How to Perform an Out-of-State Title Transfer in Massachusetts

1.

If you have purchased a vehicle with an out-of-state title or are moving to a different state with your vehicle, you need to transfer the certificate of title in person or by mail. General requirements for this procedure include filling out your new state’s title application form, submitting proof of your vehicle ownership (such as a completed bill of sale) and paying the applicable fees, such as titling fees, registration costs and state taxes. In addition, many state DMVs require out-of-state cars to undergo vehicle identification number (VIN) inspections. Our digital how-to guide contains everything you need to know to transfer your title quickly and easily. You will get step-by-step instructions on the process, as well as information about how to complete other titling procedures, such as replacing your title.

2. By Mail

Some DMVs allow eligible residents to transfer an out-of-state title by mail. However, be mindful that this procedure is not typically offered to all vehicle owners in each state. Mail-in applications are typically reserved for drivers who are out-of-state or members of the military. If this method is available to you, you will be required to mail in a completed application form along with documents that prove you own your vehicle and that it has passed a VIN inspection. Moreover, you will need to include an acceptable payment method for the transfer fees, such as a check or money order. Note that mail-in requests can be delayed if an application features incorrect or incomplete information. Also, processing times may increase based on the amount of applications the DMV receives.

3. In Person

Depending on your state, you may only be able to complete an out-of-state title transfer by visiting a DMV office in person. In general, this is required so that your car can undergo a vehicle identification number inspection. During your visit to the DMV, you must complete the proper application form and submit documents proving your vehicle ownership. Additionally, you will be asked to pay for the applicable fees to transfer your out-of-state title. Because you will be dealing with credentials issued by different state DMVs, it is important to be prepared for the transaction in order to prevent long wait times or potential mistakes. If you do not bring in the correct paperwork, you may have to visit the DMV office at a later date to reapply.

A Massachusetts out of state car title transfer must be completed by vehicle owners who would like to operate a nonresident vehicle within the state. In addition, when completing an out of state title transfer with the state Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), motorists will also be required to apply for a new car registration.

To transfer a car title of an out-of-state vehicle, applicants will be required to submit several documents and pay the applicable titling and registration fees. Learn how to perform an out of state car title transfer in MA and review the requirements by reading the sections below.

What is a cross-state car title transfer in Massachusetts?

Prior to initiating a cross state car title transfer in Massachusetts, vehicle owners are encouraged to get more information about the process in order to ensure a successful title transfer. If you are wondering what a cross state title transfer is, it is a type of titling process that is initiated to replace an out-of-state car title with an RMV title certificate.

On the other hand, if you fail to re-title a car in another state DMV’s records, you will be unable to register the vehicle or operate it legally.

When is an out-of-state car title transfer necessary in Massachusetts?

A cross state vehicle title transfer must be initiated on each occasion a nonresident vehicle is brought within the state. Therefore, transferring an out of state auto title in MA is a mandatory step when you establish state residency and transport an out-of-state vehicle into the state or when you purchase a nonresident vehicle from an out-of-state seller.

It is also important to keep in mind that the title transfer process will only take place if the vehicle was originally titled by another state DMV. If you purchase a new vehicle and transfer it on a certificate of origin, you will be required to apply for your first title with the state RMV.

Information and Documents Needed for an Out-of-State Title Transfer in Massachusetts

To complete the process of transferring an out of state car title in Massachusetts, motorists will be required to meet several requirements, such as submitting the documents needed for an out of state transfer and paying the applicable fees. Note that the out of state title transfer paperwork may vary slightly depending on the applicant’s circumstances. For instance, the information and documents needed to title and register a vehicle as a new resident is outlined below:

  • A filled out titling and registration application bearing the signatures of the appropriate parties
  • The out-of-state title certificate
  • Proof of a valid vehicle insurance coverage
  • The proper sales tax information
  • A power of attorney form from a leasing company, if applicable
  • Official proof of identification, such as a driving license or an ID card

Note: If a lien is recorded on the title and the applicant does not have the title certificate, he or she can prove the ownership of the vehicle with an out-of-state registration card.

If you are transferring an out of state vehicle title after purchasing a nonresident vehicle, on the other hand, you may be required to submit additional documentation to prove ownership. For example, you will need a properly endorsed title certificate containing the signatures of the buyers and the sellers, the correct mileage statement and a bill of sale.

Steps for Completing an Out-of-State Title Transfer in Massachusetts as a New Resident

The procedure of completing an out of state title transfer as a new state resident in Massachusetts includes several steps. To finalize a title transfer, vehicle owners will first need to collect the documents and fee payments that apply to their specific request. Then, motorists will be required to submit their application in person or by mail, as the RMV does not offer an option to complete an out of state title transfer online.

During their visit to an RMV service center, car owners will be asked to fill out the corresponding forms, submit the supporting paperwork and pay the applicable fees. If approved, the MA RMV will process the applicant’s registration documents and license plates immediately. However, keep in mind that the title certificate will take longer to manufacture than the other two driving documents and will be mailed to an applicant within six to eight weeks of being approved by the RMV.

Note: New state residents will be required to obtain a vehicle inspection sticker within a week of registering their vehicles.

Out-of-State Title Transfers in Massachusetts After Buying or Selling a Vehicle

The process of transferring an out of state title after getting a new car from an out-of-state seller follows the steps of the above titling and registration procedure for new and existing residents. In order to complete an out of state title transfer after buying a car from outside of the state, you will be required to submit the necessary paperwork and fee payments through a nearby RMV location, as you would if you brought your own vehicle from another state.

If you are transferring an out of state car title after inheriting a vehicle from an out-of-state owner or receiving it as a gift, you will be required to complete additional steps. For instance, if you are completing a cross state car title transfer in Massachusetts after the death of the original owner, you will need to submit paperwork that proves you are the new owner of the car. Similarly, if you have received the vehicle after the death of your spouse, you will need to provide a surviving spouse affidavit and the corresponding death certificate.

Cross-State Car Title Transfer Fees in Massachusetts

Arranging payment for cross state car title transfer fees is the final step in this procedure. It is important to keep in mind that the total price of a cross state car title transfer will include several smaller fees since vehicle owners are required to title and register their vehicles at the same time. Therefore, in addition to the main $75 titling fee, applicants will be required to pay the applicable registration costs, which vary by license plate type.

The total cost of transferring an out of state car title may also include a state sales tax, which will be calculated based on the vehicle sale price, and a vehicle inspection fee. Applicants should be aware of all the potential fees applicable to their titling request in order to have the proper amount ready when they submit their requests for an out of state car title transfer.

Cross State Title Transfer Forms

Note: DMV forms change regularly. The forms provided above are current based on the date of writing.

Last updated on Friday, March 8 2019.

Sources

  1. Transfer your registration and title from out of state from Mass.gov

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