How to transfer a car title in Massachusetts
For private sellers and buyers in Massachusetts. A dealer trade-in follows the dealer's own process.
To transfer a car title in Massachusetts, the seller signs the assignment on the title with the odometer reading and hands it over with the car. The buyer fills in the application on the title and sends it to the RMV promptly. The RMV will not register the car until the sales tax is paid.
What do the buyer and seller each do in Massachusetts?
Seller
- Sign the assignment on the title when you hand over the car. Write the odometer reading, and the assignment includes the warranty of title.
- Give the title to the buyer, or mail it to the RMV.
- Return the registration certificate to the RMV right away, with the sale date and the buyer's name and address.
- Once you have done your part and handed over the car, you are not liable for damage from how it is driven.
Buyer
- Fill in the application for a new title on the title itself, and send it to the RMV promptly.
- Pay the sales tax. The RMV will not register the car until it is paid.
If you're not sure what you need, check with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles before you go: mass.gov
How do I sign over a car title in Massachusetts?
Step 1 · Seller
Sign the title over to the buyer.
Fill in the assignment on the title with the odometer reading when you hand over the car.
malegislature.gov checkedStep 2 · Seller
Hand over the title.
Give it to the buyer, or mail it to the RMV.
malegislature.gov checkedStep 3 · Seller
Return the registration.
Send the registration certificate to the RMV right away, with the sale date and the buyer's name and address.
malegislature.gov checked
We have not confirmed whether Massachusetts requires a bill of sale. Check with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles before you sell.
Massachusetts bill of saleHow do I put a car title in my name in Massachusetts?
Step 1 · Buyer
Get the signed title.
The seller signs it over when you take the car.
malegislature.gov checkedStep 2 · Buyer
Apply for your title promptly.
Fill in the application on the title and send it to the RMV.
malegislature.gov checkedStep 3 · Buyer
Pay the sales tax.
The RMV will not register the car until the tax is paid.
malegislature.gov checked
After the RMV processes your papers, it issues the new title in the new owner's name.
Massachusetts guides
How much does a title transfer cost in Massachusetts?
| Fee | Amount | Who pays | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title fee | Not confirmed yet | Buyer | malegislature.gov Checked |
| Sales tax | Due before the RMV registers the car | Buyer | malegislature.gov Checked |
| Total of required fees, before tax | Not confirmed yet |
Fees can change. Check the official page before you pay. Tax depends on the price and on who is buying. The tax rules are on the site of the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.
Special cases
- Giving a car as a giftNot confirmed yet Gift steps for Massachusetts are being checked.
- Lost titleReplace a lost title in Massachusetts.
Common questions
What does the seller do with the registration?
Notify the RMV right away, and return the registration certificate. Include the sale date and the buyer's name and address.
malegislature.gov checked
Is the seller liable after the sale?
Not for damage from how the car is driven, once the seller has done their part and handed it over.
malegislature.gov checked
Is there a deadline for the buyer?
The law says promptly after the buyer gets the car. It gives no number of days.
malegislature.gov checked
Sources for this page
- malegislature.gov/Laws/
GeneralLaws/ CheckedPartI/ TitleIX/ Chapter64H/ Section25 - malegislature.gov/Laws/
GeneralLaws/ CheckedPartI/ TitleXIV/ Chapter90/ Section2 - malegislature.gov/Laws/
GeneralLaws/ CheckedPartI/ TitleXIV/ Chapter90/ Section33 - malegislature.gov/Laws/
GeneralLaws/ CheckedPartI/ TitleXIV/ Chapter90D/ Section15
About this page
This page summarizes official Massachusetts sources in plain English. Car Title Steps is not a government website, is not connected to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, and does not file or prepare forms. Confirm each step with the agency before you sign, pay or mail anything. Found a mistake? Email mr@marcelruettgers.com.