In Massachusetts, car registration renewal must be completed yearly in order for drivers to legally operate their vehicles in the state. Residents can submit RMV registration renewal online, in person or by mail. Drivers should check their registration status to determine whether they are eligible to renew tags. In some cases, the process cannot be completed because of outstanding traffic tickets or other reasons.

Certain fees are due at the time of application. Only valid forms of payment are accepted for renewal fees. To learn more about Massachusetts RMV car registration renewal, continue reading the sections below.

Requirements for Car Registration Renewal in Massachusetts

In order to complete a Massachusetts motor vehicle registration renewal you must:

  • Be an MA resident
  • Have proof of up-to-date auto insurance
  • Not have any outstanding parking tickets or traffic infractions

Additionally, drivers must submit renewal requests within the correct time period to avoid being charged late fees. Driving with an expired vehicle registration is against the law.

What do you need to renew your car registration in Massachusetts?

Whether you choose to renew vehicle registration online, in-person or by mail, you must provide the following information:

For all types of renewal methods, you must pay all fees in full.

Massachusetts Vehicle Registration Renewal Notice

In Massachusetts, vehicle registration renewal notices are mailed to drivers before their registration expiration dates. These notifications remind drivers of when they need to submit their applications and RMV registration renewal fees to the Registry of Motor Vehicles. Residents should follow the instructions that appear on renewal notices.

Massachusetts Car Registration Renewal Notice Lost or Not Received

If you do not receive a renewal notice, you are still required to renew your vehicle registration before it expires. You must ensure that the RMV has your current address, or it will send notices to the wrong person. Keeping track of when your registration expires is the best way to ensure you renew your vehicle registration on time.

Massachusetts Car Registration Renewal Options

MA residents wondering where to renew a car registration have three options: online, in-person or by mail. Learn more about each of the methods in the following sections.

How to Renew Your Car Registration Online

Renewing a Massachusetts RMV registration online is a simple and fast way to obtain updated documents. In order to complete this process, you should submit the following:

  • Valid drivers license number
  • Social security number
  • E-mail address
  • Vehicle Details
  • RMV registration renewal fees.

Once you complete the online application, you will receive an updated registration from the RMV via mail.

How to Renew Your Car Registration by Mail

Drivers wondering how to renew a car registration by mail in Massachusetts, should know that this renewal method involves specific procedures. To mail in your renewal request, you must:

  1. Complete the motor vehicle registration renewal application in full.
  2. Pay for the fee with check or money order.
  3. Provide proof on insurance, if needed.
  4. Mail all of the aforementioned items to the Registry of Motor Vehicles.

Once the state licensing and tag office has approved your application, it will send new registration documents through mail.

How to Renew Your Car Registration in Person

You can also apply for an MA motor vehicle registration renewal in person at a state licensing office. In some cases, you can renew your registration through your auto insurance provider or through the dealership that sold you your car. Drivers must bring the following items with them:

  • Completed application for new registration
  • Method of payment for the renewal fee
  • Proof of auto insurance, if required
  • Additional verification documents, if required

Be sure to include your name, vehicle identification number (VIN), birthdate and residential address on your application. Drivers should ensure that this information is up-to-date and accurate. Checks, cash and money orders are acceptable forms of payment for in-person registration renewal.

Military & Out of State Vehicle Registration Renewal in Massachusetts

Massachusetts residents who are serving in the military or currently living out of state should submit a vehicle registration renewal application online or by mail. Late fees are waived for active duty service members who renew their registrations after the expiration date.

Massachusetts Vehicle Registration Renewal Fees

Massachusetts car registration renewal costs vary depending on the type of plate on a vehicle. For regular passenger vehicles, the fee for renewing registration is $60. Additional fees are charged for late registration renewal.

Last updated on Monday, April 4 2022.