How to Get a Title for an Abandoned Vehicle in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has a 10–30 days wait period before you can begin the title process. Here is everything a towing company, storage facility, or property owner needs to know.

Quick Reference

Wait Period10–30 days

Process NameAbandoned Vehicle Title Application

Estimated CostDMV fees + towing and storage charges

Total Timeline45–90 days

Bond Required?Not typically

Wait Period & Reporting

10–30 days wait required. Wait periods vary by state and whether the vehicle is on public or private property.

Notifying the Owner

Certified mail to last registered owner and lienholder

Notice is required before any abandoned vehicle title can be issued. Contact your state DMV for specific requirements.

Lienholder Rights

Lienholder must be notified and given time to respond

Failure to notify a lienholder properly can void the entire abandoned vehicle title process.

The Title Application Process

Form/Program: Abandoned Vehicle Title Application

Process varies by state. Typically initiated by a towing company, storage facility, or property owner.

Restrictions & Requirements

Must follow state-specific notice and wait period requirements
All liens must be resolved before a clean title can issue
Storage or towing facility typically must be licensed

Massachusetts-Specific Note

Always verify current wait periods and fees with your state DMV — abandoned vehicle laws change frequently.

Massachusetts-Specific Facts for Abandoned Vehicle Title

Massachusetts Vehicle transfer fees and requirements

In Massachusetts, the title transfer fee is $75 and registration costs $60 for 2-year registration. Vehicle sales are subject to 6.25% sales tax on purchase price. Massachusetts does not require notarization for private-party vehicle transfers. Emission testing is required in Massachusetts — verify the vehicle passes before completing the sale.

Annual safety and emissions inspection required
RMV (Registry of Motor Vehicles) handles titles
Insurance must be obtained before registration
Title transfer within 10 days of sale

Official Massachusetts bill of sale form

The official Massachusetts bill of sale form is RMV-3 (Bill of Sale). BillOfSaleNow generates a document that meets all Massachusetts requirements and can be used in place of the official form.

Massachusetts sales tax on vehicle purchases

Massachusetts has a 6.25% state sales tax rate. Flat 6.25% statewide; no additional local vehicle taxes. Private-party vehicle sales in Massachusetts are subject to sales tax. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases. The title transfer fee is $75.

Massachusetts bill of sale statistics

BillOfSaleNow has generated 1,672 bill of sale documents for Massachusetts transactions, with 45 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.

More Massachusetts Vehicle Guides

Each guide is written specifically for Massachusetts laws, agencies, and procedures. Bookmark for future reference.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long before a vehicle is considered abandoned in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts requires a 10–30 days wait period. Wait periods vary by state and whether the vehicle is on public or private property.

How do I notify the owner of an abandoned vehicle in Massachusetts?

Certified mail to last registered owner and lienholder. Notice is required before any abandoned vehicle title can be issued. Contact your state DMV for specific requirements.

How much does it cost to get an abandoned vehicle title in Massachusetts?

DMV fees + towing and storage charges. Costs vary widely by state and accumulate with each day in storage.

How long does the abandoned vehicle title process take in Massachusetts?

45–90 days. Process includes wait periods, notice periods, and DMV processing time.

Does Massachusetts require a surety bond for an abandoned vehicle title?

Not for the standard process. Some states require a surety bond if the title history is unclear or the vehicle has a prior out-of-state registration.

Selling the Vehicle After You Get Title?

Create a compliant Massachusetts bill of sale to protect yourself in the transaction.

Generate Bill of Sale

Source: State DMV. Abandoned vehicle laws change frequently — verify current wait periods with your state DMV.