How to cancel your Massachusetts license plates

To cancel your Massachusetts license plates, you surrender them to the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) in person or by mail, along with a completed Form RMV-14 (process for Registration). You do not need to cancel plates straightforward because you are selling the car — the new owner registers it in their name. You cancel plates when you are scrapping the vehicle, moving out of state, or no longer plan to drive it in Massachusetts.

The process takes about 10 minutes in person at an RMV branch, or two to three weeks by mail. If you cancel before your registration expires, you may receive a refund of the unused portion of your registration fee, though the amount depends on how much time remains on your current registration.

Key Takeaways

  • You cancel plates by surrendering them to the RMV along with Form RMV-14, either in person at a branch or by mail to the RMV office in Boston.
  • Canceling plates is different from selling the car — the buyer registers the vehicle in their own name, and you do not need to cancel your plates first.
  • If you cancel before your registration expires, you may receive a refund for the unused portion of your registration fee.
  • You must remove the plates from the vehicle before surrendering them, and you keep any plate stickers or decals.

When you actually need to cancel plates

Most people do not need to cancel plates. If you are selling your car, the new owner straightforward registers it in their name at the RMV — your plates stay with you and your old registration ends automatically. You do not file any paperwork to end your registration when ownership changes.

You cancel plates in these situations: the vehicle is being scrapped or junked, you are moving permanently out of Massachusetts and will not drive the car here again, the car is being stored long-term and you do not want to pay for registration, or you are donating the vehicle to a charity. If you are unsure whether you need to cancel, contact your local RMV branch — they can tell you in one call whether cancellation is necessary for your situation.

Canceling plates in person at an RMV branch

Bring the license plates themselves, your registration card, and a completed Form RMV-14 to any RMV service center. You can read Form RMV-14 from the Massachusetts RMV website or pick up a copy at the branch. Fill in your name, address, vehicle identification number (VIN), and the reason for cancellation.

Hand the plates and form to the RMV clerk. They will process the cancellation on the spot and give you a receipt. If your registration has time remaining, ask about the refund process — the RMV will mail you a check within four to six weeks. Bring your driver's license or other photo ID.

Canceling plates by mail

Complete Form RMV-14 and place your license plates in a padded envelope or small box. Mail both to the Registry of Motor Vehicles, 100 Nashua Street, Boston, MA 02114. Include a brief note with your name, phone number, and the reason for cancellation. Do not use certified mail or signature-required delivery — regular mail is sufficient and faster.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the RMV receives your package. If you are owed a refund, the RMV will mail it separately. Keep a copy of Form RMV-14 for your records. If you do not hear back within a month, call the RMV at 857-368-8000 to confirm receipt.

Refunds for unused registration time

Massachusetts refunds the unused portion of your registration fee when you cancel before your registration expires. The refund is calculated by the number of months remaining. For example, if your registration expires in eight months and you cancel today, you receive a refund for approximately eight months of the registration fee.

The RMV does not refund the plate fee itself — only the registration portion. Refunds are mailed to the address on file and typically arrive within four to six weeks of cancellation. If you do not receive a refund check within two months, contact the RMV to verify your mailing address and check the status.

What happens to your plates after cancellation

Once you surrender your plates to the RMV, they become the property of the state. You cannot reuse them or keep them as a souvenir. If you have a vanity plate or a specialty plate (such as a military or environmental plate), the plate number is retired and not reassigned to another vehicle.

If you are canceling by mail and are concerned about the plates being lost in transit, you can remove them from the vehicle and keep them until you receive confirmation of cancellation from the RMV. However, you cannot drive the vehicle without valid plates, so this works only if the car is not being driven.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to cancel my plates if I am selling my car?

No. The new owner registers the vehicle in their name at the RMV, and your registration ends automatically. You keep your plates and can use them on another vehicle if you own one. You do not file any paperwork to transfer or cancel your plates when you sell.

What if I lost my registration card or plates?

You can still cancel. Bring your driver's license and a completed Form RMV-14 to an RMV branch and explain that the plates or card are missing. The RMV will process the cancellation without the physical plates. If canceling by mail, include a note explaining what is missing.

Can I cancel my registration without surrendering the plates?

No. Cancellation requires you to surrender the plates themselves. If the plates are damaged or missing, contact your local RMV branch to report it before you cancel — they will guide you through the process and may waive the requirement to produce the plates.

How long does a refund take after I cancel?

Refunds are mailed within four to six weeks of the RMV processing your cancellation. If you cancel in person, the RMV gives you a receipt with the expected refund date. If you cancel by mail, allow an additional two to three weeks for the RMV to receive and process your paperwork before the refund clock starts.

What if I want to reactivate my registration later?

You cannot reactivate a canceled registration. If you want to drive the vehicle again in Massachusetts, you must register it as a new vehicle and obtain new plates. This requires paying the full registration fee and any applicable plate fees.