How To Cancel Vehicle Registration Online in Massachusetts in 2026
Massachusetts offers an online system for canceling vehicle registration for single-owner vehicles. The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) administers all registration transactions , including cancellations processed through the online portal or by mail submission.
When Registration Cancellation May Be Needed
Various circumstances necessitate the cancellation of your Massachusetts vehicle registration:
- Selling your vehicle through a private sale or a dealership transaction
- Donating your vehicle to a charitable organization or family member
- Relocating your permanent residence to another state
- Completing a vehicle lease term and returning the vehicle
- Disposing of your vehicle at a salvage facility or scrap yard
- Vehicle declared a total loss by your insurance company
- Reporting your vehicle as stolen without recovery
- Storing your vehicle long-term without maintaining active insurance
- Transferring ownership through estate settlement
- Permanently removing the vehicle from operational service
Online Cancellation Process
The RMV provides online registration cancellation for vehicles with a single registered owner. Registrations with two owners listed require mail-in submission using the Affidavit for Cancellation of Registration.
Single-Owner Online Cancellation
Access the online cancellation system through the RMV's online services portal. The transaction is available 24 hours daily and provides immediate confirmation upon completion.
Required Information:
- Vehicle registration (license plate) number
- Valid email address for receipt delivery
- Driver's license, permit, or Massachusetts ID number
- Last four digits of your Social Security Number
- FID number (for vehicles registered to companies or corporations)
Processing Steps:
Complete the online cancellation transaction through the MyRMV portal. The system generates a Registration Cancellation Receipt upon successful submission. Download and retain this receipt for your records—you will need to provide a copy to your insurance company to process cancellation of your motor vehicle liability policy.
License Plate Disposal:
Massachusetts law under M.G.L. c. 90, § 2 does not require physical surrender of license plates for standard cancellations. After canceling your registration, you must recycle or destroy your plates. Cut plates in half and discard them, or deliver destroyed plates to your local recycling center if accepted by your municipality.
Two-Owner Mail-In Cancellation
Vehicles with two registered owners cannot use the online system. Both owners must complete and sign the Affidavit for Cancellation of Registration (Form REG100).
Mailing Address:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 55889
Boston, MA 02205-5889
Required Documentation:
- Completed Affidavit for Cancellation of Registration with both owner signatures
- Copy of current registration certificate
- Valid identification for both registered owners
- Written explanation of cancellation reason if not evident from the form
The RMV processes mail-in cancellations within 4-6 weeks. Upon completion, the RMV mails a Registration Cancellation Receipt to the address listed on your registration.
Petition for Refund of Registration Fees
Massachusetts regulations under 540 CMR 2.00 permit refunds of unexpired registration fees when you cancel your registration before the expiration date. Refund amounts depend on the timing of your cancellation relative to the registration effective date.
Refund Eligibility
The RMV evaluates refund petitions based on the cancellation date and registration period:
Full Refund: Registration fees, including special plate fee,s are fully refunded if registration is canceled within ten days of the registration effective date on your certificate.
Partial Refund: Fifty percent of the remaining registration fee, minus a $15 administrative processing fee, is refunded if registration is canceled after the 10th day but before the first day of the seventh month following the registration effective date. Special plate fees are not refunded for partial refunds.
Refunds apply exclusively to state registration fees. Massachusetts does not refund local motor vehicle excise taxes, which are assessed and collected by your city or town.
Refund Application Process
Step 1: Cancel Your Registration
Complete the online cancellation process or submit the mail-in affidavit as described above. The RMV cannot process refund applications until your registration cancellation appears in their system.
Step 2: Submit Refund Application
Complete the Rebate/Refund Application (Form REV105) available from the RMV website. Your application must include:
- Your complete legal name and current mailing address
- Vehicle identification number and license plate number
- Registration effective date and expiration date
- Date you canceled the registration
- Detailed explanation of the refund request basis
- Copy of Registration Cancellation Receipt
- Copy of original registration certificate or receipt
Mail your completed application with supporting documentation to:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Rebate Section
P.O. Box 55889
Boston, MA 02205-5897
Step 3: RMV Review and Determination
The RMV Revenue Operations division reviews all refund applications for eligibility under state regulations. Approved refunds are processed within 4-6 weeks of application receipt. The RMV issues refund payments by check, mailed to the address provided on your application.
Governing Laws and Regulations
Massachusetts vehicle registration cancellation procedures are established through state statutes and administrative regulations:
- Massachusetts General Laws c. 90, § 2 establishes the authority of the Registrar of Motor Vehicles and governs registration procedures, cancellations, and insurance requirements
- Massachusetts General Laws c. 90, § 34H addresses revocation of registration upon notice of insurance policy cancellation or lapse
- 540 CMR 2.00: Motor Vehicle Regulations contains comprehensive regulations governing vehicle registration, titling, and fee refund procedures
- Massachusetts General Laws c. 90D establishes compulsory motor vehicle liability insurance requirements throughout the Commonwealth
Government Agencies
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 55889, Boston, MA 02205-5889
Phone: (857) 368-8000
Official Website: Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Online Services Portal:
MyRMV Online Services
RMV Service Centers in Major Cities
While registration cancellation must be completed online or by mail, the following full-service RMV locations throughout Massachusetts can assist with other registration-related transactions:
Boston (Haymarket) RMV Service Center
136 Blackstone Street, Boston, MA 02109
Phone: (857) 368-8000
Official Website: Boston (Haymarket) RMV Service Center
Worcester RMV Service Center
484 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608
Phone: (857) 368-8000
Official Website: Worcester RMV Service Center
Springfield RMV Service Center
1350 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103
Phone: (857) 368-8000
Official Website: Springfield RMV Service Center
Lowell RMV Service Center
77 Middlesex Street, Lowell, MA 01852
Phone: (857) 368-8000
Official Website: Lowell RMV Service Center
Watertown RMV Service Center
550 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA 02472
Phone: (857) 368-8000
Official Website: Watertown RMV Service Center
Brockton RMV Service Center
155 West Street, Brockton, MA 02301
Phone: (857) 368-8000
Official Website: Brockton RMV Service Center
New Bedford RMV Service Center
1 Brookside Park Lane, New Bedford, MA 02740
Phone: (857) 368-8000
Official Website: New Bedford RMV Service Center
Fall River RMV Service Center
399 Plymouth Avenue, Fall River, MA 02721
Phone: (857) 368-8000
Official Website: Fall River RMV Service Center
Lawrence RMV Service Center
73 Winthrop Avenue, Lawrence, MA 01843
Phone: (857) 368-8000
Official Website: Lawrence RMV Service Center
Braintree RMV Service Center
12 Ivory Street, Braintree, MA 02184
Phone: (857) 368-8000
Official Website: Braintree RMV Service Center
