How to Cancel Your Registration & Return Plates

When you sell your car, change your address or your car is proclaimed as totalled, you have to cancel your registration immediately. Failure to take this step in time may cause tax and license issue. The information about how to Cancel MA registration online is useful to avoid needless fines.

Why Cancellation Matters: Excise Tax

Massachusetts towns and cities charge vehicle excise tax, as long as you have vehicle license plates that are operational. On canceling your registration the RMV goes on to send you a Plate Return Receipt that serves as your official evidence when claiming an excise tax abatement (refund) with your local tax assessor. In the absence of this receipt you may still have a tax liability even though you do not own the car any longer.

Ways to Cancel Your Registration

Online (Fastest Option)

The RMV website allows most in-car vehicle registrations to cancel their vehicles within a few minutes online. This is the simplest method of Cancel MA registration online and have you receipt instantly.

By Mail or In Person

In case of two owners being registered, expression of cancellation is not possible through the Internet. In such situations, you have to cancel either by mailing or visiting an RMV Service Center.

What to Do With Physical Plates

The plates are not required to be sent to the RMV physically. Once you have your digital receipt, then destroy them or recycle them. It is surprising that many individuals wishing to renew license plates MA residents do not have to take this step.

Cancellation FAQs

Q: Do I have a chance to cancel my insurance?

Never. RMV will automatically suspend your license until the registration is carried out in case of the cancellation of insurance before the registration. Register the cancellation of the registration and then call your insurance company. This process is safeguarded by ensuring that you take care of it in time to avoid tax bills as well as suspension of licenses. In case you do not have a car anymore, you should Cancel MA registration online as soon as possible to end your responsibility prudently.