How to Cancel Vehicle Registration & Plates

When you are selling a vehicle, out of the state of Massachusetts or the car you are selling is no longer operable, canceling your registration is a crucial last stage. Failure to take this step might lead to liability and prolonged taxes. Being aware of how to cancel your vehicle registration license plates MA will save you the unwarranted charges in the future.

The Online Cancellation Process

In case you are the only registered owner, under your registration name you can cancel your plates immediately online without having to visit one of the RMV offices.

To complete the process:

  • Enter into myRMV with SSN and license or ID number.
  • Choose Cancel My Registration as one of the available options.
  • Print and download the Plate Return Receipt.

This receipt is your legal document that the car is no longer registered to you and that you do not owe any taxes or fees thereof.

For Dual Owners or Business Registrations

In case of two owners in the registration or the registration under a business name which cannot be canceled online. Under such circumstances, you have to send an Affidavit of Cancellation of Registration, which should be signed by all the parties listed, or go to an RMV Service Center and sign.

This is a requirement even in those circumstances where the vehicle has been sold or removed off the road.

Cancellation FAQs

1. What should I do with the physical metal license plates?

As soon as you get your receipt you will be spared the trouble of having to send license plates Massachusetts drivers frequently inquire about. RMV does not mandate that the plates are returned, instead you are required to destroy the plates or recycle them at your local DPW.

2. What is the process of stopping vehicle excise tax MA billing or asking a refund?

In order to discontinue the billing or refund, present your Plate Return Receipt, with documentation that you no longer own the vehicle (i.e. a Bill of Sale) to your local City Hall or Assessor office.

This process will be done right, and you will have officially registered and will no longer be liable to any tax. When you sell or dispose a vehicle, you should cancel your vehicle registration license plates MA as soon as possible, lest things turn out to be tough.