How to cancel your Massachusetts plates
You can cancel your Massachusetts plates by mail, in person at an RMV office, or online through the Massachusetts RMV website. The fastest method is online if you have your registration documents handy. By mail, you'll need to send your plates and a completed form to the RMV's Boston office. In person, you can walk in to any RMV branch with your plates and registration.
The RMV does not require advance notice or a specific reason to cancel plates. You can cancel at any time — whether you're selling the vehicle, moving out of state, or straightforward not using the car anymore. Once cancelled, you lose the right to operate that vehicle on Massachusetts roads, and the registration is terminated.
If you're cancelling because you sold the vehicle, the new owner will need to register it in their own name. If you're cancelling because you're moving, check whether your new state requires you to register the vehicle there within a certain timeframe — most states do.
Key Takeaways
- You can cancel plates online, by mail, or in person at any Massachusetts RMV office without providing a reason.
- If you cancel by mail, send your physical plates and a signed form to the RMV's Boston office; processing takes one to two weeks.
- Online cancellation through the RMV website is the fastest option if you have your registration number and driver's license information ready.
- Cancelling plates does not automatically cancel your registration or insurance — contact your insurer separately to avoid paying for coverage you don't need.
- If you sold the vehicle, the buyer must register it in their own name; you are not responsible for their registration or any violations they incur.
Cancelling plates by mail
To cancel by mail, print or request the RMV Form 2 (process for Registration or Renewal). You'll need to complete the form, check the box for cancellation, and sign it. Mail the form along with your physical registration card and license plates to the RMV's Boston office at 630 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111.
Include both the front and back plates if your vehicle has them. The RMV will process the cancellation within one to two weeks and send you written confirmation. Keep a copy of the form you mailed for your records in case you need proof of cancellation later.
If you've lost your plates or they're damaged, you can still cancel by mail — just note on the form that the plates are missing or unusable. The RMV will proceed with the cancellation without the physical plates.
Cancelling plates online
The Massachusetts RMV website offers online plate cancellation through your account on mass.gov. You'll need your registration number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and your driver's license number to log in. The online system will walk you through the cancellation steps and provide when ready confirmation.
Online cancellation is typically processed within one business day. However, you will still need to return your physical plates to the RMV by mail or in person within 10 days of the online cancellation. If you don't return the plates, the RMV may send you a notice or bill you for the unreturned plates.
If you don't have an online account, you can create one on the RMV website. The account setup takes a few minutes and requires your driver's license information and vehicle registration details.
Cancelling plates in person at an RMV office
You can cancel your plates at any Massachusetts RMV branch by bringing your registration card, driver's license, and both license plates. The staff will process the cancellation on the spot and give you a receipt. This method takes about 15 to 30 minutes depending on wait times at your local office.
Find your nearest RMV office on mass.gov. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others operate by appointment only. Check the office's hours and whether you need to book a time slot before you go.
If you're unable to return your plates in person, you can still cancel online or by mail — returning the plates by mail afterward is acceptable.
What happens after you cancel
Once your plates are cancelled, your vehicle registration is terminated and you cannot legally drive that vehicle on Massachusetts roads. The RMV will send you written confirmation of the cancellation, usually within one to two weeks if you cancelled by mail, or when ready if you cancelled in person or online.
Your insurance policy does not automatically cancel when you cancel your plates. Contact your insurance company directly and ask them to cancel or suspend your policy. If you don't, you may continue to be charged premiums for a vehicle you're no longer using. Some insurers offer a "laid-up" or storage rate if you plan to keep the vehicle but not drive it.
If you sold the vehicle, the buyer is responsible for registering it in their own name. You have no further obligation to the RMV for that vehicle. However, if the buyer does not register it and the vehicle is involved in an accident or violation, you may be contacted as the previous owner — provide the RMV with the buyer's information if this happens.
Cancelling plates when you sell your vehicle
When you sell a vehicle in Massachusetts, you should cancel the plates as soon as the sale is complete. The buyer will need to register the vehicle in their own name, and you should not keep the plates or registration in your name.
If you're selling privately, provide the buyer with the registration card and explain that they must register the vehicle at the RMV within a certain timeframe (typically 10 days). You can cancel your plates when ready after the sale — you don't need to wait for the buyer to complete their registration.
If you're trading in or selling to a dealer, the dealer will handle the registration transfer. Ask the dealer for written confirmation that they've received the vehicle and will handle the registration. You can then cancel your plates.
Cancelling plates when you move out of state
If you're moving out of Massachusetts and taking your vehicle with you, you'll need to cancel your Massachusetts plates and register the vehicle in your new state. Most states require you to register a vehicle within 30 to 60 days of moving, so check your new state's requirements before you leave.
You can cancel your Massachusetts plates before or after you move — there's no requirement to do it in a specific order. However, you cannot legally drive the vehicle on Massachusetts roads after the cancellation, so if you're still in the state, cancel after you've completed your move.
Keep your cancellation confirmation from the RMV. Your new state may ask for proof that your Massachusetts registration has ended when you register the vehicle there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to cancel my insurance when I cancel my plates?
No, but you should contact your insurance company and ask them to cancel or suspend your policy. Cancelling plates does not automatically cancel insurance. If you don't notify your insurer, you may continue to be charged premiums. Some companies offer a lower rate for vehicles that are stored and not driven.
What if I lost my license plates?
You can still cancel your registration by mail or online without the physical plates. On the form or in the online system, note that the plates are missing. The RMV will process the cancellation without requiring you to return them.
Can I cancel my plates if I still owe money on the vehicle?
Yes. Owing money on a loan does not prevent you from cancelling your plates with the RMV. However, your lender may have a lien on the vehicle, which means they have a legal claim to it. Check your loan documents or contact your lender before you sell or dispose of the vehicle.
How long does it take to cancel plates by mail?
Processing typically takes one to two weeks from the date the RMV receives your form and plates. Mail delivery adds time on both ends, so allow three to four weeks total from when you send the package. You'll receive written confirmation when the cancellation is complete.
What if I want to cancel plates for a vehicle I'm not using but plan to keep?
You can cancel the registration and plates. If you want to use the vehicle again later, you'll need to re-register it and pay the registration fee at that time. Alternatively, ask your insurance company about a "laid-up" or storage rate, which is cheaper than active coverage but keeps the vehicle registered if you plan to use it again soon.