How To Get a Car Title in Massachusetts 2026
Massachusetts law requires that all motor vehicles registered for operation on public roads must be titled with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). Every vehicle owner must secure a certificate of title within 10 days of vehicle acquisition or upon establishing residency in the Commonwealth. The Registry of Motor Vehicles, a division of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, administers the vehicle titling program and maintains comprehensive ownership records for all titled vehicles throughout the state.
Where to Apply for a Massachusetts Certificate of Title
Massachusetts residents may submit title applications through authorized processing facilities designated by the Registry of Motor Vehicles:
- RMV Service Centers – Full-service branch locations throughout Massachusetts counties
- AAA Branch Offices – AAA Southern New England locations authorized to process RMV transactions for members
- Licensed Automobile Dealerships – Registered dealers with RMV Electronic Vehicle Registration system access
- Insurance Company Representatives – Licensed insurance agents authorized for title processing with insurance verification stamps
- Online Services Portal – Digital submission platform for qualifying transactions through the RMV website
Required Documents for Title Application in Massachusetts
Applicants must furnish comprehensive documentation when requesting a Massachusetts certificate of title through authorized processing locations:
Primary Documentation
| Document Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Previous Certificate of Title or Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin | Must contain a valid assignment to the applicant with all required signatures, or display the applicant as the original designated purchaser |
| Application for Registration and Title | Completed document with accurate owner details, vehicle specifications, and transaction information |
| Proof of Sales Tax Payment or Exemption | Evidence demonstrating that sales and use tax obligations have been satisfied or proof of exemption eligibility |
Additional Documentation Requirements
Supplementary materials may be necessary based on the nature of the transaction and vehicle history:
| Document Type | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Driver's License or State Identification | Verify applicant identity and residency status | Non-Massachusetts identification requires two additional proofs of residency dated within 60 days |
| Proof of Massachusetts Residency | Confirm physical address within Commonwealth boundaries | Acceptable documents include utility bills, bank statements, mortgage records, or lease agreements |
| Bill of Sale or Purchase Agreement | Establish transaction details and consideration paid | Required for sales tax calculation and verification purposes |
| Insurance Certificate with Verification Stamp | Demonstrate minimum liability coverage | Massachusetts requires insurance verification; insurance company stamps or electronic submission acceptable |
| Odometer Disclosure Statement | Record accurate vehicle mileage | Mandatory for vehicles less than 10 model years old |
| Safety and Emissions Inspection Certificate | Verify compliance with Massachusetts standards | Must be obtained within 7 days of registration; inspection costs $35 for most vehicles |
Massachusetts Title Fees and Costs
The Registry of Motor Vehicles maintains established fee schedules for various title transaction categories throughout the Commonwealth:
Standard Title Fees
| Title Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Title – Original, Transfer, Duplicate, or Corrected | $75.00 |
| Certificate of Title – Salvage | $75.00 |
| Lien Addition or Recording | $25.00 |
| Lien Satisfaction Recording | $25.00 |
| Title History Documentation | $20.00 |
Registration and Additional Fees
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Registration – One Year (Passenger) | $30.00 | Standard passenger vehicle registration |
| Vehicle Registration – Two Years (Passenger) | $60.00 | Standard passenger vehicle registration; varies by plate type |
| Sales and Use Tax | 6.25% | Calculated on purchase price or NADA value, whichever is greater; excise tax billed separately by city/town |
| AAA Processing Fee | $25.00–$35.00 | Applied when utilizing AAA branch offices; varies by service provider |
Step-by-Step Title Application Process
Step 1: Compile Necessary Documentation
Gather the properly assigned previous title or manufacturer's certificate of origin, completed Application for Registration and Title, bill of sale, valid identification, residency verification, and any additional materials specific to your circumstances.
Step 2: Verify Insurance Requirements
Ensure the vehicle is covered by an automobile insurance policy meeting Massachusetts minimum liability standards. Insurance verification is required before the title application can be processed. Insurance companies may report coverage electronically, or your insurance agent can provide a verification stamp to include with your application.
Step 3: Determine Sales Tax Liability
Calculate the 6.25% sales and use tax based on the vehicle's purchase price or NADA value, whichever amount is greater. Certain transactions qualify for tax exemptions, including gifts between immediate family members or transfers due to inheritance. Note: The RMV generates an excise tax bill that is billed separately by your city or town; this payment is due within 30 days from the issue date of the bill.
Step 4: Submit Application Materials
Present all documentation to an RMV service center, an authorized AAA branch office, a licensed dealership, or an insurance representative. Staff will review materials for completeness and compliance with Massachusetts regulations before accepting the application.
Step 5: Complete Payment Transaction
Remit the $75.00 title fee, applicable sales and use tax, registration fees, and any location-specific processing charges. Payment options include cash, personal checks, money orders, and major credit cards at most facilities.
Step 6: Receive Registration Documentation
Upon successful application submission, you will receive a registration certificate, new license plates, and a year of expiration decal for the rear plate. You can now legally operate the vehicle while your title is being processed.
Step 7: Complete Safety and Emissions Inspection
Within 7 days of the registration date, have the vehicle inspected at a licensed Massachusetts inspection station. The inspection certificate must be obtained to maintain a valid registration status.
Step 8: Receive Certificate of Title
The Massachusetts certificate of title will be processed and mailed in approximately 6 to 8 weeks from application submission. The Registry will mail the certificate to the owner's registered address, or directly to the lienholder if a security interest has been recorded. You can track your application through the RMV online portal using your transaction reference number.
Exemptions from Title Requirements
Specific vehicle categories are excluded from Massachusetts titling requirements under state regulations:
- Vehicles model year 1980 or older purchased before November 26, 1990
- Trailers weighing 3,000 pounds or less (gross vehicle weight rating)
- Off-highway recreational vehicles, including dirt bikes and ATVs not operated on public ways
- Farm tractors and agricultural machinery used exclusively for farming operations
- Vehicles owned by the United States government or its agencies
- Antique motor vehicles over 25 years old registered with antique plates for limited use
- Vehicles registered under the International Registration Plan for interstate commercial transport
Contact Information
Inquiries regarding title applications, processing status, or documentation requirements should be directed to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles.
Massachusetts Department of Transportation
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
PO Box 55889, Boston, MA 02205
Phone: (857) 368-8000
Official Website: Registry of Motor Vehicles
