How to Return License Plates in Massachusetts

If you have a Massachusetts license plate in your possession, you can cancel your registration online.

When you sell your car or take if off the road in Massachusetts, or when you move to another state, you must ensure your registration plates are returned to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The state's Registry of Motor Vehicles is responsible for issuing and collecting plates. To cancel your Massachusetts plates, you can use an online tool before returning the plates to the Registry of Motor Vehicles by mail or in person.

Instructions

1. Visit the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles website. You can cancel your registration plates online free of charge if you have at least one plate in your possession.

2. Complete the plate/registration cancellation form. When completing the form, you will be asked to provide your Massachusetts registration number, your Massachusetts license/permit number, the Massachusetts federal tax identification number(FEIN) provided by your leasing company if your vehicle is under a lease and a valid email address. You must also provide the last four digits of your Social Security Number.

3. Print the plate return receipt. Once you have completed the cancellation, you will be able to print out your plate return receipt. This document must accompany your plates when you return them to the registry of motor vehicles.

4. Return your plates to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles. You can return your plates by mailing them to the Registry of Motor Vehicles or by returning them in person to a branch office of the Registry of Motor Vehicles. The plate return receipt must accompany your plates when your return them.

5. Provide a copy of your plate return receipt and any documentation on the whereabouts of your vehicle to the Assessor's Office in your hometown. These documents will be needed to allow the Assessor's Office to process any excise tax adjustment .

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not have at least a plate in your possession or if you have reported your plate or plates stolen, you cannot cancel your registration online. In these cases, you must complete an Affidavit for Cancellation of Registration for Lost Plate(s) and mail the form or submit it in person to a branch office of the Registry of Motor Vehicles. If you converted your license to another state or do not have your Massachusetts license, you can locate your Massachusetts license number on your Massachusetts insurance policy or by contacting your insurance company. You can also cancel your plates in person at any full service branch office of the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) or by mailing the plates to the RMV. A plate return receipt will be sent to you once the plates are received by the RMV.

References

• Massachusetts Department of Transportation Registry of Motor Vehicles: Canceling a Registration

Resources

• Massachusetts Department of Transportation Registry of Motor Vehicles: Cancel My Plate/Registration - Introduction