Updated on July 19, 2021
The Massachusetts RMV sends out notices for registration renewals, but Massachusettsans won’t get a reminder if registration is suspended or revoked, or if you have unpaid parking tickets, excise tax or EZ-Pass violations. If you’re leasing a car, the the RMV will send out tags renewals to the leasing company, so you have to get in touch with them for the paperwork. More on Massachusetts tags below.

Massachusetts Vehicle Registration Renewal Guide

How to Renew a Car Registration in Massachusetts

The RMV of Massachusetts sends out a reminder to their drivers 6 to 8 weeks before their vehicle registration expires. The notice will remind you to renew the registration and will also indicate whether or not you will need a stamp from your vehicle insurance agent.

Each year, the state of Massachusetts requires that cars and trucks undergo a safety and emissions inspection. While the inspections are not directly tied to your vehicle registration, you will not be able to renew your registration if your inspection is not current.

Massachusetts Online Vehicle Registration Renewal Options

You can renew your registration online if the vehicle is owned by an individual, the renewal form states that you do not need an insurance stamp, and you have an American Express, MasterCard, Discover, or Visa to use to pay for the fees.

If you would like to renew online, you will need to visit the registration renewal page on the RMV site and provide the following:

• Plate type
• Registration number
• A valid email address

You can also renew by phone, providing the same information that is needed for renewing online.

In order to renew by person you will need to bring with you to your local RMV office the following:

• Completed renewal form
• Credit card, money order, or check to pay the fees

Original documents that release you from any obligations that were blocking you from renewing.

Replacing a Lost, Stolen or Damaged Registration in Massachusetts

Is your Massachusetts car registration lost or damaged? Have your plates been damaged or stolen? Make sure you get to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) as soon as possible. Driving without these, or with them damaged and unreadable is against the law. If you get pulled over, you could be facing citations and fines.

This guide covers how to replace your vehicle registration or license plates in the State of Massachusetts.

How to Get a Replacement Vehicle Registration Card in Massachusetts

If you need a replacement vehicle registration card, Massachusetts makes it convenient and easy. You can apply in person, by phone, by mail or online.

Please note, if you your vehicle is leased, you must request the replacement registration card in person or it will be mailed to the auto leasing company.

In Person Registration Replacement

You can go in person to any Massachusetts RMV Service Center to request a replacement car registration card in person. You will need your registration number, vehicle identification number, driver’s license or ID number and a check, money order, or debit or credit card, to pay the fee.

You will receive your replacement registration right away.

Replacing a Registration By Phone In Massachusetts

To request a replacement registration by phone, make sure you have your registration number, driver’s license number or ID, as well as a credit or debit card to pay the fee. Phone the RMV Service Center to order your replacement.

Verify that your address is correct, and the RMV will mail your registration and you should receive it in five to seven days.

Online Registration Replacement In Massachusetts

You can also use the RMV online portal to request a replacement car registration. Follow the website prompts and be sure to have your Vehicle Identification Number, driver’s license or ID number, a debit or credit card to pay the fee.

In addition, you will need an email address to receive the replacement registration document for printing. You can also have the document mailed to you.

It’s a good idea to verify your address while you are online. You can change your address through the online portal, but be sure to do this before you request a replacement registration.

Replacement Registration By Mail In Massachusetts

To request a replacement vehicle registration by mail, simply send a written request with the following information:

• The Vehicle Identification Number.
• The current registration number (license plate number).
• The vehicle year, make and model.
• Your name.
• Your mailing address.
• A check or money order for the fee.

You can mail your request to:

Your request will be processed, and your replacement vehicle registration will be mailed to the address you provide.

Required Fees for Massachusetts Replacement Registrations

In all cases, the replacement registration fee is $25.

Replacing a Lost, Stolen or Damaged License Plate

Sometimes it happens that license plates are damaged or stolen. In Massachusetts, the only way to get replacement license plates is to go to your local RMV Service Center in person or to make a request over the phone.

The fee for replacement license plates is $10 each.

Getting a Replacement License Plate In Person

If you need to replace just one license plate, you will receive a temporary permit that will allow you to drive legally. Then, a matching replacement plate will be mailed to you.

If you need to replace both license plates, you will have to surrender your current registration and apply for a new replacement registration with new license plate numbers.

Please note, if your plates have been stolen, make sure you report the theft to the police to avoid any further identity theft problems.

Replacing Your License Plate By Phone

You can also make your request for replacement license plates over the phone. Call the RMV Service Center with your registration information and new plates will be mailed to you.

If your registration card or license plates have been lost, damaged, or stolen, don’t wait to get them replaced. Massachusetts makes it easy, with several methods for replacing these important items.

Driving without them is against the law, and if you’re caught you may face fines that will cost much more than the replacement fees.