How to cancel your plates with the Massachusetts RMV

You can cancel your vehicle registration with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) by submitting a Form RMV-14 (process for Registration) in person, by mail, or through the RMV's online portal. The form tells the RMV you no longer want to register that vehicle. You'll need your current registration card, the vehicle's title, and proof that the vehicle has been removed from service — usually a bill of sale if you sold it, or a statement if you're scrapping it.

The RMV processes cancellations within two to four weeks by mail, or when ready if you submit the form in person at a branch. Once cancelled, you're no longer liable for registration fees or excise tax on that vehicle, and your plates become inactive. If you plan to sell the vehicle, the buyer will need to register it in their own name; cancelling your plates does not transfer ownership.

Key Takeaways

  • Submit Form RMV-14 to the Massachusetts RMV in person, by mail, or online to cancel your registration.
  • You must provide your current registration card, the vehicle title, and proof the vehicle is no longer in service (bill of sale or scrap notice).
  • Cancellation stops your liability for registration renewal fees and excise tax on that vehicle going forward.
  • If you sold the vehicle, the new owner must register it separately; cancelling your plates does not transfer the title.
  • Processing takes two to four weeks by mail or is when ready at an RMV branch office.

When you need to cancel your plates

You should cancel your registration if you've sold the vehicle, donated it, had it scrapped, or no longer plan to drive it. Cancelling stops the RMV from sending you renewal notices and prevents you from owing excise tax (the annual property tax on vehicles in Massachusetts) for the following year.

If you straightforward let your registration expire without cancelling, the RMV may continue to bill you for excise tax and will eventually send collection notices. Cancelling is the formal way to tell the state you no longer own or operate the vehicle. This is especially important if you've sold the car privately — the buyer's registration is separate from yours, and you need to cancel to avoid future liability.

Documents you'll need to submit

Gather these items before you submit your cancellation:

  • Your current registration card (the pink slip you received when you registered the vehicle)
  • The vehicle's title (the ownership document from the RMV)
  • Proof that the vehicle is no longer in service — a bill of sale if you sold it, a donation receipt if you donated it, or a scrap certificate if it was junked
  • Form RMV-14, completed and signed

If you've lost your registration card or title, you can request a duplicate from the RMV before submitting the cancellation. If you sold the vehicle and don't have a bill of sale, a signed statement from you and the buyer confirming the sale date and price will work.

Three ways to submit your cancellation

In person at an RMV branch: Bring all documents to any Massachusetts RMV office. Staff will process your cancellation on the spot, and your plates will be cancelled when ready. You can find branch locations and hours on the RMV website. This is the fastest option if you want confirmation the same day.

By mail: Send Form RMV-14 and all supporting documents to the RMV's main office in Boston. Include a cover letter stating you want to cancel the registration and listing the vehicle's plate number and VIN. Mail processing takes two to four weeks. Send your documents to: Registry of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 55889, Boston, MA 02205.

Online through the RMV portal: The Massachusetts RMV allows some transactions online through its website. Check whether registration cancellation is available in your account; not all transaction types are offered online yet. If available, you can upload scanned copies of your documents and submit the form digitally.

What happens after you cancel

Once your cancellation is processed, the RMV will deactivate your plates and remove the vehicle from your active registration record. You will no longer receive renewal notices or excise tax bills for that vehicle. The plates themselves remain the property of the RMV; you do not need to return them, though some people choose to do so at an RMV branch.

If you cancelled because you sold the vehicle, keep a copy of the cancellation confirmation for your records. This protects you if the new owner fails to register the vehicle and the RMV tries to hold you liable. If you cancelled because the vehicle was scrapped or donated, the scrap yard or charity will have their own paperwork showing the vehicle is no longer in service.

If you need to register a vehicle again in the future, you'll start fresh with a new registration process and fee. Cancelling one vehicle does not affect your ability to register others.

If you sold the vehicle but the buyer hasn't registered it yet

You can cancel your registration even if the new owner hasn't yet registered the vehicle in their name. The buyer has a grace period (usually 10 days in Massachusetts) to register it, but you don't have to wait. Once you cancel, the vehicle is no longer tied to your name or registration. The buyer must then register it separately using the title you gave them.

If the buyer never registers the vehicle and it sits unregistered, that's their problem, not yours — as long as you have a bill of sale or written proof of the sale. Keep that document for at least three years in case the RMV or a debt collector tries to contact you about the vehicle later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to return my license plates to the RMV when I cancel?

No, you don't have to return them. The plates remain state property, but the RMV doesn't require you to turn them in. Some people prefer to return them at a branch office for peace of mind, and you can do that if you want. Either way, once your cancellation is processed, the plates are inactive and cannot be used legally.

Will cancelling my registration affect my driver's license?

No. Cancelling vehicle registration has no effect on your driver's license. Your license and your vehicle registration are separate records at the RMV. You can cancel a vehicle and keep your license active.

What if I sold the vehicle but don't have a bill of sale?

You can write a straightforward statement on plain paper signed by both you and the buyer, stating the date of sale, the vehicle's make and model, the plate number, and the sale price. The RMV will accept this as proof of sale. Keep a copy for yourself. If you can't get the buyer's signature, contact the RMV to ask what other documentation they'll accept.

Can I cancel my registration online if I don't have a scanner?

If the RMV's online portal doesn't work for you, submit your cancellation by mail or visit a branch in person. Both options accept physical documents. You don't need to scan anything if you go to an office or mail your forms.

How long does it take to cancel if I go in person?

If you visit an RMV branch with all required documents, your cancellation is processed when ready. You'll receive confirmation on the spot. By mail, processing takes two to four weeks.