Massachusetts Title Transfer Guide (2026)
| Titling agency | Massachusetts DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 10 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 6.25% · Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| VIN inspection (out-of-state) | Not required |
| Lien release form | RMV-1 (lien section) |
Massachusetts title transfer in 8 steps
- 1Gather documents — original title (or duplicate if lost), valid government ID, current registration, lien release (RMV-1 (lien section)) if applicable, and odometer disclosure for vehicles under 20 years old.
- 2Complete the bill of sale — record buyer + seller full legal names and addresses, vehicle VIN, year, make, model, odometer reading, sale price, and sale date.
- 3Sign the title — seller endorses the title assignment section on the back, fills in buyer info, odometer reading, and sale date. Massachusetts requires odometer disclosure for vehicles under 15 years old.
- 4Check VIN inspection requirements — if the vehicle is from out of state, confirm whether Massachusetts requires a VIN inspection (varies by origin state).
- 5Buyer files at Massachusetts DMV — within 10 days of the sale, the buyer brings the signed title, bill of sale, and ID to Massachusetts DMV.
- 6Pay tax and fees — 6.25% sales/use tax on the sale price plus any local surtax, plus the title fee ($15-$50).
- 7Receive new title — Massachusetts DMV issues a new title in the buyer's name (typically by mail within 2-4 weeks).
- 8Seller files release of liability — to remove future ticket/toll responsibility from the seller's record, file a notice of transfer with Massachusetts DMV the same day as the sale.
Massachusetts lien release procedure
- Lienholder completes the lien release section on the existing title or provides a separate release letter.
- Owner submits the released title with Form RMV-1 (registration/title application) at a Massachusetts RMV office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean Massachusetts title.
Inherited vehicle title transfer
Massachusetts estate transfers require either a small-estate affidavit (for estates below the state threshold, typically $50,000-$150,000) or letters of administration from probate court. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title to Massachusetts DMV.
Need a Massachusetts bill of sale to complete the transfer?
Compliant with Massachusetts DMV requirements. From $9 — instant DMV-ready PDF, no signup.
Create Massachusetts Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Massachusetts
How long do I have to transfer a car title in Massachusetts?▾
Massachusetts requires the buyer to file the title transfer within 10 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline triggers late penalties (typically $25-$50) and accrued use tax.
What does a Massachusetts title transfer cost?▾
Massachusetts charges 6.25% state sales/use tax on the transfer price plus any local surtax. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases The title fee itself is typically $15-$50 depending on vehicle class.
Do I need a bill of sale to transfer a title in Massachusetts?▾
Yes — Massachusetts requires a written bill of sale documenting the buyer, seller, vehicle (VIN, year, make, model), odometer reading, and sale price. Massachusetts DMV uses the bill of sale to calculate sales tax and confirm transfer terms.
What if there's a lien on the title in Massachusetts?▾
In Massachusetts, the lender must complete RMV-1 (lien section) confirming lien satisfaction before title transfer. Some lenders provide an electronic release directly to Massachusetts DMV. The buyer cannot register the vehicle until the lien is cleared.
How do I transfer a title for an inherited vehicle in Massachusetts?▾
Massachusetts inherited-vehicle transfers require either a small-estate affidavit or letters of administration depending on estate value. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title (or duplicate) to Massachusetts DMV, along with a bill of sale for any sale to a third party.
Source: Massachusetts DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07