Anytime you buy or sell a vehicle, a title must be transferred. This page will lead you through the process, for all situations, in step-by-step detail.
What is a Massachusetts Title Transfer?
When a vehicle's ownership changes, a title transfer must take place. Title transfers apply to the following situations:
- Buying or selling a vehicle.
- Paying off the vehicle's loan.
- Giving the vehicle as a gift.
- Donating a vehicle to a charity.
- Inheriting a vehicle.
In addition, titles also need to be updated if an owner changes his or her name for any reason.
Selling a Vehicle in Massachusetts
You must transfer the vehicle title over to the new owner whenever you sell a vehicle. If there is still a lien against it, contact the lien company for information on how to transfer the vehicle's title to the new owner.
To complete the transaction:
- The seller must fill out the following information on the back of the vehicle's title:
―Date of sale.
―Odometer reading at time of sale.
―Purchase price. If there's no place to record this on the title, create a bill of sale.
―Printed name and signature. The buyer must also do the same. - Once completed, give the buyer the title and, if applicable, all relevant paperwork regarding any loans or liens on the vehicle.
- Remove the vehicle's license plates:
―Transferring Registration/Plates: Transfer the license plates to a new vehicle within 7 calendar days, or else you must cancel the plates and the registration.
―Not Transferring Registration/Plates: Cancel the registration/plates on your vehicle with the Massachusetts RMV. (See the section below on Canceling Plates and Registration for information on how to complete the process.)
Bill of Sale
If the title does not have a line to enter the purchase price, complete a bill of saleto give to the buyer. On it should contain:
- Your information (printed name, signature, address).
- The buyer's information (printed name, signature, address).
- The date of purchase.
- The purchase price. Write “Gift" if the vehicle is being given to the buyer.
- The following vehicle Information:
―Vehicle identification number (VIN).
―Make, model and vehicle production year.
Buying a Vehicle in Massachusetts
You must apply for a title and registration whenever you buy a new or used vehicle in Massachusetts.
Buying from a Dealer
- The dealer should complete and sign the Application for Registration and Title (Form TTLREG100). Review the application to make sure lienholder information is correct, if applicable.
- Take the completed application to your insurance agent to have it signed and stamped. Present with the application one of the following documents:
―Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO).
―The signed-over title.
―A dealer re-assignment, if applicable.
―The car's previous registration certificate along with the bill of sale if the vehicle is exempt due to age. - Take all the documents to your local MA RMV office.
- Pay the following fees:
―$75 title fee.
―6.25% sales tax.
― Any possible additional fees based on the type of vehicle or if you opt for specialized license plates.
You have 7 days from the purchase date to get a vehicle inspection sticker.
Buying From a Private Individual
- Complete and sign the Application for Registration and Title (Form TTLREG100).
- Take the TTLREG100 application to your insurance agent to have it signed and stamped.
- Get the completed title from the seller. Check for the following information on the back of the title:
―The seller's printed name and signature.
―The date of sale.
―The car's purchase price.
―The vehicle's odometer reading.
If the vehicle is exempt from having a title due to age:
- Get from the seller the vehicle's latest registration certificate.
- Have the seller make out a bill of sale, as described above.
Take all the documents to your local MA RMV office along with payment for the following fees:
- $75 title fee.
- 6.25% sales tax.
- Any possible additional fees based on the type of vehicle, or if you opt for specialized license plates.
You have 7 days to get a vehicle inspection sticker. The title will be sent to you within 10 business days.
NOTE: You must submit your title application within 10 days of the sale date.
Transferring or Donating a Title as a Gift
Instead of selling, some people choose to give their vehicles away to family members, friends, or donate them to charitable organizations.
Transferring a Title to Family Members
You can give a vehicle as a gift to a family member, who may be exempt from paying taxes on it. The receiving family member must complete and submit a Sales Tax Exemption form MVU-26 to determine whether he or she will need to pay taxes on the vehicle.
This exemption exists only for immediate family members, which are designated as:
- Parents
- Children
- Spouses
- Siblings
The process follows the same steps found in the Selling a Vehicle section listed above, with one difference: instead of a purchase price, write "Gift" in the price section or on the Bill of Sale.
Transferring a Title to Non-Family Members
Follow the same process for Selling a Vehicle, listed above.
Non-family members may also be eligible for a tax exemption, but they will need to fill out and submit a different form than family members―their form is the Sales Tax Exemption form MVU-24.
Donating a Vehicle
You follow the same steps listed in the Transferring a Title to Non-Family Members section, except the “seller" of the vehicle (which is you) may also be eligible for a charitable tax credit.
Receiving a Vehicle as a Gift
Getting a vehicle as a gift is much like buying a vehicle from a private individual, except that "Gift" is written as the purchase price on the title and/or bill of sale.
Receiving a Vehicle From a Family Member
Family members who fall into the following categories are eligible for a tax exemption:
- Parents
- Children
- Spouses
- Siblings
Complete a Sales Tax Exemption form (Form MVU-26) and then follow the steps described above in the Buying From a Private Individual section to transfer your title.
Receiving a Vehicle From a Non-Family Member
When a private individual gifts you a vehicle, you may be eligible for a tax exemption. Fill out a Sales Tax Exemption form (Form MVU-24) and complete the steps outlined above in the Buying From a Private Individual section.
Transferring a MA Title to a Surviving Spouse
The surviving spouse must fill out an Affidavit of Surviving Spouse (Form TTL103) in order to:
- Transfer the title of the vehicle into their name or remove the name of the former spouse.
- Sell the vehicle.
- Give the vehicle away.
To transfer the title into your name:
- Complete the Affidavit of Surviving Spouse.
- Attach a copy of the deceased spouse's death certificate.
- Complete an Affidavit in Support of a Claim for Exemption from Sales or Use Tax for a Motor Vehicle Transferred Within a Family (Form MVU-26). If you can't download this, the form is also available at your local RMV location or insurance agent office.
- Get insurance for the vehicle in your name, if applicable.
- Complete an Application for Registration and Title (Form TTLREG100) and have it stamped by your insurance agent.
NOTE: Your insurance agent will have a copy of the Tax Exemption form and the Application for Registration and Title. The agent can fill out everything, except the signature.
Bring all documents, along with payment for the title fee ($75) and gift fee ($25) to your local MA RMV office for your new title.
Selling or Giving the Vehicle Away
Follow the steps outlined in the MA Selling a Vehicle or Transferring section above. Make sure to give the affidavit, death certificate, and title to the buyer (and bill of sale, if applicable).
Making Name Corrections to a Massachusetts Title
If the title needs to be corrected due to incorrect information or a name change, you must:
- Fill out the Affidavit for Title Correction (Form T21310) and have it notarized.
- Take the completed form to your local MA RMV office, along with payment, if applicable, for a $25 fee.
Questions? Call (857) 368-8050.
Massachusetts Title and Registration Fees
Registration fees, which vary, are based upon:
- Vehicle type
- License plate type
- Potential reinstatement costs
For a list of fees, go to the MA RMV Schedule of Fees.
Electronic Liens and Titles (ELT)
Massachusetts utilizes a paperless lien and title system. The title remains in the ELT system until:
- The loan gets paid off and the lienholder contacts the RMV.
- The vehicle is taken in trade by a dealer.
- The vehicle is wrecked and an insurance company pays off the balance.
- The lienholder asks for a paper copy to be mailed to them.
When one of these situations comes into play, the title is printed by the RMV and sent to the proper place (owner, lienholder, insurance company) the next day.
Transferring Your License Plates
License plates are tied to the registration of your vehicle. If you sell your vehicle, you have 7 calendar days to transfer your plates to a new vehicle, or they will no longer be valid and must be destroyed or recycled.
Canceling Your Registration and License Plates
In Person
You may cancel your registration at your local MA Registry of Motor Vehicles office.
Online
Go to the RMV's canceling your registration webpage and follow the instructions. You will still need to destroy or recycle your plates.
FAQs
How do I fill out the back of a title in MA? ›
On the back of the title, all owners listed on the front must print and sign their names, and date the transaction. The odometer reading must be filled out. If the odometer reading is not accurate to actual miles on the vehicle, that must be noted as well.
Can you transfer a title online in MA? ›You need to complete and submit a Massachusetts duplicate vehicle title form (Form T20558) to your local MA RMV office. You can also replace your vehicle's title online or by mail.
How do you transfer a title to a new owner? ›- Birth Certificate.
- Certificate of No Marriage.
- Certified True Copy of the Original Land Title.
- Clearances from the Home Owners Association, if applicable.
- Copies of IDs of all signatories.
- Deed of Absolute Sale.
- Deed of Conveyance.
- Latest Tax Declaration.
Be sure to have a proper title and bill of sale. All vehicles must have a certificate of title issued by the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) and must be properly endorsed at the time of sale. Have the vehicle inspected at a licensed Massachusetts Inspection Station.
Who pays for title search in MA? ›In Massachusetts, sellers typically pay for the title and closing service fees, owner's title insurance policy, transfer taxes, attorney fees, and recording fees at closing. Optional costs for sellers include buyer incentives or pro-rated property taxes.
How do I sell my car privately in MA? ›- A Bill of Sale (although not legally required)
- The vehicle's original or replacement certificate of title.
- Current maintenance and vehicle records.
- A Registration and Title Application (filled out by the buyer)
All of the Massachusetts registries of deeds now offer free online document search capabilities. The main portal for most registries is www.masslandrecords.com operated by the Secretary of State's Office. Other registries have their own systems.
Is the title a bill of sale in Massachusetts? ›A bill of sale is a formal document signed by the seller and buyer that states the details of the vehicle sale, including price and date. In the state of Massachusetts, this is typically only necessary for registration if the vehicle is exempt from the Certificate of Title because of its age.
How long does it take to get a title in MA? ›If you choose to apply online, you should receive your duplicate title in two business days. The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles will send this to the owner's mailing address.
Do I need to return license plates in MA? ›When your registration is canceled, the RMV will provide you with a registration cancellation receipt. Once your registration is canceled, you must recycle or destroy your license plates. Plates can be cut in half and discarded; or you can recycle destroyed plates if your town accepts them at the local recycle center.
How much does it cost to transfer car registration in Massachusetts? ›
How much does it cost to register your vehicle in Massachusetts? In 2021, registering a normal private passenger vehicle in Massachusetts costs $60 and is good for 2 years. In MA, the Certificate of Title fee is $75. You'll also need to have your vehicle inspected, which costs $35.
Is Massachusetts an electronic title state? ›The Electronic Lien and Title Program, (ELT), is a paperless method by which the MassDOT-RMV Division and a lending institution (lienholder) can exchange vehicle and title information via a Service Provider.
How long do I have to transfer registration in MA? ›If you already own a vehicle or trailer, and buy a new one from a dealer or a used vehicle or trailer from an individual, you can transfer your registration to the new vehicle. Massachusetts allows a grace period of 7 calendar days from the date you dispose of your previous vehicle to register your new one.
Where can I get a transfer certificate of title? ›This can be done at the Registry of Deeds WHERE THE PROPERTY IS LOCATED. Be sure to bring all of the required documents with you, including the certification from the city or municipality, the appraisal from the BIR, and proof of payment for the transfer tax.
How do you calculate transfer of title fee? ›- The registration charge is 0.25 percent of the selling price, zone value, or fair market value, whichever is higher.
- The selling price, zonal value, or fair market value, whichever is larger, is taxed at 0.5 percent (in the provinces) or 0.75 percent (in Metro Manila).
Can a bill of sale be handwritten in Massachusetts? It is important to make sure all the requirements for the respected state law are included in the bill of sale. As, with any legal written document a bill of sale can be handwritten.
Can I hand write a bill of sale in Massachusetts? ›While Massachusetts does provide a form, you can also hand-draft your own, or use a custom vehicle bill of sale template. All bills of sale, however, should contain the following criteria: The names, contact information, and signatures of the buyer and seller. The sales price.
How do I write a bill of sale in MA? ›- Date of sale.
- Cost of vehicle purchase.
- Your full name and address.
- Buyer's full name and address.
- Vehicle's year, make, model, identification number and mileage.
- Acknowledgement of any liens held on the vehicle.
c. 64D, § 1. The excise is based upon the consideration given for the property and applies whenever the consideration, exclusive of any lien or encumbrance remaining on the property, is greater than $100. The tax is paid by the person making or signing the deed and is evidenced by an affixed stamp.
Is title insurance required in MA? ›There is no law requiring you to purchase any title insurance on your home, but you may want to consider this coverage to protect your investment in your home. When you purchase a home and receive the paper title – the “deed” - to the property, you become the official owner of the property.
How far back does a title search go in Massachusetts? ›
The search involves a review of the public records in the county where the property is located. The search goes back a minimum of 50 years. It includes a review of various documents that affect title, including deeds, mortgages, divorce settlements, and wills.
What paperwork do I need to sell my car privately? ›- Proof of Ownership. A Proof of Ownership is a valid legal document that must be presented when selling your car. ...
- Notification of Change of Ownership. ...
- Application for Registration of Motor Vehicle. ...
- Vehicle Registration Certificate. ...
- Service history.
If you're a buyer, transferee, or user, who has title to or has a motor vehicle or trailer, you're responsible for paying sales or use tax.
Can you sell a car that won't pass inspection in MA? ›The Failed Inspection Lemon Law allows you to cancel a motor vehicle contract or sale and get a refund if your car fails to pass inspection within 7 days from the date of sale and the cost of repairs exceeds 10% of the purchase price.
What is a quitclaim deed Massachusetts? ›What Is a Quitclaim Deed in Massachusetts? A Massachusetts quitclaim deed — also known as a quitclaim covenant is comparable to special warranty deeds in other state. Quitclaim deeds are a document used to legally transfer property and buildings from one party to another, such as a seller and buyer.
How do I find out who owns a car in Massachusetts? ›It is possible to use a license plate lookup to identify the owner of a vehicle registered to a license plate in Massachusetts. A Massachusetts license plate lookup will retrieve available information attached to the registration of a license plate in the state.
What county is Boston MA in? ›Boston city, Massachusetts; Middlesex County, Massachusetts; Suffolk County, Massachusetts; Massachusetts; United States.
How much does it cost to transfer a car title in Massachusetts? ›In 2021, registering a normal private passenger vehicle in Massachusetts costs $60 and is good for 2 years. In MA, the Certificate of Title fee is $75.
How do I transfer a car title in Boston? ›What You'll Need to Do to Transfer your Vehicle Title in Massachusetts. Visit any DMV office near you. Consider making a DMV appointment or getting a line waiting concierge. Fill out an affidavit in support for exemption from sales or use tax for a motor vehicle purchased outside of Massachusetts (MVU-29).
How much does it cost to transfer plates in Massachusetts? ›There is a fee associated with the transaction. Since an out-of-state transfer is technically a vehicle registration ($60) and it requires a certificate of title ($75), the total cost should come out to $135. You can review the MA RMV Schedule of Fees prior to visiting the RMV.
How long does it take to transfer a car title in MA? ›
The Massachusetts certificate of title will be processed and mailed in approximately 6 to 8 weeks. If you have a loan on the vehicle, the title will be mailed directly to your lienholder.
What do I need to pay for a title transfer? ›Registration Fee – 0.25% of the selling price, or zonal value or fair market value, whichever is higher. Transfer Tax – 0.5% (in the provinces) or 0.75% (in Metro Manila) of the selling price, or zonal value or fair market value, whichever is higher.
How do I transfer my car to another person? ›- Submit the application and the required documents through the available channels.
- Pay the applicable fees.
- Receive the vehicle registration card.
If your license has been expired more than 1 year, a full test (written and road) and an eye test will be required. If your license is active or is expired for less than 1 year, a written and road test is not required. To transfer your license, you must have a valid immigration status for at least 12 months.
Can you register a car without a title in MA? ›Obtain a Bill of Sale
In the state of Massachusetts, this is typically only necessary for registration if the vehicle is exempt from the Certificate of Title because of its age. In that case, the bill of sale and the previous owner's registration is needed to register the vehicle in Massachusetts.
If you already own a vehicle or trailer, and buy a new one from a dealer or a used vehicle or trailer from an individual, you can transfer your registration to the new vehicle. Massachusetts allows a grace period of 7 calendar days from the date you dispose of your previous vehicle to register your new one.
Can you transfer plates at AAA in Massachusetts? ›AAA can transfer existing plates only. AAA cannot issue new plates. AAA can process transactions with tax exemptions as a gift, family, or long term lease, but no other tax exemptions to include surviving spouse transactions.
How much is it to register a car and get plates in MA? ›The regular one-year passenger vehicle registration fee is $30, and $60 for two-year plates. If you want a special registration plate, it is a $75 fee. All this information can be found on the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website Massachusetts extension. Still have questions about vehicle registration?