Expired Registration in Massachusetts
Massachusetts requires vehicle owners to maintain a valid registration to legally operate their vehicles on public roads and highways. Vehicle registration in Massachusetts is administered by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), a division of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The Massachusetts State Police enforces compliance with registration laws throughout the Commonwealth.
State Code Provisions in Massachusetts
Title XIV of the Massachusetts General Laws primarily governs motor vehicles and traffic in the Commonwealth, with key sections in Chapter 90 regulating vehicle operation, registration, driver duties, penalties for violations, and enforcement mechanisms.
Registration Terms and Expiration in Massachusetts
Registration Renewal System
Massachusetts operates a staggered vehicle registration system based on license plate numbers. According to the Massachusetts RMV Passenger Plates Manual, standard passenger vehicle registrations are renewed every two years, while the specific expiration month is determined by the last digit appearing on the vehicle's license plate.
Standard Passenger Vehicles:
| Last Digit of License Plate | Expiration Month | Expiration Date | Renewal Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | January | January 31 | Every 2 years |
| 2 | February | February 28 (February 29 in leap years) | Every 2 years |
| 3 | March | March 31 | Every 2 years |
| 4 | April | April 30 | Every 2 years |
| 5 | May | May 31 | Every 2 years |
| 6 | June | June 30 | Every 2 years |
| 7 | July | July 31 | Every 2 years |
| 8 | August | August 31 | Every 2 years |
| 9 | September | September 30 | Every 2 years |
| 0 | October | October 31 | Every 2 years |
Example: A vehicle with license plate ABC-1237 has a two-year registration that expires on July 31 of the renewal year (e.g., July 31, 2025, then July 31, 2027).
Special Vehicle Categories:
| Vehicle Type | Expiration Date | Renewal Period |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Vehicles | December 31 | Annually |
| Vanity Plates | November 30 | Annually |
| Motorcycle Plates | December 31 | Annually |
| Trailer Plates | November 30 | Every 2 years |
The RMV mails renewal notices approximately 60 days before the expiration date to the address on file.
Massachusetts does not provide a grace period for expired registration. Vehicle owners cannot lawfully drive their vehicles on public highways until their registration is renewed after it expires. Driving a vehicle with an expired registration is an urgent infraction that is subject to fines and penalties.
Penalties for Expired Registration in Massachusetts
Administrative Penalties
Registration Renewal Fees
Massachusetts does not assess a separate administrative late fee when renewing expired vehicle registration at RMV service centers or through online renewal portals. Vehicle owners pay the standard biennial registration fee regardless of whether the registration has expired.
Excise Tax-Related Penalties
According to the Massachusetts RMV Schedule of Fees, if a registrant is delinquent on motor vehicle excise tax payments to their local city or town, they must pay the Registry a $20.00 fee in addition to the excise tax payment in order to have the non-renewal status removed from the registration and complete the renewal process.
| Fee Type | Amount | Applicable When |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Registration Renewal (2 years) | $60.00 | Renewing on time or after expiration |
| Excise Tax Non-Renewal Release Fee | $20.00 | Delinquent on municipal excise tax payments |
Note: While Massachusetts does not charge a late fee for renewing expired registration, vehicle owners are still prohibited from operating vehicles with expired registration and are subject to traffic violation penalties described below.
Traffic Violations
Operating a motor vehicle with expired registration on Massachusetts public ways constitutes a civil motor vehicle infraction under Chapter 90, Section 9. Law enforcement officers may issue citations during traffic stops or roadside inspections for unregistered vehicle violations.
According to the Massachusetts District Court's Table of Citable Motor Vehicle Offenses, the offense code 90/9/B (Unregistered Motor Vehicle) carries the following scheduled assessments:
| Offense Level | Fine Amount | Public Safety Surcharge | Total Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Offense | $100.00 | $5.00 | $105.00 |
| Subsequent Offense | $1,000.00 | $5.00 | $1,005.00 |
Government Agencies
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Registry of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 55889
Boston, MA 02205
Phone: (857) 368-8000
Official Website: Massachusetts RMV
Massachusetts Department of Transportation
10 Park Plaza, Suite 4160
Boston, MA 02116
Phone: (857) 368-4636
Official Website: MassDOT
Massachusetts State Police
General Headquarters
470 Worcester Road
Framingham, MA 01702
Phone: (508) 820-2300
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Official Website: Massachusetts State Police
