How Much Does It Cost To Register a Car in Massachusetts From Out of State
Establishing motor vehicle registration in Massachusetts from another jurisdiction requires conformance with procedures administered by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles. Persons becoming Massachusetts residents must register their vehicles immediately upon establishing residency within the Commonwealth, as Massachusetts law provides no grace period for registration completion. The registration process encompasses payment of various fees, sales taxes, and annual excise taxes processed through the Registry of Motor Vehicles and municipal tax authorities.
Base Registration and Title Fees
The financial obligations for registering an out-of-state vehicle in Massachusetts consist of registration fees based on plate type and renewal period, certificate of title charges, and various administrative processing fees. The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles fee schedule establishes comprehensive pricing for all motor vehicle transactions administered throughout the Commonwealth.
Standard State Fees
Massachusetts calculates registration fees according to plate type and vehicle classification, with most passenger vehicle registrations issued on a biennial basis. The fee structure accommodates various registration categories, including standard, reserved, vanity, and specialty plate designations.
Registration Fees by Plate Type:
| Plate Type | Registration Fee | Renewal Period |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger Normal (PAN) | $60.00 | Biennial (2 years) |
| Passenger Reserved (PAR) | $100.00 | Biennial (2 years) |
| Passenger Vanity (PAV) | $80.00 | Annual (1 year) |
| Year of Manufacture (PAY) | $50.00 | Annual (1 year) |
| Motorcycle Normal (MCN) | $20.00 | Annual (1 year) |
| Motorcycle Reserved (MCR) | $40.00 | Annual (1 year) |
| Motorcycle Vanity (MCV) | $70.00 | Annual (1 year) |
| Commercial Normal (CON) up to 5,000 lbs | $40.00 per 1,000 lbs | Biennial (2 years) |
| Commercial Normal (CON) over 5,000 lbs | $20.00 per 1,000 lbs | Annual (1 year) |
| Trailer Normal (TRN) minimum | $20.00 | Annual (1 year) |
| Bus Normal (BUN) 7 seats or less | $6.00 per seat | Biennial (2 years) |
| Bus Normal (BUN) 8 seats or more | $8.00 per seat | Biennial (2 years) |
| Livery Normal (LVN) 7 seats or less | $90.00 total | Biennial (2 years) |
| Taxi Normal (TAN) | $60.00 | Annual (1 year) |
| Moped Normal (MPN) | $40.00 | Biennial (2 years) |
| Electric (passenger) | $60.00 | Biennial (2 years) |
| Limited Use | $60.00 | Biennial (2 years) |
| Low Speed | $60.00 | Biennial (2 years) |
Additional Registration Charges:
- Amend registration: $25.00
- Replacement plate: $10.00
- Transfer registration: $25.00
- Registration reinstatement (insurance cancellation): $50.00
- Registration reinstatement (other reasons): $100.00
Title Fees
Massachusetts mandates a certificate of title for all motor vehicles and trailers. Title documentation must be obtained within 10 days of vehicle acquisition and accompany all registration applications for vehicles transferred from other states.
Certificate of Title Fee Schedule:
| Transaction Type | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Certificate of title | $75.00 |
| Duplicate certificate of title | $25.00 |
| Amend title | $25.00 |
| Add/delete lienholder | $25.00 |
| Salvage title | $50.00 |
| Reconstructed title | $75.00 |
| Recovered theft title | $75.00 |
| Owner/prior owner retained title | $75.00 |
| Salvage inspection | $50.00 |
| Massachusetts assigned VIN application | $50.00 |
Excise Tax
Massachusetts imposes an annual motor vehicle excise tax administered by municipalities rather than collected at the time of registration. According to Massachusetts General Law Chapter 60A, the excise tax represents a local property tax assessed by the city or town where the vehicle is principally garaged. The excise tax rate is uniform statewide at $25 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.
Vehicle valuation for excise tax purposes is determined by the Registry of Motor Vehicles using the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) adjusted by statutory depreciation schedules based on model year age. The excise tax calculation methodology under Chapter 60A, Section 1 establishes percentage-based valuations that decrease annually as vehicles age.
The minimum excise tax assessment is $5.00 per vehicle. Exemptions from excise tax apply to vehicles owned by government entities, certain charitable organizations, and qualifying disabled veterans as specified in the statute.
New Resident Fee and Use Tax
Massachusetts assesses sales and use taxes on motor vehicle transactions administered by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. The tax obligation applies to vehicles purchased from dealers and private parties, with collection occurring at the time of registration application.
State Sales Tax
The Commonwealth imposes sales and use tax on motor vehicles at a rate of 6.25% of the purchase price or fair market value, whichever is higher. Sales tax collected by registered dealers is remitted directly to the Department of Revenue, while private party sales require purchasers to pay use tax when registering the vehicle with the Registry of Motor Vehicles.
State Sales and Use Tax Rates for Motor Vehicles:
| Tax Classification | Rate |
|---|---|
| Sales tax (dealer sales) | 6.25% |
| Use tax (private sales) | 6.25% |
| Use tax (out-of-state purchases) | 6.25% |
Out-of-state purchases brought into Massachusetts for registration are subject to use tax unless the purchaser paid sales tax to another state at a rate of 6.25% or higher. When sales tax paid to another jurisdiction is less than 6.25%, Massachusetts assesses use tax on the difference between the amount paid and the full 6.25% rate.
Vehicle Inspection Requirements and Fees
Massachusetts mandates annual combined safety and emissions inspections for most registered vehicles. The Massachusetts Vehicle Check program operates inspection stations throughout the Commonwealth, which are authorized to conduct the required examinations. Annual inspection fees are established by regulation and remain consistent across all licensed inspection facilities.
Annual Inspection Fee Structure:
| Inspection Type | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Motor vehicle annual inspection | $35.00 |
| Motorcycle annual inspection | $15.00 |
| Commercial vehicle inspection | $35.00 (plus market labor rate) |
Vehicles registered in Massachusetts must obtain an inspection within 7 days of registration. Inspection stickers remain valid for one year from the month of issuance.
Salvage and Rebuilt Vehicle Inspection
Vehicles bearing salvage title designations or reconstructed from salvage classification require specialized inspection conducted by the Massachusetts State Police before receiving reconstructed or recovered theft title status. The salvage inspection verifies proper vehicle identification, confirms component legitimacy, and ensures roadworthiness standards are satisfied before registration authorization.
Salvage Vehicle Inspection Fee Structure:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Salvage vehicle inspection | $50.00 |
| Reconstructed title issuance | $75.00 |
| Recovered theft title issuance | $75.00 |
Government Agencies and Contact Information
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
PO Box 55889, Boston, MA 02205
Phone: (857) 368-8000
Official Website: Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles operates as a division within the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and maintains regulatory authority over all vehicle titling, registration, and driver licensing operations throughout the Commonwealth. The Registry processes certificate of title applications, maintains vehicle ownership records, administers motor vehicle safety inspection programs, and coordinates with municipal authorities for excise tax administration.
Massachusetts Vehicle Licensing Offices
The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles delivers vehicle registration services through full-service centers and limited-service locations distributed across the Commonwealth. The RMV service center directory provides comprehensive location and service availability information. The following offices serve Massachusetts' largest population centers:
Boston (Haymarket) RMV Service Center
136 Blackstone Street, Boston, MA 02109
Phone: (857) 368-8000
Official Website: Boston Haymarket RMV
Worcester RMV Service Center
50 Southwest Cutoff, Worcester, MA 01604
Phone: (857) 368-8000
Official Website: Worcester RMV
Braintree RMV Service Center
60 Columbian St. West, Braintree, MA 02184
Phone: (857) 368-8000
Official Website: Springfield RMV
Brockton RMV Service Center
490 Forest Avenue, Brockton, MA 02301
Phone: (857) 368-8000
Official Website: Brockton RMV
Watertown RMV Service Center
550 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA 02472
Phone: (857) 368-8000
Official Website: Watertown RMV
Lowell RMV Service Center
77 Middlesex St., Lowell, MA 01852
Phone: (857) 368-8000
Official Website: Lowell RMV
New Bedford RMV Service Center
212 Theodore Rice Boulevard, New Bedford, MA 02745
Phone: (857) 368-8000
Official Website: New Bedford RMV
Wilmington RMV Service Center
355 Middlesex Avenue, Wilmington, MA 01887
Phone: (857) 368-8000
Official Website: Wilmington RMV
Lawrence RMV Service Center
73 Winthrop Avenue, Lawrence, MA 01843
Phone: (857) 368-8000
Official Website: Lawrence RMV
Chelsea RMV Service Center
121 Webster Avenue, Chelsea, MA 02150
Phone: (857) 368-8000
Official Website: Revere RMV
