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Moving to Massachusetts? How to Transfer Your Out-of-State Vehicle Registration, Title, and Insurance

by | Aug 12, 2025 | Education

If you’ve just moved to Massachusetts, welcome to the Commonwealth! One of your first official tasks is registering your vehicle here—and the law does not provide a grace period. Whether your car is financed, leased, or fully owned, this step-by-step guide covers exactly what you need, how to do it, and what to expect at the RMV.

If you are moving to Massachusetts, you will need to transfer your vehicle’s registration and title from out of state to drive legally. This process ensures your vehicle is registered in Massachusetts, properly insured, and ready for annual safety and emissions inspections.

Step 1 – Secure Massachusetts Auto Insurance

Before you can register your vehicle, you’ll need proof of Massachusetts auto insurance.

  • Visit a licensed Massachusetts insurance agent (like Risman Insurance Agencies).

  • Get your Application for Registration and Title (RTA) completed, stamped, and signed.

  • This proves you have active coverage that meets Massachusetts minimum requirements.

Step 2 – Gather Required Documentation

The RMV will require specific paperwork depending on your vehicle’s ownership situation.

For most vehicles:

  • Proof of ownership – your out-of-state title.

If your title is held by a lienholder:

  • Your current out-of-state registration AND one of the following:

    • Photocopy of the out-of-state title showing lienholder info

    • Photocopy of the loan/security agreement

    • Printout of owner information from your previous state’s DMV (dated within 30 days)

Important: Some states (NY, KY, MN, MD, MO, MT) always issue the physical title to the owner even with a lien—you’ll need to bring that title to the RMV.

Other essentials:

  • Completed MVU-29 Sales Tax Exemption Affidavit (if applicable)

  • Correct registration/title fees (varies by plate type – see RMV fee schedule)

Step 3 – Understanding the MVU-29 Sales & Use Tax Rules

Form MVU-29 is used to claim a sales or use tax exemption when you buy a vehicle outside of Massachusetts and later bring it into the state.

You may be tax-exempt if all of these are true:

  1. You paid sales tax to the state or territory where you bought the vehicle.
  2. The tax was legally due to that state or territory.
  3. You have not received (and cannot receive) a refund of that tax.
  4. The state you paid tax to offers a matching exemption for Massachusetts sales tax.

Special 6-Month Rule:
If you bring the vehicle into Massachusetts within 6 months of purchase, the rules change slightly:

  • No MA Use Tax: If the other state has a reciprocal agreement with Massachusetts and their tax rate is equal to or higher than MA’s (6.25%).

  • Partial MA Use Tax: If their tax rate is lower than 6.25%, you’ll owe the difference. Example: If you paid 5% in another state, you’ll owe 1.25% in Massachusetts.

  • Full MA Use Tax: If the other state does not offer a reciprocal exemption/credit for taxes paid to Massachusetts.

For more details, see the MA RMV Sales and Use Tax Guide.

Step 4 – Submit at an RMV Service Center

  1. Complete and sign your Registration and Title Application.
  2. Attach all supporting documents.
  3. Bring your paperwork to an RMV Service Center in person.
  4. If you qualify for a sales tax exemption, ensure your MVU-29 form is complete.

Step 5 – Get Your Vehicle Inspection

Once registered, you have 7 days to complete a Massachusetts vehicle safety and emissions inspection. Massachusetts participates in the Massachusetts Vehicle Check Program, the statewide emissions testing and safety inspection program. You can get inspected at any of the 1,800 licensed inspection stations across the Commonwealth — use the Inspection Station Locator to find one near you.

  • Most inspections cost $35.

  • Failures must be corrected immediately (safety) or within 60 days (emissions).

Special Situations

Sales Tax Exemptions

  • You’re exempt if you owned and registered the vehicle in another state for more than 6 months before moving.

  • You’ll need proof such as prior registration, bill of sale, or dealer invoice, and in some cases a letter of delivery.

Leased Vehicles

  • Must be titled/registered in MA unless already titled in the leasing company’s state of residence.

  • Lessee must bring completed/stamped insurance paperwork, current out-of-state title or copy, and required fees.

  • Leasing company must be registered with the Massachusetts DOR.

Don’t Forget the Excise Tax

Massachusetts charges an annual motor vehicle excise tax on all registered vehicles.

  • The bill is sent by the city or town where the vehicle is garaged.

  • Payment is due within 30 days—even if you don’t receive the bill.

  • To stop future bills, cancel your plates if you sell, junk, or move the vehicle out of state.

Your Checklist Before Visiting the RMV

  • ✅ Massachusetts auto insurance in place (with stamped & signed application)

  • ✅ Out-of-state title (or registration + lienholder documentation)

  • ✅ Completed MVU-29 form if claiming sales tax exemption

  • ✅ Correct payment for title and registration fees

  • ✅ Proof of prior ownership (for tax exemption)

  • ✅ Any leasing company paperwork (if applicable)

Why Do It Alone? Let Risman Make It Easier

At Risman Insurance Agencies, we don’t just insure your vehicle—we help you get on the road faster. Some of our offices even offer registry services, saving you a trip (and the wait) at the RMV. Contact us today to find out if your local Risman office can process your registration for you.

We’ll get your Massachusetts insurance set up, your paperwork in order, and your move one step closer to complete—without the RMV headache.

Also need to change your license?
Don’t forget — new Massachusetts residents must transfer their out-of-state driver’s or motorcycle license too. See our full guide: How to Transfer Your Out-of-State Driver’s or Motorcycle License in Massachusetts.