How to Cancel License Plates in Massachusetts (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you’ve sold, traded, totaled, or no longer need your vehicle registered, you must cancel your Massachusetts license plates through the RMV.

This transaction is free and can be completed online.

Before You Start – Have This Ready

To cancel your registration online, you’ll need:

• License plate / registration number
• Massachusetts Driver’s License, Permit, or State ID number
• Last 4 digits of your Social Security Number
• Email address (to receive your confirmation)
• Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN), if registered to a business

Step 1: Go to the Massachusetts RMV Online Portal

Visit the official RMV site:

MA RMV

Step 2: Click “More” Under Vehicle Registration

On the homepage:

• Find the Vehicle Registration section

• Click “More”

Step 3: Enter Your Required Information

You’ll need:

• Date of Birth

• Last Name

• Driver’s License, Permit, or Massachusetts State ID Number

• Last 4 digits of your Social Security Number

• Confirm you are not a robot

• Click Submit

If the Vehicle Is Registered to a Business

If the vehicle is registered under a business name:

Select Continue as a Business

• Enter:

  • Plate Type

  • Registration Number

  • Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)

• Click Next 

What Happens After You Click Submit

After entering your personal information and clicking Submit, the RMV will prompt you to complete multi-factor authentication (MFA).

You’ll verify your identity using the method linked to your RMV account — typically:

• A code sent to your cell phone
  or

• A code sent to your email

Enter the verification code to continue.

Step 6: Complete the Registration Cancellation Process

Once your identity is confirmed:

1. Click Next
2. Select your Plate Type
3. Enter your Registration Number
4. Click Next
5. Follow the prompts to confirm cancellation

Once completed, your registration will be officially cancelled and you’ll be able to print your Registration Cancellation Receipt.

Step 7: Dispose of Your Plates

Once your registration is cancelled:

• You must recycle your plates
  OR

• Destroy them (cut through the plate number)

Massachusetts requires that plates not remain intact after cancellation.

Step 8: Notify Your Insurance Company

Under the Massachusetts Automobile Insurance Policy, returning your license plates to the RMV automatically terminates coverage on that vehicle.

However, you should still notify your insurance agent or insurance company once your plates have been cancelled.

Why?

• To ensure the policy updates correctly

• To process any premium refund promptly

• To confirm remaining vehicles (if any) are properly insured

• To avoid billing confusion

If you’re insured through Risman Insurance Agencies, please send us a copy of your Registration Cancellation Receipt so we can update your policy right away.

Important: Massachusetts Excise Tax

Massachusetts residents who register a vehicle must pay annual motor vehicle excise tax. Excise is billed by the city or town where the vehicle was principally garaged.

Canceling your registration does not automatically eliminate your excise bill.

If you:

• Sold the vehicle
• Traded the vehicle
• Totaled the vehicle
• Moved out of state

You may qualify for a prorated excise abatement.

To request an abatement:

1. Cancel your plates and obtain your Registration Cancellation Receipt.
2. Contact your local Board of Assessors.
3. Submit an abatement application with supporting documentation.

Excise is prorated monthly, and you remain responsible for taxes through the last registered month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does canceling my license plates automatically cancel my insurance in Massachusetts?

Yes. Under the Massachusetts Automobile Insurance Policy, returning your license plates to the RMV automatically terminates coverage on that vehicle.

However, you should still notify your insurance agent or insurance company as soon as possible. Insurance carriers are not always notified immediately when plates are canceled. Sending your Registration Cancellation Receipt to your agent helps ensure your policy is updated promptly and that any unearned premium is processed correctly.

Do I need to notify my insurance company after canceling my plates?

Yes. Even though coverage terminates when plates are returned, notifying your agent allows your policy to be updated in a timely manner.

Providing a copy of your Registration Cancellation Receipt helps prevent billing delays and ensures accurate documentation in your file.

Does canceling my registration stop my Massachusetts excise tax?

Not automatically.

Motor vehicle excise tax is billed by the city or town where the vehicle was principally garaged. If you cancel your plates, you may qualify for a prorated adjustment (abatement), but you must apply for it with your local Board of Assessors.

Canceling your plates is typically required in order to qualify for an excise abatement.

What happens if I don’t cancel my plates?

If plates are not returned to the RMV:

• Registration remains active

• Excise tax liability may continue

• You may experience billing or registry issues

It’s important to properly cancel your registration if you sell, trade, total, or permanently stop using your vehicle.

Do I need to cancel my plates if my vehicle was sold, traded, or totaled?

Yes. In Massachusetts, plates stay with the owner — not the vehicle.

If your vehicle is sold, traded, or declared a total loss, you should either transfer the plates to another vehicle or cancel them through the RMV and obtain a Registration Cancellation Receipt.

You may need this receipt for insurance updates and potential excise abatement.

How is Massachusetts motor vehicle excise calculated?

Massachusetts excise tax is calculated at $25 per $1,000 of valuation and is based on the manufacturer’s list price and the vehicle’s age — not current market value or what you paid for the vehicle.

Excise is prorated monthly if registration is canceled during the year.

Can unpaid excise tax affect my registration or license?

Yes. Unpaid excise bills can result in a non-renewal hold on your registration or driver’s license until the balance, including interest and fees, is paid in full.

If I move out of Massachusetts, what should I do?

If you move out of state, you should:

1. Register your vehicle in your new state.
2. Cancel your Massachusetts registration.
3. Obtain a Return Plate Receipt or Lost Plate Receipt.

You may qualify for an excise abatement for the portion of the year after cancellation or out-of-state registration, depending on timing.

Need to Remove a Vehicle or Make a Change to Your Policy?

If you’ve canceled your plates and need to update your insurance policy, our team is happy to help.

To request a policy change or remove a vehicle:

👉 Submit a request here
📞 Or call us directly: 781-396-2116

Need Insurance for a New Vehicle?

If you’re transferring plates, registering a new vehicle, or shopping for better coverage, we can help with that too.

👉 Request a quote