You’re making the big move to the Bay State, and we’d like to welcome you! While we can’t help you with your Dunkin’ order, we can help you get your Massachusetts plates.
Many new residents feel overwhelmed by the registration transfer process. At Oak Grove Insurance, we’re here to tell you what you should know about the process, what’s needed to register your car, and how much it will cost.
You must register your vehicle in Massachusetts as soon as you become a resident. Unfortunately, there is no grace period.
You can follow these steps to transfer your registration and title from out of state:
To register your vehicle, you must prove that a Massachusetts insurance policy covers the vehicle. A reputable independent agent or insurance provider can help you establish MA insurance coverage.
Once you’ve signed up for your insurance policy, the provider can complete, stamp, and sign the Registration & Title Application (RTA). The RTA is just one of several documents required to register your vehicle. A completed RTA and supporting documents are required to transfer your vehicle registration.
Do you still need a Massachusetts auto insurance policy? Oak Grove Insurance can help you determine the right coverages and find a competitive rate. Click here to get started.
The stamped RTA is not the only document you'll need to register your vehicle. You'll also need proof of ownership, a form of identification, and proper payment. Let's review how you can meet each of these requirements:
Proof Of Vehicle Ownership
An individual registering a vehicle from out-of-state must provide proof of identity. An unexpired Massachusetts or out-of-state driver's license meets this rule.
New vehicle registrations in Massachusetts are often subject to sales or use tax. Vehicles acquired outside of the Commonwealth are typically exempt from these taxes.
A completed affidavit in support of exemption from sales or use tax for a motor vehicle purchased outside of Massachusetts (MVU-29), if applicable.
The standard cost to title and register a vehicle in Massachusetts is $135. This includes $75 to title the vehicle and $60 to register the vehicle. Your vehicle registration has been active for two years.
The cost may differ if you apply for special or vanity plates. Please refer to the RMV Schedule of Fees for more information on registration costs for specialty and vanity plates.
A vehicle must receive a state inspection within seven calendar days of registration. This can completed at any Massachusetts inspection station. The cost is $35 for most vehicles. All vehicles registered in Massachusetts are subject to an annual vehicle inspection.
All leased vehicles must be registered when moving to Massachusetts, but some may not need to be titled. If the vehicle is currently titled in the same state as a resident state of the leasing company, then only registration is required.
Most lessees will need a new title for the leased vehicle when they move to Massachusetts. Here is what you'll need to gather to title and register the leased vehicle in Massachusetts:
A completed Registration & Title Application, including the insurance stamp and agent signature
In some instances, leased vehicles only need to be registered in Massachusetts. A new title is not required. This is the case if the vehicle title state and the resident state of the leasing company are the same. Here is what you'll need to gather to only register the leased vehicle in Massachusetts:
Specialty and vanity plates may be available for extra fees. Please refer to the RMV Schedule of Fees for more information.
Now, you have all the information needed to register your vehicle in Massachusetts. Crossing this item off your to-do list should be more straightforward.
Our team at Oak Grove Insurance can help you navigate the MA registration process. We can also help ensure you’re adequately insured for New England winters and Boston drivers. Use the button below to start a car insurance quote.
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