How to register a vehicle in
Massachusetts
as a non-US resident
State Overview and Advice
In order to register a vehicle in Massachusetts, you need a Massachusetts address, and proof of lawful presence (such as I-94 - Arrival/Departure record).
If you do not have a Massachusetts address, or are arriving on a visa waiver (e.g., ESTA), we recommend using visitor.us' services to register a vehicle that you buy in Massachusetts.
The Registration Process
Massachusetts vehicle registrations are handled by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV).
Temporary tags are not available in Massachusetts.
Whether you purchase your vehicle from a dealer or private party, if you plan on registering your vehicle in Massachusetts, you must bring the form TTLREG100 - Registration and Title Application to a licensed Massachusetts insurance agent, who will complete, sign, and stamp your application. Bring the signed, stamped TTLREG100 to a local RMV office with the required items (below) to complete your registration.
For vehicles being registered in Massachusetts, Massachusetts sales taxes are payable to the dealer upon sale, or the RMV upon registration (if purchased from a private party).
Taxes and Fees
Sales Tax
State sales tax
Average local sales tax
Average combined sales tax
Registration fees
Light Vehicle
Fees: $135
Annual Excise Tax: 2.25% of a new vehicle's value, decreasing to 0.25% of the vehicle's value 5 years after manufacture.
RV
Fees: $125
Annual Excise Tax: 2.25% of a new vehicle's value, decreasing to 0.25% of the vehicle's value 5 years after manufacture.
Motorcycle
Fees: $95
Annual Excise Tax: 2.25% of a new vehicle's value, decreasing to 0.25% of the vehicle's value 5 years after manufacture.
$15,000 car
$50,000 RV
$5,000 motorcycle
Total taxes and fees
Registration Requirements
Prior owner's title
The vehicle's title must be signed by the owner(s) printed on the title, its odometer reading recorded (if less than 10 years in age), and be free of all liens in order for the prior owner's interest to be released.
Identification
A current, government-issued photo ID is required to register a vehicle in Massachusetts.
Bill of sale
A bill of sale is not required to register a vehicle in Massachusetts, although signing one with the vehicle's seller is recommended.
Application
TTLREG100 - Registration and Title ApplicationInspection
Emissions (smog)
An annual combined safety/emissions inspection is required to register a vehicle or renew its registration. It must be obtained within 7 days of registration date.
Safety
An annual combined safety/emissions inspection is required to register a vehicle or renew its registration. It must be obtained within 7 days of registration date.
VIN
Insurance
Massachusetts's minimum liability insurance limits are 20/40/5.
Residency
Massachusetts does not require proof of residency to register a vehicle.
Local Address
Vehicles registered in Massachusetts must be registered to a Massachusetts address.
The Alternative
Company Formation
Vehicle Purchase
The seller will list your LLC and its address as the buyer on the vehicle's title, and visitor.us will arrange for it to be couriered to us for processing.
Insurance
Vehicle Registration
- MT sales tax: 0%
- Inspections not required in MT
