How to Cancel Your Vehicle Registration Plates in Massachusetts

How to cancel your plates with the Massachusetts RMV

You can cancel your vehicle registration plates through the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) by mail, in person, or online through your RMV account. The process takes a few minutes and costs nothing. You'll need your registration card, plate number, and vehicle identification number (VIN). The RMV will stop billing you for that registration, and you can return the plates by mail or at any RMV branch — returning them is optional but recommended to prevent someone else from using them.

Most people cancel plates when they sell a vehicle, move out of state, or stop using a car temporarily. Massachusetts does not require you to return the plates to cancel the registration, but doing so protects you if the plates are lost or stolen. Once cancelled, you cannot renew that registration without reapplying.

Key Takeaways

You can cancel plates online through your RMV account, by mail with a form, or in person at any RMV branch — all methods are free.
You need your registration card, plate number, and VIN to start the cancellation, whether you choose online or mail.
Returning the plates by mail is optional but protects you from liability if someone finds or steals them and uses them on another vehicle.
The RMV stops billing you when ready after cancellation, and you will not owe registration fees for the remaining months on your registration.
If you cancel plates and later want to register the same vehicle again, you must explore for a new registration as if it were a new purchase.

Cancel plates online through your RMV account

The fastest way to cancel is through the RMV's online portal at mass.gov/rmv. Log in with your username and password — if you don't have an account, you can create one for free using your driver's license number and date of birth. Once logged in, look for the option to manage your vehicle registrations.

Select the vehicle whose plates you want to cancel, then choose the cancellation option. The system will ask you to confirm your plate number and VIN. After you submit, you'll receive a confirmation number. The cancellation takes effect when ready, and you should receive written confirmation by mail within a few days. You do not need to return the plates to complete the online cancellation, but you can mail them to the RMV if you want to.

Cancel plates by mail

If you prefer not to use the online system, you can mail a cancellation request to the RMV. read and print the form titled "process for Cancellation of Registration" from mass.gov/rmv, or call the RMV at 857-368-8000 to request one by mail.

Fill in your name, address, plate number, and VIN. Sign and date the form, then mail it along with your registration card to the address listed on the form. Include a note with your phone number or email so the RMV can contact you if they need more information. Processing takes about two to three weeks from the date the RMV receives your form. You can optionally include your plates in the same envelope, though this is not required.

Cancel plates in person at an RMV branch

You can walk into any RMV branch and cancel your plates on the spot. Bring your registration card, plate number, and a photo ID. Tell the clerk you want to cancel your registration. They will process it when ready and give you a receipt. The entire visit usually takes less than ten minutes.

Find your nearest RMV branch and check its hours at mass.gov/rmv before you go — some branches have limited hours or require an appointment. If you want to return your plates in person, you can hand them to the clerk at the same time, though this is optional.

What happens after you cancel

Once your plates are cancelled, the RMV stops charging you registration fees. If your registration had months remaining, you will not receive a refund — the unused portion is forfeited. You can no longer use those plates on any vehicle. If someone else finds the plates and uses them, you could be held liable for traffic violations or parking tickets issued under that plate number, which is why returning them is recommended even though it is not required.

If you later want to register the same vehicle again, you must submit a new registration process and pay the full registration fee. You cannot straightforward reactivate a cancelled registration. The RMV will assign you new plates.

Returning your plates by mail

To return your plates by mail, place them in a padded envelope and send them to the RMV address listed on mass.gov/rmv. Include a note with your name, the plate number, and your phone number. Do not use certified mail or require a signature — regular first-class mail is fine and costs less. The RMV does not track returned plates, so you will not receive confirmation that they arrived, but mailing them creates a paper trail if questions arise later.

If you are concerned about the plates being lost in the mail, you can photograph both sides of the plates before mailing them. Keep the photos and your mailing receipt for your records. This protects you if someone later uses the plates and you need to prove you returned them.

Cancelling plates for a vehicle you sold

If you sold your vehicle, you should cancel the plates as soon as the sale is complete. The buyer is responsible for registering the vehicle in their name, but you remain liable for any violations or tickets issued under your plates until the registration is officially cancelled. Do not wait for the buyer to handle it.

You do not need a bill of sale or proof of sale to cancel — just your registration card and plate number. If you sold the vehicle privately, the buyer should have signed a form confirming the sale date. If you sold it to a dealer, they will give you a receipt. Keep these documents for your records, but you do not need to submit them to the RMV to cancel the plates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to return my plates to cancel my registration?

No, returning plates is optional. However, it is recommended because you remain liable for any traffic violations or parking tickets issued under those plates if someone finds them and uses them. Returning them eliminates this risk and takes only a few minutes.

Will I get a refund for the months left on my registration?

No. When you cancel, any unused registration time is forfeited. The RMV does not issue refunds for partial-year cancellations. If your registration was set to expire in six months, you will not receive a credit or refund for those six months.

Can I cancel plates online if I don't have an RMV account?

You will need to create an account first, which is free and takes about five minutes. You can also cancel by mail or in person without an account. Creating an account requires your driver's license number and date of birth.

What if I lost my registration card?

You can still cancel. Call the RMV at 857-368-8000 and provide your plate number and VIN. They can look up your registration in their system and process the cancellation over the phone, or they can mail you a replacement registration card. You can also visit an RMV branch in person with your photo ID and plate number.

How long does it take to cancel plates by mail?

Processing takes about two to three weeks from the date the RMV receives your form. Mail delivery adds another few days on each end, so plan for four to five weeks total from the time you drop it in the mailbox. Online cancellation is when ready, and in-person cancellation is when ready.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.