What’s in a Massachusetts license plate search?

Our Massachusetts license plate search tool utilizes a massive database of public records provided by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), NMVTIS, NHTSA and other third-party data sources like J.D. Power. Whether you spotted an interesting vehicle while checking out the fall foliage in Cape Ann or you’re hoping to sell your car in Springfield, our MA license plate lookups can help you find a wealth of information about a Massachusetts-registered vehicle.

What info can you find with a Massachusetts license plate search?

A Mass license plate lookup can give you access to a huge variety of vehicle information, potentially including the following: Sales history, Market value, Past ownership, Accident history, Liens on the vehicle, Manufacturer recalls, Estimated ownership costs, Salvage and other branded titles, Equipment and trim specifications. Whether you’re buying or selling a Massachusetts vehicle —or even just mitigating the costs of ownership, this type of vehicle-specific information is invaluable. Our robust vehicle reports can help you stay in the drivers’ seat during your vehicle ownership journey. Plus, our data and features are always improving!

How can an MA license plate lookup help you?

Our Massachusetts license plates lookup can provide you with the critical data you need to get the most out of buying, selling or keeping your MA-registered vehicle. Perhaps you’re a car buyer in Boston hoping to nab the best deal. Our license plate search reports may yield valuable vehicle history info, including title issues from damage caused by hail and blizzards or even flooding from the hurricanes off the Atlantic. Our license plate searches can also reveal vehicles impacted by open recalls or Massachusetts’ lemon laws. Issues like these may make you want to put the brakes on before making any purchase decisions. Or maybe you’re a vehicle seller on the Cape, but you aren’t sure where to set your asking price. Enter your Massachusetts vehicle’s license plate number and we can help you find your ride’s estimated market value in Massachusetts so you can set a reasonable price and score a quick sale. With our exhaustive databases, comprehensive vehicle reports and ever-improving features, our license plate lookup for MA can help you in a number of different ways. And if you’re trying to decide between multiple vehicles, we can help you compare them side by side .

Why use our Massachusetts license plate search?

When you use Bumper for your MA license plate lookup, we compile the data you need to know about a specific Massachusetts vehicle—all in one online dashboard, iOS and Google mobile apps, and downloadable PDF form. There’s no need to rely on costly competitors or to spend all your time submitting requests to Massachusetts public records sources. Just subscribe to Bumper to simplify and expand your opportunities for learning more about a Mass-registered vehicle. From the pristine shores of Cape Cod to the bustle of Boston and even in the suburbs of Springfield, you can rely on our license plate lookup in Massachusetts.

Do you need front and rear license plates in Massachusetts?

Yes, you need front and rear plates in Massachusetts. These days, the dual license plate requirement is common in many states. Front and rear plates also make it more convenient to find the license plate number of any Massachusetts-registered vehicle you might be interested in learning more about—and we also have info on license plates from nearby Pennsylvania , Connecticut , New York , Rhode Island , New Hampshire , Vermont, Maine , and New Jersey too! That said, if you already have a Massachusetts vehicle’s VIN, or vehicle identification number, we can help you run a VIN search !

Massachusetts License Plate Lookup

Punch in a Massachusetts license plate number to learn all about a vehicle in the Bay State.

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Punch in a Massachusetts license plate number to learn all about a vehicle in the Bay State.

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Why choose our Massachusetts license plate lookup?
Performing a license plate lookup in Massachusetts
Types of license plates in Massachusetts
Vehicle registration requirements

Bumper’s Massachusetts license plate search taps into an extensive database of public records provided by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), NMVTIS, NHTSA, and trusted third-party sources like J.D. Power.

Whether you’ve spotted an intriguing vehicle while enjoying the fall foliage in Cape Ann or are looking to sell your car in Springfield, our Massachusetts license plate lookups offer valuable insights into Massachusetts-registered vehicles. With a population of 7 million in the Bay State, there’s no shortage of vehicles traveling its New England roads.

Vehicle owners, prospective buyers, and others often need access to important details such as vehicle history. Buyers can uncover a vehicle’s history, and others rely on this data for informing their vehicle research.

License plates are considered public records in Massachusetts, managed by the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), part of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT).

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Why choose our Massachusetts license plate lookup?

In Massachusetts, where tough winters and salty coastal air can leave cars worse for wear, a license plate lookup becomes a savvy buyer’s secret weapon. Checking a vehicle’s history can save you from inheriting issues. It’s like unlocking the story behind the car’s past, helping you get the information you may need before making decisions.

For sellers, a license plate lookup offers transparency that may build trust. In a market where everyone is looking for a deal, providing a clean vehicle history report helps set you apart. Whether you’re flipping a car or selling your family vehicle, this layer of honesty could speed up the sale and help buyers understand they’re not getting a lemon—a particularly valuable asset in snowy regions where wear and tear can accumulate fast.

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Performing a license plate lookup in Massachusetts

Step-by-step guide:

Visit Bumper.com: Go to Bumper’s License Plate Lookup page.
Enter license plate number: Input the license plate number of the vehicle you want to look up. Bumper will use this information to try to retrieve relevant data.
Search results: Bumper could provide you with information related to the vehicle.
Explore details: Review the details provided in the search results. This can help you make informed decisions when buying or selling a vehicle.

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Types of license plates in Massachusetts

Standard plates

Since 1993, the standard license plate in Massachusetts has featured raised red lettering on a reflective white background with “Massachusetts” printed in blue across the top and “The Spirit of America” also in blue at the bottom. The plate is also available in a variant with green lettering.

Specialty plates

Massachusetts offers a range of specialty license plates for different needs and interests. This section explores the types of specialty plates available, the additional cost implications, and the qualifications required to obtain them.

Charity/Organization plates

In Massachusetts, charity and organization plates typically require a total payment of $100, both initially and every two years thereafter. This includes a $60 plate fee and a $40 special fee, with proceeds going towards various charitable causes. These plates support a wide range of initiatives, such as wildlife conservation with the “Fish & Wildlife” plate or community health with plates like “ALS One” and “Breast Cancer.” By choosing these plates, drivers can contribute to meaningful causes while displaying their support on their vehicles.

Military plates

In Massachusetts, military plates come with different fee structures based on the type of service recognized. Veterans and National Guard plates require an annual payment of $100, including a $60 plate fee and a $40 special fee. However, plates recognizing specific military honors, such as the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Medal of Honor, and Pearl Harbor Survivor, are issued at no cost. These award-based plates honor recipients with free registration, highlighting their distinguished service to the nation.

Government plates

Government plates in Massachusetts, such as those for the Governor’s Council, Honorary Consular Corps, and various legislative bodies, have a standard annual fee of $50. This includes an initial plate cost of $30 and a $20 special fee. Plates are available for members of the U.S. Congress, the Senate, and the House of Representatives, offering a way to signify their official status with these specially designated plates.

Disabled plates

In Massachusetts, most disabled plates come with a $60 biennial registration fee, providing parking accommodations for individuals with disabilities. However, Disabled Veteran plates are exempt from any fees, recognizing the service of veterans with qualifying disabilities.

Medical plates

In Massachusetts, medical doctor plates come with an initial fee of $60 and a special fee of $40, totaling $100. This same $100 is due every two years for renewal. These plates are available to licensed physicians, offering a personalized way to represent their profession on the road.

Other plates

Massachusetts offers a range of other specialty plates, allowing vehicle owners to express unique interests. Options include the Antique and Ham Radio Operator plates, each with a $50 annual fee, offering a classic nod to history and communication enthusiasts. There’s also the Electric Vehicle plate, which comes with a flat fee of $60. Plates like the Limited Use and Low Speed categories reflect specialized vehicle types, each costing $60 every two years.

Costs and qualifications

Specialty plates often come with additional fees, varying based on the plate type. Detailed fee structures can be found here.

For qualifications, military plates generally require proof of service, such as discharge papers, while disability plates necessitate medical certifications. Costs may range from a nominal fee for administration to higher charges benefiting specific causes, as seen with environmental plates.

Vehicle registration requirements

Required documents

To register a vehicle in Massachusetts, you’ll need the following documents:

Bill of Sale: This document verifies the transaction between the buyer and the seller, establishing the buyer as the new owner.
Certificate of Title: This proves legal ownership and must be filled out correctly to transfer ownership. If you’re purchasing from out of state, ensure the title adheres to Massachusetts standards.
Insurance: Proof of Massachusetts car insurance is mandatory to confirm that the vehicle complies with state insurance requirements.
Proof of identity: Acceptable forms of identification include a driver’s license, Massachusetts ID, or, if applicable, a passport for non-residents.

Registration fees

Costs associated with registering a vehicle in Massachusetts include:

Sales tax: 6.25% of the vehicle’s purchase price, only on the difference if trading in an older vehicle for a newer one.
Title fee: The fee to obtain a certificate of title.
Registration fee: Typically, a standard passenger vehicle registration is valid for 2 years. For vanity plates, registration must be renewed annually at an additional cost ($80 total).

Step-by-step process

Gather documents: Assemble all required paperwork, including the Bill of Sale, Certificate of Title, proof of insurance, and proof of identity.
Complete application: Visit the RMV website or go to your local RMV office to fill out the vehicle registration application form.
Payment: Be ready to pay the necessary fees, including sales tax, title fee, and registration fee. Accepted payment methods usually include credit/debit cards, checks, or money orders.
Submit documents: Hand in all documents and payments to the RMV either online, by mail, or in person.
Receive plates and stickers: Once processed, you will receive your vehicle registration certificate, license plates, and expiration stickers.
Inspection: Have your vehicle inspected within 7 days of registration ($35 typically).

Failure to provide any required document or fee could delay or invalidate the registration process.

Title transfers and fees

Properly transferring a vehicle title is crucial in transferring ownership legally. This section provides instructions on how to transfer a vehicle title in Massachusetts and elucidates the associated costs.

Transfer process

Transferring a car title involves legally transferring ownership of a vehicle from one person or entity to another. The process typically includes the following steps:

1. Seller Signs the Title: The seller must sign the existing car title to release ownership

2. Buyer Takes the Title to the RMV

The buyer is responsible for taking the signed title to the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) to complete the transfer
Required documents include the original car title, the vehicle’s current odometer reading, and the buyer’s state-issued driver’s license.
RMV Issues a New Title: Upon submission, the RMV will process the paperwork and issue a new car title to the buyer.

Fees

The costs associated with transferring a car title in Massachusetts include a title transfer fee, sales tax, and other related fees.

Title transfer fee: The cost to transfer a title varies by state, but in Massachusetts, you’ll need to refer to the RMV’s Schedule of Fees for a precise amount
Sales Tax: A sales tax of 6.25% applies to the purchase of vehicles in Massachusetts. This tax must be paid before the title transfer process can be completed.
Additional fees: Fees for applying for a registration and title may involve other charges, including registration fees depending on the vehicle’s plate type. Refer to the RMV’s Schedule of Fees for specific details

Reporting the sale of the vehicle and removing the license plates, if required, are important steps to ensure transparency and legality throughout the process

In Massachusetts, license plate lookups provide a simple way to try to stay informed and avoid potential headaches. These lookups may offer invaluable peace of mind. With just a few clicks, you could uncover crucial details like liens or potential odometer discrepancies—helping you stay ahead of the game, especially when Massachusetts winters demand your ride is in top shape.