I Just Moved to Massachusetts. How Do I Get My Driver's License and Vehicle Registration?
Massachusetts is popular because of its awesome schools, intense sports culture, and rich history. Are you ready to make the Bay State your new home? Before you make the move, you need to know that you are responsible for transferring your out-of-state driver’s license and out-of-state vehicle registration to the state of Massachusetts. Here’s what you need to know about transferring your out-of-state documents.
How to Transfer Your Driver’s License to the State of Massachusetts
In the state of Massachusetts, when you’re transferring your out-of-state driver’s license, you can choose to obtain a REAL ID/Driver’s License or a standard driver’s license.
A REAL ID is a type of legal government identification that bears a star and can be used to fly within the U.S. or to enter federal buildings. To obtain a REAL ID, you must apply in person at any Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (MA RMV) office.
If you prefer a standard MA driver’s license, keep in mind that a standard driver’s license is NOT a valid form of federal identification. However, it can be obtained online. You can use your standard MA driver’s license to prove citizenship or lawful presence in the U.S., but it can’t be used to board a plane or visit federal buildings after May 3, 2033.
Schedule an Appointment
You can schedule an appointment with your local MA RMV office here. You can also complete the application online and print it to save time by clicking here.
Required Documents
Before you head to your local MA RMV office, you need to make sure you have the required documentation. You need to have one of the documents listed in the following categories:
Application for an MA driver’s license, learner’s permit, or ID card (Form LIC100)
REAL ID
Standard ID
Proof of Identity
U.S. passport
Certified copy of your U.S. birth certificate
Certificate of citizenship (Forms N-560 or N-561)
Proof of Massachusetts Residency
An MA RMV issued document
Lease or mortgage documents (no older than 60 days)
Federal, state, or municipal-issued documents
A medical statement, credit card statement, or utility bill (no older than 60 days)
Proof of Social Security
Social security card
W-2 form
Be advised that you also need to present a valid out-of-state driver’s license and are responsible for paying all applicable MA driver’s license fees, if any.
Testing Requirements for Transferring Your Out-of-State Driver’s License to Massachusetts
If your out-of-state driver’s license has been expired for more than one year, you must take the Massachusetts written and road exams. You will also be required to take an eye exam at the time of your application.
If you are younger than 18 years of age, you must provide driver’s education certificate or complete the Massachusetts driver’s education course.
Massachusetts Eye Examination
In order to pass the MA RMV vision test, you must obtain 20/20 vision. If you don’t have 20/40 vision or better (natural or corrected), this means you must wear glasses or corrective lenses to operate a motor vehicle. If you already wear glasses or corrective lenses, you must wear them during your vision examination.
Massachusetts Written Exam
The Massachusetts written examination consists of 25 multiple-choice questions. These questions pertain to the driving laws, traffic signs, and road signs in Massachusetts. Of the 25 questions, you must answer at least 18 of the questions correctly.
Massachusetts Road Exam
The Massachusetts road examination is the in-car part of the driving test. You will be tested on how well you maneuver a motor vehicle, such as turning, parking, adhering to road signs, and more.
Receive Your Temporary Massachusetts License
If the MA RMV accepts your documents and payment(s), you will receive a temporary MA driver’s license. You will use your temporary driver’s license until you receive your permanent MA driver’s license in the mail.
Yay! Now that you are aware of how to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license to the state of Massachusetts, you can learn how to transfer your out-of-state vehicle registration to the same state.
Transferring an Out-of-State Vehicle Registration to Massachusetts
In order to transfer your out-of-state vehicle registration, you must provide proof of insurance, your vehicle’s title, and odometer disclosure statement, and payment for all applicable MA RMV fees. Keep in mind that special vehicles, such as ATVs, trailers, custom-built vehicles, and snowmobiles have different registration requirements.
New Residents of Massachusetts
As a new resident of Massachusetts, you are required to convert your out-of-state vehicle registration to the state of Massachusetts within 30 days of establishing residency in the state. You will also be required to title your vehicle, which can be taken care of at the same time you register your vehicle.
Massachusetts Vehicle Titling Exemptions
If your vehicle was registered in your previous state for more than six months, you will be exempt from paying the MA vehicle sales tax. You are also exempt from the MA vehicle sales tax if you purchased a vehicle in Massachusetts and had it delivered to an out-of-state address, and want to now register it in the state of Massachusetts.
Keep in mind that you are also exempt from vehicle titling if your vehicle is model year 1980 or older and it was purchased before November 26, 1990. In this situation, you will be exempt from paying the MA $75 vehicle titling fee.
Transferring Your Out-of-State Vehicle Registration
In order to successfully convert your out-of-state vehicle registration with the MA RMV, you are require to first visit a licensed MA insurance agent and:
Obtain a valid MA auto insurance policy
Have the insurance agent complete an Application for Registration and Title (Form TTLREG100). You need to make sure the insurance agent signs and stamps the MA registration and title application. If there is a lien on your vehicle, the vehicle application must provide the lien holder’s full name and vehicle title number.
Sign the registration and title application
Once you have a valid Ma vehicle insurance policy and a registration application from the insurance agent, you can visit your local MA RMV office and submit:
The signed Application for Registration and Title (Form TTLREG100)
An Affidavit in Support for Exemption From Sales or Use Tax for a Motor Vehicle Purchased Outside of Massachusetts (Form MVU-29), if applicable. (If your vehicle’s title is currently held by a lien holder, you are required to submit your out-of-state vehicle registration.
Payment for the MA vehicle registration fees and the $75 vehicle titling fee
The length of time your vehicle’s registration certificate remains valid is based on the type of license plate you choose. To determine whether your vehicle registration will be annual or biennial, click here. Your vehicle’s title will be mailed to you or the lien holder within 10 business days.
Registering Your Vehicle in Massachusetts
The steps you’re required to take to register your vehicle in MA vary depending on whether you purchased your vehicle from a dealer or if the vehicle was purchased as a gift or from a private party.
Vehicles Purchased From a Dealer
If you purchased a new or used vehicle from a MA dealer, you are required to take the following steps:
Have the dealer complete the Application for Registration and Title (Form TTLREG100) If there was a lien on your vehicle, you need to make sure the lien holder’s information is included.
Take your Application for Registration and Title form to an MA licensed insurance agent and purchase an insurance policy for your new vehicle. You also need to have the agent stamp and sign your vehicle application.
When these steps are completed, go to your local MA RMV office and present:
Your completed Application for Registration and Title (Form TTLREG100)
One of the following proofs of ownership:
Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (this certificate is required for brand new vehicle only. This certificate must include the date the vehicle was sold, an odometer reading, purchase price, and the dealer’s signature on the back of the form.)
Dealer re-assignment form or previous owner’s Certificate of Title (if a vehicle title exists, you must take it to the RMV with you.) The Certificate of Title must include the date the vehicle was sold, an odometer reading, purchase price, and the previous owner’s signature on the back of the Certificate of Title.
Bill of sale and previous registration certificate for vehicles that are age-exempt from titling
Payment for all applicable registration fees, vehicle sales tax, and the $75 vehicle titling fee, if applicable
You will receive a vehicle registration certificate and new license plates with a registration decal for the back of your vehicle. Your new vehicle title will be mailed to you or your lien holder within 10 business days. Be advised that you must also pass a vehicle inspection within seven days of registering your vehicle in Massachusetts.
Vehicles Purchased From a Private Party
The process for registering a vehicle that was purchased from a private party is slightly different from the steps above.
If you purchased your vehicle from an individual through a private sale, you must:
Obtain a valid MA auto insurance policy
Have the insurance agency complete, sign, and stamp an Application for Registration and Title (Form TTLREG100) If there is a lien on your vehicle, you need to make sure the lien holder’s information is included on the application.
After you purchase insurance and completed the vehicle application, go to your local MA RMV office and present the following documents:
Your completed Application for Registration and Title (Form TTLREG100) with the insurance agent’s stamp and signature
The Certificate of Title from the previous vehicle owner, signed by you and the seller of the vehicle (if there is room on the vehicle title, include the sales price. If not, provide a bill of sale indicating the sales price of the vehicle.)
The bill of sale or the vehicle’s previous registration (if the vehicle was age exempt from titling)
A statement of mileage (odometer disclosure statement)
Payment for all applicable MA sales tax, registration fees, and the MA $75 vehicle titling fee, if applicable.
You will receive your new MA vehicle registration and license plates immediately. Your new MA vehicle title will arrive in the mail within 10 business days. You will also need to complete a vehicle inspection within 7 days of your date of registration.
Massachusetts RMV Locations
There are different RMV locations in Massachusetts that allow you to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license and out-of-state vehicle registration.
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles - Worcester Office
*611 Main St
f*Worcester, MA 01608
(857) 368-8000
Monday-Friday (9 AM to 5 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles - Watertown Office
550 Arsenal St
Watertown, MA 02472
(857) 368-8000
Monday-Friday (9 AM to 5 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles - Braintree Office
10 Plain St
Braintree, MA 02184
(857) 368-8000
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday (9 AM to 5 PM)
Thursday (10 AM to 6 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)
