How to Register a Vehicle

If you are looking to register your vehicle in the state of Massachusetts, please make your way to your local RMV (Registry of Motor Vehicles) with the following mandatory criteria:

• The title (signed by both the buyer and seller)
• If your vehicle is exempt from titling (the vehicle’s year is prior to 2000), you must provide a bill of sale and the vehicle’s last registration. A Bill of Sale is also necessary if there is no room to record the sales price on the title.
• Proof of an active auto insurance plan.
• A completed Massachusetts (RMV-1) Registration Application. You must present this form to an authorized insurance agent who will fill in all the necessary fields and sign and stamp the document. (Be sure to include any active lienholders on the application.)
• An accurate Odometer Disclosure Statement (this form is only necessary if there is no room to record the mileage on the title)
• Come with the proper payment methods to satisfy any registration, tax, or titling fees.

Once you have been processed and approved, you will instantly receive your registration and plates. Titles may take up to 10 business days to be delivered by mail. All vehicles must be inspected within 7 days of registration.

How to Register a Vessel

To legally operate any watercraft propelled by a motor upon waters located within the borders of the State of Massachusetts, you must register the boat with the regional governing authorities. The exception to in-state registration is if you plan to use a boat registered with a neighboring or outlying state for a period of time that shall be no longer than a 60-day period. In addition to registration, all vessels propelled by motor or sail measuring larger than a length of 14 feet will be obligated to apply for a certificate of title. The following watercraft are exempt from this requirement:

• Boats titled in another state are to be used for less than 60 consecutive days in Massachusetts.
• State-owned or Federal-owned vessels.
• Boats owned by an authorized person are to be used for the sole purpose of advertisement to showcase the features of a vessel.

To obtain lawful registration, make a trip to a nearby Boat and Recreational Vehicle Registration and Titling Bureau office location with the addressed paperwork as follows:

• A fully completed Massachusetts Application for Registration and Title (Form RMV-1).
• An executed Bill of Sale or manufacturer’s certificate of origin for newly purchased vessels.
• Reassigned title and/or registration if purchased used from a private party.
• A photograph or pencil tracing of the vessel’s hull identification number.
• Evidence that the total tax on the boat has been properly paid with one of the following documents:
  • A completed Massachusetts Certificate of Payment of Sales or Use Tax for Boat, Recreation, or Snow Vehicle (Form ST-6).
  • Confirming receipt of electronic payment made to the State of Massachusetts using MassTaxConnect.
  • If exempt from this requirement, you can present a completed Massachusetts Claim for Exemption from Sales or Use Tax on Boat, Recreation, or Snow Vehicle (Form ST-6E).
• A recorded and endorsed Odometer Reading Statement.
• An actively valid driver’s license or identification card.
• Adequate payment for all applicable taxes and fees payable to the ‘Commonwealth of Massachusetts’.