Massachusetts DMV Title Transfer Guide

How To Transfer A Vehicle Title In Massachusetts

Are you researching car titles in Massachusetts and are wondering, “My car title signed but never transferred. What do I do?”

You may also need to know what do you need to transfer a car title? How to transfer ownership of a car without a title or even how much is a title transfer?

The following article has all the answers you need without hunting through a confusing government website.

You will be visiting your local Massachusetts Drivers and Motor Vehicle service location. Find the one closest to you with this link.

While some AAA offices offer DMV services, they do not handle vehicle titles. You need a real DMV office.

DMV Title Transfer Form

Besides the original title from the party that sold you the car, you will need the RMV-1 application form. You can download a copy right here.

How To Fill Out Transfer Of Title Form

When buying or selling a car, you must sign over the old title to the new owner.  On the back of the title, all owners listed on the front must print and sign their names, and date the transaction.

The odometer reading must be filled out. If the odometer reading is not accurate to actual miles on the vehicle, that must be noted as well.

All the buyers that wish to be listed on the new title must sign and date the title.

Now, the RMV-1 must be filled out. The VIN, buyers’ names and purchase price must all match the title that is being transferred. If any information on the original title has been altered through erasure or white-out, the DMV will not accept the application.

How To Transfer A Car Title

Once you have your paperwork completed, bring all the title transfer requirements to the local RMV service center.

You will need:

• The original title or bill of sale if the car is exempt from needing a title.
• The completed RMV-1 form.
• Your driver’s license. If two people will have the title in their name, both must be present.
• Payment for all fees and taxes in check form.

How Much Does It Cost To Transfer A Car Title?

The title transfer fee in Massachusetts is $75.

However, if you just bought the car, you will also need to pay sales tax based on the NADA value or the purchase price. There are also registration fees. In order to register the car, you must obtain an insurance stamp and the car must be inspected within 7 days of purchase.

How To Transfer A Car Title When Owner Is Deceased

If you are the surviving spouse it is easy to transfer the title to your cars to your sole name. Fill out the Affidavit of Surviving Spouse and present it at the RMV with the RMV-1, death certificate, and original certificate of title.

You will sign the back of the title as the sole seller and the sole buyer. There is a $25 fee for adjusting the title.

If you are the executor of the estate and are selling off the vehicles, you must provide an Appointment of Executor along with all sales documents. You will sign the title as the owner.

How To Transfer A Car Title To A Family Member In Massachusetts

Massachusetts does allow you to transfer a car between immediate family members. Fill out the back of the title as if selling it to your child, brother, sister, or spouse and write, “Gift,” in the purchase price area of the assignment. By writing out the word, “gift,” it prevents any alteration of the number zero into a different price.

You will also need to complete an MVU-26 tax exemption form, which declares the transfer as occurring between immediate family.

It is also possible to give a car to a charity. In this case, you will need the MVU-24. This recipient will be responsible for all titling and registration fees but pay no sales tax on the vehicle.

Requesting A Duplicate Title In Massachusetts

Unless your potential new car is considered an antique, it should have a certificate of title ready to be handed to you upon purchase. If the seller says they have lost the original certificate or it is simply illegible, they need to apply for a duplicate title before the transaction is completed.

You don’t pay the full title transfer fees when ordering a duplicate, It only costs $25 and can be requested online using the vehicle identification number.

It may take up to three weeks to receive the new certificate in the mail.

Never Received The Title In The Mail

So, you bought the car and your application for title and registration was approved at the RMV office, but you never got the title in the mail. Don’t worry.

It can take up to two months for the title to arrive in the mail.

Did you buy the car using an auto loan? The title is transferred to the lien holder until you pay off the car. Then it is mailed to the address listed on the title.

If you moved before the title arrived, you need to file a change of address with the RMV and ask that the title be mailed back out.

If it is simply missing, contact the RMV and they can provide you the status of the title.

Should you have any other questions about transferring a car title in Massachusetts, contact the RMV through their online portal for prompt and accurate assistance.

Massachusetts DMV Hours And Contact Information

For more information regarding how to transfer a car title, questions specific to your title transfer scenario, or for MA DMV hours, contact information or to find the nearest DMV location to you, visit the official Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles website by clicking here.

Common Questions About Title Transfer

Are there any questions about transferring a car title that we didn’t cover?

We are constantly updating our content and welcome your feedback. Leave us a comment and let us know any other questions you might have regarding how to transfer a car title in the state of Massachusetts.