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How do I get a license plate sticker in Massachusetts?

By: Author Olin Wade (Remodel or Move Stuff)

Getting a license plate sticker in Massachusetts is a relatively straightforward process that involves renewing your vehicle registration. All vehicles registered in Massachusetts are required to display a valid registration sticker on the upper right corner of the license plate. This sticker indicates that the vehicle registration is current and that required fees have been paid.

The registration renewal and license plate sticker must be obtained every year. The Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) handles all registration renewals and sticker issuance in Massachusetts. You have three options for renewing your registration: online, by mail, or in person at an RMV branch. This article provides an overview of how to renew your registration and get a new license plate sticker through each method.

What is the license plate sticker for?

The license plate sticker, also known as the registration sticker, serves a few important purposes in Massachusetts:

  • Shows that you have registered your vehicle with the RMV and paid the required registration fees
  • Indicates the expiration date of your vehicle’s registration
  • Allows law enforcement to identify whether a vehicle’s registration is valid and up-to-date

Displaying an expired sticker or no sticker can result in fines, so it is important to renew your registration on time each year. The color and design of the sticker changes annually to make it easy for police to identify the expiration year.

When do I need to renew my registration?

Vehicle registrations in Massachusetts expire each year on the last day of the month in which the vehicle owner was born. For example:

  • If your birthday is in January, your registration expires January 31st
  • If your birthday is in February, your registration expires February 28th (or 29th in a leap year)
  • If your birthday is in December, your registration expires December 31st

The RMV will mail you a renewal notice approximately 60 days before your registration is due to expire. However, it is your responsibility to renew on time, even if you do not receive the mailed notice.

You can renew your registration up to 90 days prior to the expiration date. Renewing early does not change the next expiration date – it will still be set based on your birth month and year.

How do I renew my registration and get a new sticker online?

Renewing online is the fastest and most convenient option for getting your new license plate sticker each year. Here are the steps:

  1. Go to the RMV online portal and log into your account. If you do not already have an account, you will need to create one.
  2. Click on “Your Vehicle Registration” and select the option to renew registration for a vehicle in your name.
  3. Verify the vehicle information and enter your insurance information. The system will ask you to pay any required registration fees.
  4. Pay your registration fees and process the transaction. You can use a credit/debit card or electronic check.
  5. Print out the temporary registration document provided on the confirmation page.
  6. Your new registration sticker and registration card will be mailed to you within 7 days. Place the new sticker on your license plate once received.

The RMV charges a convenience fee for online registration renewals. Renewing well ahead of your expiration date can help avoid late fees.

How do I renew my registration by mail?

You can also renew your registration via mail by following these steps:

  1. Wait for your renewal notice to arrive in the mail from the RMV. This will include your registration number.
  2. Fill out the renewal notice with your personal and vehicle information.
  3. Provide your insurance information and pay any registration fees owed by check or money order.
  4. Mail the completed renewal notice and payment to the RMV using the enclosed envelope.
  5. Your new registration sticker and card will be mailed back within 2-3 weeks after processing.
  6. Place the new sticker on your license plate once received.

This option avoids online convenience fees but takes more time. Make sure to mail your renewal 1-2 weeks before expiration to avoid a lapse or late fees.

How do I renew my registration in person?

You can also renew your registration and get your new sticker in person at any RMV branch. Here’s how:

  1. Bring your renewal notice or current vehicle registration card with you.
  2. Wait in line to be called to the counter – you cannot reserve a spot.
  3. Provide your documentation to the clerk along with insurance information.
  4. Pay any registration fees owed. The RMV accepts cash, checks, credit/debit cards.
  5. Your new sticker and registration card will be printed at the counter – place the sticker on your plate right away.

Visiting the RMV allows you to take care of the renewal immediately. However, be aware that branches often have long wait times. Allow plenty of extra time and consider going mid-month or early in the day to avoid crowds.

How much does it cost to renew registration?

Registration renewal fees in Massachusetts consist of:

  • Registration fee – $60 for passenger vehicles, $30 for motorcycles
  • Title fee (if renewing a title-based registration) – $50
  • Optional donation to fund the Organ Donor Registration Fund

So for a standard passenger vehicle renewal, the total fee is $60. Additional surcharges may apply for some special registrations. The online and mail payment options incur small service fees.

Reduced registration fees are available for some types of vehicles including trailers, agricultural vehicles, taxis, and more. Discounts are also available for seniors and disabled veterans.

Any late fees owed for past expirations will be added to your renewal cost. Your specific fees will be listed on the renewal notice.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

If you lose or never receive your registration renewal notice, you can still renew on time in a few ways:

  • Renew online at the RMV online portal – you just need your registration number
  • Call the RMV at 857-368-8000 to request a duplicate notice
  • Visit an RMV branch and request a registration renewal in person

As long as you renew by your expiration date, you will avoid any lapse or late fees. Make sure to record your registration number so you have it easily accessible.

What happens if I forget to renew on time?

It is important to renew your vehicle registration by the expiration date printed on your current sticker. If you fail to renew on time:

  • You will incur a $25 late fee when you finally do renew
  • You may be issued a ticket/citation for an expired registration if pulled over
  • Your vehicle can not legally be driven until renewed

To minimize complications, make a habit of renewing as soon as you receive your notice or set a annual reminder for your expiration month. If you do miss your deadline, you must pay the $25 late fee but can then immediately renew online, by mail, or at the RMV.

Is there a grace period for expired registrations?

There is effectively a built-in grace period for renewing registrations in Massachusetts. While driving on an expired registration is technically illegal, the RMV allows a grace period before taking suspension action:

  • Registrations expired for up to 60 days can be renewed online or by mail with just a $25 late fee
  • Registrations expired for 60-90 days can only be renewed in person with a $25 late fee
  • Registrations expired for over 90 days incur additional reinstatement fees and requirements

So while you want to avoid late fees whenever possible, the RMV does provide some flexibility for renewing recently-expired registrations without additional penalties. However, keep in mind police can still issue citations for driving with an expired sticker.

Can I renew my registration early?

You can renew your vehicle registration up to 90 days before the expiration date printed on your current sticker. This allows you to renew early and avoid forgetting closer to your deadline.

An early renewal does not change your expiration – it will still be set based on your birth month. But renewing ahead of time can provide convenience and peace of mind that your registration will not unintentionally lapse.

The RMV renewal notice is just a reminder. As long as you have your registration number, you can renew online at any time without waiting for the mailed notice.

How do I get a replacement sticker?

If your valid registration sticker is damaged, peeling, or lost before expiration, you can request a free replacement sticker from the RMV:

  • Visit any RMV Service Center in person and bring your current registration card
  • Request form MV-44 – Application for Duplicate Certificate of Registration
  • Pay the replacement sticker fee – $25 for a passenger vehicle
  • Your new sticker will be printed immediately

If your sticker was lost in the mail, you will need to visit the RMV twice – once to report it and again 7 days later to request a replacement.

If your vehicle registration is expired, you cannot get a replacement sticker – you will need to renew the registration first.

Can I get a customizable plate?

Along with your registration sticker, you have the option to order a customized registration plate in Massachusetts. Options include:

  • Standard plates with custom letter/number combinations
  • Specialty plates supporting various causes/organizations
  • Vanity plates with your name or initials

Custom plates cost an additional $40 fee on top of your registration renewal cost. Some special plates have higher fees that partly go to support the affiliated charity.

You can order custom plates online through the RMV website or visit a branch. Allow 2-3 weeks after ordering for your new plate to arrive.

How do I transfer a registration from another state?

When first registering a vehicle in Massachusetts that was previously registered in another state, you must transfer the registration and get a new Massachusetts title + plates. Here’s what to do:

  1. Visit an RMV branch and bring your out-of-state registration card + proof of ownership
  2. Provide Massachusetts insurance, license, and residency documentation
  3. Complete form RMV-1 – Application for Massachusetts Certificate of Title
  4. Pay required title, registration, and sales tax fees
  5. Your MA plates, registration card, and title will be mailed in 2-3 weeks

You cannot drive your vehicle in Massachusetts until you officially transfer the registration and registration plates. The RMV clerk can provide temporary plates to use in the meantime.

How do I register a newly purchased vehicle?

When you purchase a vehicle from a dealer in Massachusetts, the dealer will handle the initial registration and title paperwork for you. Make sure the registration is transferred into your name – ask the dealer for your plates, registration card, and title certificate.

For private sales, you must visit the RMV together and transfer the title + registration. Bring the seller’s title, registration, bill of sale, RMV-1 form, and payment for state fees.

For newly purchased used cars, you will get new plates. For newly purchased new cars, you can transfer the existing plates or optionally request new plates.

Either way, make sure you have valid registration plates and an active registration sticker before driving the new vehicle.

Conclusion

Getting a new license plate sticker in Massachusetts simply involves renewing your vehicle registration by the expiration date printed on your current sticker. You can renew online, by mail, or in person. Renewing on time prevents any lapse in registration or late fees.

The RMV tries to mail reminders 60 days before registrations expire, but drivers are responsible for renewing even if they do not receive a mailer. Mark your calendar for your birth month deadline each year.

Display your new sticker on your license plate as soon as you receive it after renewing. An expired registration can lead to tickets, fines, and suspension – so renewing your sticker annually is required to legally operate your vehicle in Massachusetts.