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Massachusetts License PlatesMassachusetts license plates (sometimes called number plates or tags) are metallic plates with a unique combination of alphanumeric characters. This combination of alphanumeric characters is collectively called a license plate number, and their primary function is to identify vehicles operated in the state. To this end, Massachusetts license plates serve as a form of legal identification for these vehicles and help law enforcement and other authorities track vehicle ownership and ensure compliance with motor vehicle registration and tax requirements.
The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is responsible for registering vehicles in the state, issuing license plates to the vehicle owners, and ensuring their compliance with applicable motor vehicle laws. Per these laws, cars, trucks, RVs, motorcycles, trailers, and other motor vehicles operated on Massachusetts roads must prominently display an RMV-issued license plate. These plates must be displayed on the front and rear of most vehicles; however, for trailers (and in situations where the RMV issues only one plate for vehicles other than trailers), the license plate must be attached to the rear.
The Massachusetts RMV offers various types of license plates to vehicle owners; these plates can be grouped into three main categories:
Massachusetts license plates are typically issued with plate decals indicating the vehicle's registration expiration date. These plate decals must be affixed to the rear license plate. Your plates must always be legible, with no obstructions or devices covering the number. When vehicle lights are required, the rear plate must be illuminated and visible from at least sixty feet away.
Noncompliance with Massachusetts' license plate regulations can result in monetary fines and other inconveniences, such as having your vehicle towed or your registration suspended or revoked.
Massachusetts License Plate Design and FormatsMassachusetts license plates have undergone various designs and formats over the years, reflecting the state's history, culture, and evolving regulations. However, since 1993, most Massachusetts plates feature a six-character alphanumeric plate number embossed in red on a reflective white background, with the words "Massachusetts" and "The Spirit of America" screened in blue at the top and bottom of the plate. A three-letter abbreviation of the vehicle's registration expiration month is also screened in red at the top-left corner of plates assigned to passenger vehicles. For these plates, the last numeral in the plate number is typically coded to the vehicle's registration expiration month - 1 for January, 2 for February, and so on, up to 0 for October. If a passenger vehicle is registered in December or January (and requires plates coded for November and December), extra plates from other months with leftover stock are issued.
Be aware that specialty plates typically have graphic elements like the state seal or other symbols incorporated into their design, or they may feature custom designs, colors, and serial formats tailored to the theme or purpose they represent. These plates, as well as vanity and non-passenger plates, may also have plate numbers consisting of less than six characters.
Here are examples of Massachusetts license plate designs:
Standard License Plate - Passenger vehicles:
Specialty License Plates – Cape and Islands, Conquer Cancer:
* Source: Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Massachusetts Vanity License PlateThe Massachusetts RMV offers vanity plates, also known as "personalized plates", which allow vehicle owners to customize their plate numbers with a combination of letters and numbers that hold personal significance. These plates are available for private passenger, commercial, motorcycle, livery, bus, camper, or antique vehicles. However, there are specific rules for customization:
You can order Massachusetts vanity plates online or in person at any RMV Service Center. You must order in person if you do not already have a registered vehicle with active license plates. You will have to pay a $50 vanity plate fee and a $20 registration swap fee – additional service costs may be incurred depending on how or where you order the plates. Be aware that the RMV reserves the right to refuse any vanity plate requests it deems inappropriate and can recall plates that have already been issued, even if these plates have already been renewed.
Vanity plates are typically manufactured and delivered within 12 weeks. However, if your request is denied, you will receive a notification and rebate within 4 – 6 weeks.
Most Popular Massachusetts Special Plate NumbersThe most popular specialty license plate themes/designs in Massachusetts are:
Massachusetts License Plate LookupA license plate lookup generally involves using a vehicle's license plate number to access details like its make, model, current registration status, accident history, odometer readings, and maintenance records. License plate lookups also provide personal details about the vehicle's registered owner; however, access to this personal information is restricted to law enforcement officials and other specific authorized parties. These services are useful for confirming a vehicle's ownership, history, and registration status before purchasing it; they are also helpful for identifying cars involved in accidents, locating stolen vehicles, and investigating suspicious ones.
License plate lookups are typically done by law enforcement agencies; the Massachusetts RMV does not offer direct access to these services. However, you can obtain vehicle-related information from the RMV by submitting a History Search or Photocopy Request Form to the agency, along with a photocopy of your state-issued ID and applicable fees (as indicated in the form). You will be mailed the requested information within 7 – 10 business days. Note that this information will not contain personal information on the vehicle's owner. To access this information, you must submit a separate Request for Personal Information RMV Records Form, which must be signed and notarized by the person whose information is being requested.
RecordsFinder is also a good alternative for performing reverse license plate searches on Massachusetts-registered vehicles. This website provides online access to vehicle-related information in compliance with federal and state regulations concerning motor vehicle records and the disclosure of vehicle registrant's personal information.
A reverse license plate number search is a process used to retrieve vehicle-related information that involves using partial vehicle details, like make, model, or owner's information, to return a list of matching license plates associated with the vehicle. This approach differs from license plate lookups, which involve using a plate number to get information on the associated vehicle.
RecordsFinder is a third-party website that provides easy-to-use reverse license plate number search services. Please note that your search parameters must comply with federal and state regulations concerning motor vehicle information disclosure, otherwise, your request will not be processed.
What Do I Need to Get a License Plate in Massachusetts?You have to title and register your vehicle with the state's RMV to get a Massachusetts license plate. This must be done within 10 days of purchasing the vehicle or as soon as you become a Massachusetts resident if you just moved to the state (the RMV makes provisions for individuals looking to transfer registration from their previous state of residence).
You will need to gather certain documents to register your vehicle with the RMV (specific documentation varies based on whether you purchased the vehicle from a dealer, a private party, or if you want to transfer an out-of-state registration). These include:
Vehicle registrations must be done in person at an RMV Service Center. Note that some centers may require you to schedule an appointment beforehand. The RMV also encourages vehicle owners to handle registration transactions by working with insurance agents or auto dealers who can complete bulk transactions in person through its Business 2 Business (B2B) Services.
The total cost of obtaining Massachusetts license plates will be determined by your vehicle type, the vehicle's purchase price, the types of plates requested, and additional location-specific service fees. You will be issued your new plates, a registration certificate, and a plate decal once you successfully submit all necessary documents and pay the required fees, while your vehicle's title will also be mailed to you in approximately 6 – 8 weeks. Be aware that you must have your vehicle inspected no later than seven days after completing your registration and getting your license plates.
Differences Between a Passenger License Plate and a Commercial License Plate in MassachusettsIn Massachusetts, any motor vehicle not for personal use is considered a commercial motor vehicle. This typically includes vehicles:
On the other hand, the term "private passenger motor vehicles" generally refers to personal-use vehicles that weigh 6,000 pounds or less. However, SUVs, passenger vans, and pickup trucks/cargo vans with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 16,000 pounds or less are considered private passenger motor vehicles for registration purposes.
The following table outlines the main distinctions between license plates assigned for private passenger motor vehicles and those assigned for commercial motor in Massachusetts:
| Features | Passenger License Plate | Commercial License Plate |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Use | Personal | Business or commercial use |
| Plate number arrangement |
Six-character alphanumeric serial format for standard plates: (1ABC 23), (12A 345), (123 A45) * specialty and vanity plates may have an alphanumeric combination of less than seven characters |
Five or six-character alphanumeric serial format for standard plates: (A 1234), (A12∙345) * older plates have a six-character number-only serial format (123456) |
| Design & Color |
Red-colored plate number embossed on a reflective white background, with the words "Massachusetts" and "The Spirit of America" screened in blue at the top and bottom of the plate, respectively, and a three-letter abbreviation of the expiration month screened in red at the top-left corner. * specialty plates typically feature organization-specific logos, emblems, or designs. |
Same as standard private passenger license plates, without the expiration month indicated on the plate. The vehicle class is also screened at the bottom of the plate instead of "The Spirit of America". |
| Vehicle Types | Cars, passenger vans, SUVs, pickup trucks | Vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds |
| Requirements for obtaining |
* Additional documentation may be required depending on your specific circumstances |
Same as private passenger license plates |
How to Renew License Plate in MassachusettsMassachusetts license plates have to be renewed every one or two years (depending on the plate type). The RMV typically mails vehicle owners a renewal application reminding them of their registration expiration date and indicating whether they have an active insurance policy on file with the registry. An active insurance policy for your vehicle is required to renew your license plates. If you don't have one, you must get your renewal application stamped by your insurance agent as proof of your insurance coverage.
Note that you will not receive a renewal application from the RMV and will also be unable to renew your plates if your registration is suspended or revoked or if you have unpaid parking tickets, excise tax, or EZ-Pass violations. Nonetheless, the registry provides an online webpage that you can use to check your vehicle's registration status at any time.
License plate renewals can be done online via the registry's myRMV website or by mailing a completed Registration and Title Application Form, along with the required fees (in the form of a check or money order made payable to MassDOT), to:
Registry of Motor VehiclesRenewal fees vary by plate type and range from $45 to $100 for passenger vehicles. New registration cards and plate decals are usually delivered via mail at least 10 days after you complete your renewal transaction. However, if you are still waiting to receive these after 14 days, call the RMV's Contact Center at (857) 368-8000.
How to Transfer a License Plate in MassachusettsYou can transfer your Massachusetts license plates from an old vehicle to a new one bought from a dealership or a used one from a private party. However, you must register the newly purchased vehicle within seven days, and you must meet the following conditions:
You will also have to meet all the requirements for registering a new vehicle if you wish to transfer your license plates. These include:
Once the transaction is done, you will be issued a registration certificate with the new vehicle details. The vehicle's title will be processed and mailed to you in about 6 – 8 weeks.
Massachusetts License Plate Lookup Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)The federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act restricts access to personal information from motor vehicle records, like the owner's name and address linked to a license plate, to specific permissible purposes. These typically include law enforcement activities, government agency use, and certain commercial purposes with the individual's consent.
Massachusetts closely adheres to this act and has state laws that complement the DPPA and reinforce limitations on accessing and disclosing personal information in motor vehicle records without proper authorization. Thus, you will only be able to find the owner of a license plate in Massachusetts if you are eligible to do so under one of the DPPA exceptions.
Notwithstanding this, there are alternative ways to get vehicle-related information in compliance with DDPA requirements. These include websites like RecordsFinder that allow you to easily access information on over 269 million registered vehicles throughout the United States by inputting the vehicle's plate number or VIN.
You can get replacements for your lost license plates in Massachusetts through the state's Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). Depending on the specific circumstances, you may be issued a replacement with the same plate number as the missing plate or a new set of plates with a new license plate number:
Replacement plates cost $10 per plate for all plate types and are typically manufactured and mailed to your address (on record with the RMV) within 12 weeks. You will be given a plate permit to keep in your vehicle until the replacement plates are delivered. This plate permit can be used for inspections if necessary. Be aware that you must make a temporary plate and attach it to the front of your vehicle if you lose your front license plate.
If you lose the rear plate, you must move the front plate to the rear, request a replacement expiration decal, and then create and attach a temporary plate to the front of the vehicle. Contact the RMV for more information on how to make these temporary plates.
Police (and other law enforcement agencies) can access personal information on vehicle owners when they run their license plates in Massachusetts. This information includes:
License plate searches offer a simple and convenient way to access important information about a vehicle. Many people use these services to verify that a used car they're considering purchasing doesn't have a cloned VIN and to confirm any information provided by the vehicle's seller.
RecordsFinder provides license plate lookups for various vehicles registered in Massachusetts. These searches are usually performed for automobiles and SUVs but may also be done for trucks, vans, and motorcycles. Search results typically include details like the vehicle's make and model, year of manufacture, engine type, VIN, tank size, body style, and price.
Massachusetts license plates are valid for one or two years, depending on the plate type. You will be informed of your license plates' validity period when you register the vehicle and during subsequent renewals; the actual expiration date of your plates will also be indicated on your registration card and plate decal. The RMV does not offer any grace periods for license plate renewals; you must renew your plates by midnight on the day of your vehicle registration's expiration date. Nevertheless, the registry typically sends renewal applications and reminders before this date. You can also check your registration status and renewal date online.
Driving a vehicle with expired license plates in Massachusetts is considered against the state's motor vehicle laws; a violation punishable by a fine of up to $100 for first offenders and up to $1,000 for repeat offenders. Be aware that you may also be subject to an administrative penalty from the RMV when you renew your plates after their expiration date. You also risk having your vehicle impounded if caught driving with expired plates.
You do not have to return your license plates to the RMV when you cancel your vehicle's registration. Some common reasons for canceling your registration include:
Note that you must destroy the license plates once your registration is canceled; you cannot transfer them to another person.
Yes, you can keep your Massachusetts license plate if you move to another state. However, you will have to continue paying all necessary registration fees if you do so. To stop paying these fees, you must cancel your registration with the RMV. Registration cancelations can be done online or by mailing an Affidavit for Cancellation of Registration to the RMV at the address listed on the form.
You will be sent a registration cancellation receipt once your registration is canceled (you can download this receipt by yourself if you utilize the online cancellation option). The RMV advises that you keep this receipt for documentation purposes and provide a copy to your insurance company. You may also be eligible for an excise tax abatement after canceling your registration. Contact your local assessor for more information on this.
While there are no charges for canceling registrations with the RMV, a reinstatement fee will be added to the account if your registration has been revoked because of an insurance issue. This fee must be paid before registering the vehicle in Massachusetts with a new plate number.
Be aware that you must destroy your plates by cutting them in half and discarding or recycling them once you cancel your registration. Also, you cannot drive your car on any public way in Massachusetts unless you reinstate its registration or register another vehicle.
Massachusetts license plates generally adhere to the standard dimensions most states use, measuring 12 inches by 6 inches. For motorcycles, the dimensions are typically 7 inches by 4 inches.
Temporary tags in Massachusetts are typically valid for up to 20 days (you may be able to get an extension, depending on your circumstances). The RMV only issues these temporary tags under specific circumstances. These are:
Temporary tags for the first two situations are typically issued automatically and can be printed at home. However, temporary tags for out-of-state residents must be ordered in person at an RMV service center as a walk-in customer or through an authorized dealer with access to the RMV's Business 2 Business (B2B) services.
It is against the law to drive with expired temporary tags in Massachusetts; first-time offenders face fines of up to $100, while repeat offenders could be fined up to $1,000. The RMV may also impose additional administrative sanctions for driving with expired tags.
To renew a license plate in Massachusetts, you can follow these steps:
You can order a replacement for a missing Massachusetts license plate or plate decal by contacting the RMV online. The replacement plate will have the same plate number as the missing plate. If both plates are missing, you must call the RMV's Contact Center at either (857) 368-8000 (for people in the 339/617/781/857 area codes or outside Massachusetts) or (800) 858-3926 (for all other areas in the state) to request replacement plates. Be sure to choose the "Registration Support" option when you call these numbers.
On the other hand, if one or both of your plates were reported as stolen, you must request a replacement in person at an RMV Service Center. Here, you will be issued a new set of plates with a new plate number.
The cost of replacing lost or stolen license plates in Massachusetts is $10 per plate (for all plate types). These replacement plates are typically delivered within 12 weeks.