Do I Need an Inspection To Renew My Tags in Massachusetts?

Yes, an inspection is required to renew your vehicle tags in Massachusetts. All vehicles registered in the state must undergo an annual safety inspection, and most vehicles must also pass an emissions test.

Under Massachusetts vehicle inspection requirements, all motor vehicles must be inspected annually. Vehicles with onboard diagnostic systems that are less than 15 years old must pass an annual emissions test in addition to the safety inspection.

Massachusetts uses inspection stickers displayed on the windshield. Vehicles passing both the safety and emissions tests receive a new windshield sticker with a black number indicating the month in which the vehicle's inspection expires. The sticker is valid for one year from the expiration month of the previous sticker.

Exemptions and Special Circumstances

According to Massachusetts regulations, vehicles with onboard diagnostic systems that are 15 years old or older are exempt from the OBD emissions test but must still pass a visual smoke test along with the annual safety inspection. Antique motor vehicles and certain other vehicle classifications may have modified inspection requirements.

Contact Information for Tag Services

Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
PO Box 55889, Boston, MA 02205
Phone: (857) 368-8000
Official Website: Massachusetts RMV