors are permitted.
No person shall operate any motor vehicle upon any public street with a sign, poster, or sticker on the front windshield, the side windows immediately adjacent to the operator’s seat and the front passenger seat, the side windows immediately to the rear of the operator’s seat and the front passenger seat, and the rear window in such a manner so as to obstruct, impede, or distort the vision of the operator.
Every motorcycle must be equipped with either a split service brake system or 2 independently actuated service brake systems, as well as: 1 white headlamp; 1 red rear lamp; 1 rear stop lamp; and a registration plate illuminator.
Every operator of or rider on a motorcycle must wear protective headgear and eye-goggles if motorcycle is not equipped with a windshield or screen.
Motorcyclists are exempt from wearing protective headgear when participating in a parade.
Class M: A motorcycle or any other motor vehicle having a seat or saddle for the rider and designed to travel with no more than 3 wheels in contact with the ground.
A motorcycle may not exceed a noise limit of 82 decibels when measured at a speed of 45 mph or less.
A motorcycle may not exceed a noise limit of 86 decibels when measured at a speed of over 45 mph.
A motorized bicycle shall not be operated on any public highway by any person under 16 years of age, at a speed of greater than 25 mph, or by any person not possessing a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit.
Every person operating or riding as a passenger upon a motorized bicycle shall wear protective headgear.
Total length: 60 feet; trailer length: 40 feet; width: 102 inches (allows outside width to exceed 102 inches if due to an appurtenance and the state may exclude safety devices); height: 13 feet 6 inches.
Every trailer having an unladed weight of more than 10,000 lbs. shall be equipped with air or electric brakes.
Every trailer, except a semitrailer, shall, in addition to a regular hitch, be fastened by safety chains to prevent it from breaking away from the towing vehicle.
Every trailer shall be equipped with 2 rear lights mounted 1 at each side of the rear of the vehicle so as to show 2 red lights from behind, a white light to illuminate and not obscure the rear registration plate, and 2 stop lights.
Every motor vehicle, including trailers, shall be equipped with at least 1 mirror so placed and adjusted as to afford the operator a clear, reflected view of the highway to the rear and left side of the vehicle.
Same as passenger cars.
N/A.
Crashes are required to be reported if property damage exceeds $1000.00.
The deadline to file a report is 5 days.
Mandatory recognition of AAA arrest bond certificate up to $500, with specified exceptions.
All drivers are required to have insurance policies of at least $20,000 for an individual’s bodily injury; $40,000 for injury to multiple persons; and $5,000 for property damage.
Policy must cover any person operating vehicle with owner’s express or implied consent.
State has non-resident service of process law.
State has no-fault, personal injury insurance law. Sale and purchase mandatory. Benefits: medical, funeral, wage loss, and substitute service up to $8,000; wage loss limited to 75% of actual loss. General damages: recover if medical costs exceed $2,000 or in case of death, loss of all or part of body member, permanent and serious disfigurement, loss of sight or hearing, or a fracture.
The following vehicles must stop: (1) agricultural vehicles; (2) passenger or specialty vehicles, either single or in combination (towing a trailer) with GVWR of 10,000 lbs. or more; (3) commercial trucks with GVWR of 10,000 lbs. or more.
Bicycle helmets are required for riders under age 17.
Prohibits transportation of children under age 1 on a bicycle.
Massachusetts is not party to the Non-Resident Violator Compact.
