There are different forms you need to provide in order to successfully transfer a vehicle\u2019s title in Massachusetts. When a vehicle\u2019s ownership changes, you are required to transfer the title, such as when you are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Be advised that you may be required to provide multiple forms and payments to complete your vehicle transfer process in Massachusetts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The state of Massachusetts created an enhanced vehicle inspection program called the Massachusetts Vehicle Check in 2008. As a part of this yearly emissions inspection program, the state of Massachusetts tests vehicles for safety and smog according to its model year. In the most traditional situations, vehicles must endure emissions checks in addition to a vehicle safety inspection if the vehicle was manufactured after 2001.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MA drivers are required to complete a vehicle inspection once every year before the inspection due date. Drivers in this state must also have a smog test performed on their vehicle if it is the model year 2001 or newer. Both of these vehicle tests are overseen and regulated by the Vehicle Safety and Compliance Services Department under the state Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
All Massachusetts vehicles are required to undergo a safety inspection. However, only specific vehicle model years require an emissions test. There are two different emissions test vehicles must endure, such as the:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition to the above-mentioned vehicle tests, a vehicle safety inspection is required for all vehicles in the state of Massachusetts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The state of Massachusetts requires all vehicles to ensure a safety inspection, but certain vehicles are exempt from smog checks. Vehicles that are exempt from emissions testing in Massachusetts include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Make sure you double-check this list to see if you are required to have a smog check on your vehicle or exempt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you want to transfer your vehicle\u2019s title in Massachusetts, you are required to prepare and submit certain documentation. To transfer a vehicle title in this state, you need to submit the following documentation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you are a new resident of Massachusetts, you may be required to provide additional documentation and information depending on your specific situation. New vehicle owners need to make sure the date of the transfer, the odometer reading, and the selling price are written on the back of the vehicle\u2019s title.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you intend on keeping a vehicle once the owner is deceased, you need to transfer the vehicle\u2019s title. If you\u2019re a beneficiary, you can choose to keep the vehicle, gift it to a family member, or sell the vehicle to someone else. In this situation, you need to know if the deceased individual\u2019s estate was probated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Only the joint-owner, beneficiary, and surviving spouse can transfer the vehicle\u2019s title to another person once the owner passes away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When a vehicle\u2019s owner passes away, the way you proceed with transferring a vehicle\u2019s title depends on whether the vehicle\u2019s title was in the individual\u2019s name as a descendant or joint ownership. If the vehicle title was only in the descendant\u2019s name, you need to know if the estate is probated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Probate is a legal process that occurs when there is no beneficiary or living spouse listed on a will. This legal process involves administering the estate of the individual who passed away. The probate proves the last will and testament are legitimate. The Probate Court determines how to proceed with the deceased individual\u2019s belongings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the vehicle in question is part of a probated estate, follow these steps to ensure the transfer of the vehicle\u2019s title is valid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s not possible to transfer the vehicle\u2019s title until the probate is completed. The executor or administrator of the deceased needs to contact Probate Court or an attorney as soon as possible to be made aware of the next steps in the probate process. When the probate process is complete, the heir will receive the vehicle. If the executor was given the vehicle, they can choose to keep or sell the vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The document requirements for this situation will vary slightly by state, but in Massachusetts, you need to provide all of the following documentation to successfully transfer the vehicle title of a deceased individual:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you are the administrator of the deceased person\u2019s estate or the beneficiary of the vehicle in question, you can visit your local Maine title office with the above-mentioned documents to start the vehicle title transfer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the state of Massachusetts, the deceased person\u2019s property can\u2019t exceed a certain amount and a certain amount of time needs to have passed since the individual passed away before the vehicle\u2019s title can be transferred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Joint-owners, administrators, and beneficiaries are the only individuals who can provide a death certificate at their local title office and retitle it. Court orders and attorneys are not required in this scenario.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paying off your vehicle loan is a major achievement! Congratulations. The state of Massachusetts implements a paperless lien and vehicle title system, so the title remains in the ELT system until:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When one of these situations occurs, the vehicle title is printed by the RMV and sent to the proper location, such as the owner, lien holder, or insurance company the following day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is illegal to sell a vehicle without the vehicle\u2019s title. If you have lost your vehicle\u2019s title, you are required to request a duplicate vehicle title (Form T20558<\/a>). Complete the form and submit it to your closest MA RMV branch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes, you can gift a family member a vehicle. Gifting a vehicle is the same as purchasing a vehicle from a private party, except you are required to write \u201cgift\u201d or \u201c$0\u201d as the purchase price on the vehicle\u2019s title and\/or bill of sale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Family members who fall into the following categories are eligible for a Massachusetts tax exemption:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You need to complete a Sales Tax Exemption Form (Form MVU-26<\/a>), and follow the steps required for purchasing a vehicle from a private individual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your vehicle must be registered as soon as you establish residency in Massachusetts. The law does not provide a grace period in this scenario. To transfer a vehicle\u2019s registration and vehicle title from out of state, you are required to present the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you need to replace a lost vehicle title, motorists are required to submit specific paperwork, such as your current vehicle registration as proof of the vehicle\u2019s identification number (VIN). You can present a certificate or title number as an alternative. You need to complete and submit a Massachusetts duplicate vehicle title form (Form T20558<\/a>) to your local MA RMV office. You can also replace your vehicle\u2019s title online or by mail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to replace your vehicle\u2019s title online, you need to provide the following information:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you provide this information, you need to finalize the process by paying all applicable fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are replacing your vehicle\u2019s title by mail, you need to complete a Massachusetts duplicate vehicle title (Form T20558<\/a>) and mail it to MA RMV with the correct payment for the applicable fees. You can only submit checks and money orders in order for the payment to be processed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the state of Massachusetts, the title transfer fee is $75. If you purchased a new vehicle, you are also responsible for paying the sales tax based on the NADA value of the purchase price. Keep in mind, you will also have to pay registration fees. You must obtain an insurance stamp, and the car needs to be inspected within 7 days of the purchase date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are multiple locations in MA where you can transfer a vehicle\u2019s title.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (Watertown Service Center)<\/strong> Monday-Friday (9 AM to 5 PM) Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (Watertown Service Center)<\/strong> Monday-Friday (9 AM to 5 PM) Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (Southbridge Service Center)<\/strong> Monday-Friday (9 AM to 5 PM) When you need to complete your Massachusetts vehicle title and vehicle title transfer forms, you need to make sure all the forms are filled out completely and the information you provide is accurate. You may be required to submit a bill of sale that provides information that pertains to the vehicle, such as its model, make, year, and color. You may also be required to include the vehicle\u2019s VIN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you decided to sell a vehicle instead of gifting it, you need to add sales tax to the vehicle\u2019s total price. In the \u201ctransfer of title by seller\u201d section of the vehicle\u2019s title, you need to provide an odometer reading. The recipient of the vehicle is required to sign the vehicle title in the provided spaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additional documentation may include a valid MA vehicle insurance policy that meets or exceeds the state\u2019s minimum coverage options. A valid government-issued photo ID may also be required, but if you don\u2019t have one, a foreign passport will suffice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes a vehicle\u2019s title is signed and never transferred because the vehicle\u2019s owner didn\u2019t register the vehicle in their name. When a vehicle\u2019s title isn\u2019t transferred, it has an open title.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With an open title, the owner\/seller of the vehicle does not assume any responsibility for the vehicle, such as taxes and other applicable fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>Can I Gift a Car to a Family Member?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Transferring a Vehicle Title When You Have an Out-of-State Title<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Requesting a Duplicate Vehicle Title in Massachusetts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Online<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
By Mail<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>How Much Does a Title Transfer Cost in Massachusetts?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Where Can I Go to Transfer a Vehicle Title in Massachusetts?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
550 Arsenal St
Watertown, MA 02472
(857) 368-8000<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
611 Main St.
Worcester, MA 01608
(857) 368-8200<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6 Larochelle Way, Southridge, MA 015500
(857) 368-8000<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>How to Fill Out the Massachusetts Title and Title Transfer Forms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>My Car Title Was Signed But Never Transferred. What Do I Do?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n