To register a car in Massachusetts, simply complete the registration application, buy car insurance, visit the RMV, pay the registration fee and sales tax, and get a vehicle inspection.

Massachusetts law requires you to register your car within 10 days of purchasing it. Failing to register within this time frame can result in fines, penalties, or even the inability to drive the car legally.

Get the best and cheapest car insurance in Massachusetts before registering your car. Just enter your zip code into our free comparison tool to get started.

How to Register a Car in Massachusetts

• Step #1: Fill Out Registration Application – Complete the form with proof of ownership
• Step #2: Buy Car Insurance – Get an active policy from a licensed agent
• Step #3: Visit RMV – Submit your documents at an RMV Service Center
• Step #4: Pay Registration Fee and Sales Tax – Pay the $135 fee and 6.25% sales tax
• Step #5: Get Vehicle Inspection – Complete the inspection within seven days

5 Steps To Register Your Car in Massachusetts

Did you buy a new car in Massachusetts and need to know how to register a car in MA, or have you recently moved there with a vehicle registered in another state? Here’s what you need to do to register your vehicle in Massachusetts.

Step #1: Fill out the Registration Application

The first step in registering your car in Massachusetts is to complete the registration and title application. You can find the application online through the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) or get it at any RMV service center. You'll need the following details to fill out the form:

• Personal Information: You'll need your name, address, and driver's license number.
• Vehicle Details: These include the make, model, year, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and odometer reading.
• Proof of Ownership: Bring documents like the vehicle title or bill of sale—basically anything that shows you’re the legal owner.

Unlike other states, Massachusetts simplifies the process by bundling sales tax into the registration process at the RMV. When registering a car in New York, for example, you must pay sales tax separately at the time of purchase or before registering your car at the DMV. Double-check all your information for accuracy to avoid delays in processing.

Step #2: Buy Car Insurance

Before you can register your vehicle in Massachusetts, you must have valid car insurance. Massachusetts law requires all vehicles to be insured by a licensed agent in the state. Contact a licensed Massachusetts insurance agent to get an active auto insurance policy and ensure the policy is in effect before submitting your registration application.

The insurance agent will stamp and sign your registration application, which the RMV requires to process.

Read More: Buying Insurance Direct vs. Through an Agent

Keep a copy of your insurance card as proof of coverage, which may be required when visiting the RMV or during a police stop.

Step #3: Visit the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV)

After gathering all necessary documents, head to the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). This is where you’ll submit your completed registration application and other required documents. Here's what to expect:

Documents to bring

• Completed registration and title application
• Proof of ownership (e.g., vehicle title or bill of sale)
• Proof of insurance (with the agent's stamp and signature)
• A valid driver's license (you can’t use your out-of-state driver's license)
• Payment for fees (more on this in the next step)

You can visit any RMV service center in Massachusetts, but be prepared for possible long wait times. Check if the location requires an appointment or offers services like online booking.

Some RMVs now allow you to renew your registration online, which means you might be able to skip the trip if you're just renewing.

Step #4: Pay the Registration Fee and Sales Tax

When you submit your application, you’ll be required to pay the registration fee and sales tax. The fee will vary based on factors such as the type of license plates you choose and the weight of your vehicle.

Unlike when buying insurance, where your car’s make and model affect your rates, registration fees in Massachusetts are not directly impacted by these factors.

Read More: "Car make and model: How does it affect your car insurance rates"

If you’re transferring plates from another vehicle, you may only need to pay the title fee and sales tax—you won't have to pay the registration fee again.

Step #5: Get a Vehicle Inspection

Once registered at the RMV, you'll have seven days to visit an official inspection station and get your vehicle inspected. The inspection confirms that your car is safe to drive and meets the state’s emissions requirements.

You can find official inspection stations at gas stations, auto repair shops, and other state-approved locations. The cost typically ranges from $35 to $50.

After completing the inspection, you’ll receive your sticker, and your registration certificate will come with your new license plates. Your title will come in the mail in about six weeks.

If your vehicle doesn't pass the inspection, you must get the necessary repairs and return for a re-inspection. Failing to get an inspection within seven days could result in fines. If you're wondering "Does car insurance cover repairs?" check out our guide to see how your policy might help.

Minimum Insurance Requirements for Car Registration in Massachusetts

A common question we get is, "Do I need insurance to register a car in Massachusetts?" Massachusetts requires every driver to have car insurance before registering their vehicle. A licensed car insurance agent must sign and stamp your vehicle registration and title application before you can submit your paperwork.

Drivers in Massachusetts must have four types of auto insurance coverage to meet the minimum requirements:

• Bodily Injury Liability: $20,000 per person, $40,000 per accident (Read More: How much bodily injury liability coverage do I need? )
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): $8,000 per person per accident.
• Uninsured Motorist Coverage : $20,000 per person, $40,000 per accident.
• Property Damage Liability: $5,000 per accident.

Should you get more than the minimum?

While these are the minimums, many drivers opt for extra coverage to avoid major out-of-pocket costs. Two common options are comprehensive and collision coverage.

Comprehensive coverage protects your car from damage that's not caused by an accident, like if it’s stolen, vandalized, or damaged by a storm. Collision coverage, on the other hand, helps pay for repairs if your car is damaged in an accident, no matter whose fault it is (Read More: Comprehensive Coverage vs. Collision Car Insurance).

The Cost of Car Registration in Massachusetts

So, how much does it cost to register a car in Massachusetts? Massachusetts car registration fees typically cost $135 for a standard passenger vehicle. If you just purchased your car, you’ll also have to pay a 6.25% sales tax based on the amount you paid.

Read More: How long does it take to buy a car?

The vehicle registration fees in Massachusetts consist of:

• One-time title fee. This is usually a separate fee of about $75.
• Biennial registration fee. Car registration fees in Massachusetts cost $60 for standard plates, but the fee may be higher for specialty or vanity plates.
• Sales tax: Massachusetts imposes a 6.25% sales tax on the vehicle's purchase price unless you're transferring your registration from another state. For example, if you bought a car for $20,000, your sales tax would be $1,250.

Your registration fee will be higher if you have vanity plates or other special circumstances. You also have to renew some types of registration annually rather than every two years.

You’ll also need to get a vehicle inspection to complete your registration. The Massachusetts vehicle inspection typically costs $35.

Cost of Insurance in Massachusetts

As mentioned earlier, you need car insurance before registering your vehicle in Massachusetts.

Since rates can vary quite a bit depending on who you’re with, your driving history, and even where you live in Massachusetts, we recommend shopping around.

Read More: What is a driving record, and what does it track?

Here's a look at the average monthly rates from the top 10 insurance providers in the state for minimum and full coverage.

Insurance Company	Minimum Coverage	Full Coverage
	$90	$175
	$87	$162
	$75	$145
	$88	$165
	$92	$180
	$89	$170
	$85	$160
	$78	$148
	$80	$150
	$82	$155

When shopping for car insurance in Massachusetts, always get quotes from multiple providers and ask about discounts you may be eligible for, like bundling your car insurance with home insurance or having a safe driving record.

Registering a Car in Massachusetts

Registering and insuring your vehicle is essential to protect you and your vehicle from penalties and high accident costs.

Massachusetts drivers must have an insurance agent stamp and sign their application to register their vehicle, emphasizing the importance of car insurance coverage.

If you’re unsure about the steps to get insured, check out our guide on how to buy car insurance. Then, use our free comparison tool to compare quotes from insurance providers near you. Enter your ZIP code to get started.