Motor Vehicle Registration
I just bought a new vehicle, how long do I have to get it registered?
If you own a vehicle or trailer and purchase a new vehicle or trailer from a dealer or purchase a used vehicle or trailer from a private party, you may transfer your registration to the newly acquired vehicle. Massachusetts allows a grace period of seven (7) calendar days from the date you dispose of your previous vehicle to register your newly acquired vehicle.
Under this grace period, the following conditions must be met
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- The newly acquired vehicle or trailer must be of the same type and have the same number of wheels as the previous vehicle or trailer.
- You must carry the transfer documents, which show the registration number to be transferred, in your vehicle.
- You must have lost possession of or disposed of your previous vehicle.
- The registration plates must be attached to the newly acquired vehicle.
Please note: There is no grace period if you do not currently have a registered vehicle or trailer. The RMV does not issue temporary registration plates.
Now that I've got my new vehicle registered, how long do I have to get it inspected?
Safety related failures must be immediately fixed before you continue to use the vehicle on the roadways. Please click here for more information.
The Massachusetts RMV offers an extensive of questions related to motor vehicle inspections. You may access that list here.