How to cancel plates with the Massachusetts RMV
To cancel your vehicle registration plates in Massachusetts, you contact the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) in person, by mail, or through their online portal. The process itself is straightforward — you surrender your plates, provide your vehicle information, and the RMV removes the registration from your account. You do not need to own the vehicle anymore or have it inspected. The main reason people cancel is because they sold the car, moved out of state, or no longer need the registration.
Massachusetts does not charge a fee to cancel plates. However, if you cancel mid-registration period, you do not receive a refund of your registration fee — the money stays with the state. If you plan to register a different vehicle soon, canceling one registration does not affect your ability to register another.
The timing matters if you are selling the car. If the buyer will register it in Massachusetts under their name, you should cancel your plates before or at the same time the new owner registers it. If the buyer is from another state, you can cancel when ready after the sale.
Key Takeaways
- You can cancel plates by visiting an RMV branch in person, mailing your plates and a cancellation form to the RMV, or using the online portal if you have a Massachusetts driver's license and RMV account.
- Massachusetts does not refund registration fees when you cancel mid-year, so the money you paid stays with the state.
- If you sold the vehicle, cancel your plates as soon as the sale is complete to avoid liability for parking tickets or violations the new owner incurs.
- You do not need the vehicle present or a current inspection to cancel — only your plate number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and proof of ownership or registration.
Canceling plates in person at an RMV branch
Walking into an RMV branch with your plates is the fastest way to cancel if you have time to wait. Bring your current registration card, your license plate (or both plates if your vehicle has front and rear plates), and a photo ID. The RMV staff will take the plates, record the cancellation, and hand you a receipt. The process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes once you are called.
Find your nearest RMV branch on the Massachusetts RMV website. Some branches are busier than others — branches in larger cities often have longer waits. You can check wait times on the RMV website before you go. If you cannot get to a branch easily, the mail or online method may be faster.
Canceling plates by mail
To cancel by mail, send your license plates and a completed Form RMV-14 (the Vehicle Registration Cancellation form) to the RMV. You can read Form RMV-14 from the Massachusetts RMV website or request it by calling the RMV at 857-368-8000. Include your current registration card or a copy of it, and write your name and phone number on the envelope so the RMV can confirm receipt.
Mail the package to the RMV address listed on the form — this address changes depending on which RMV office handles your region, so check the current address before mailing. The cancellation takes effect when the RMV receives your plates, usually within one to two weeks. Keep the tracking number from your mailing receipt in case you need to follow up.
If you are uncomfortable mailing your plates, you can also mail the form alone and drop the plates at an RMV branch separately. The RMV will process the cancellation once both arrive.
Canceling plates online through your RMV account
If you have a Massachusetts driver's license and have set up an account on the RMV website, you may be able to cancel your registration online. Log into your account, find the vehicle you want to cancel, and select the cancellation option. The system will guide you through confirming your vehicle information and reason for cancellation.
After you submit the online cancellation request, you still need to return your physical plates. You can drop them at any RMV branch or mail them using the method described above. The online portal starts the process, but the RMV does not consider the cancellation complete until they receive the plates.
Not all vehicles or registration types can be canceled online — commercial registrations, vanity plates, and some specialty plates may require you to cancel in person or by mail. If the online option does not appear for your vehicle, use one of the other methods.
What happens after you cancel
Once the RMV processes your cancellation, your registration is removed from the system. You are no longer liable for parking violations, tolls, or traffic citations on that vehicle — as long as the cancellation is recorded before the violation occurs. This is why canceling quickly after selling a car matters: if the new owner gets a ticket before you cancel, you may receive the notice.
If you sold the car and the new owner has not yet registered it in their name, the vehicle is technically still registered to you. Contact the RMV if you need to confirm the cancellation went through, especially if you are worried about liability.
You will receive a cancellation confirmation in the mail within two to four weeks. Keep this confirmation for your records. If you need to register a vehicle again in the future, this cancellation does not affect your ability to do so.
Canceling plates when you move out of state
If you are moving to another state and taking your vehicle with you, you should cancel your Massachusetts registration before registering the vehicle in your new state. Some states require proof that you have canceled your previous registration. Contact your new state's motor vehicle department to ask what documents they need.
You can cancel your Massachusetts plates using any of the three methods above — in person, by mail, or online. The timeline depends on your move date. If you are moving soon, the in-person method is fastest because you get a receipt when ready. If you have a few weeks, mailing the plates works fine.
What to do if you lost your plates
If your plates were stolen or lost and you cannot return them, you can still cancel your registration. Contact the RMV and explain what happened. Bring a police report if you filed one for a theft. The RMV will cancel your registration without the physical plates, though the process may take longer because staff have to verify your identity and the reason for the missing plates.
Call the RMV at 857-368-8000 or visit a branch in person to report lost or stolen plates. Have your registration card and driver's license ready. The RMV will note the missing plates in their system and process the cancellation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get money back if I cancel my registration early?
No. Massachusetts does not refund registration fees when you cancel before your registration expires. If you paid for a full year and cancel after three months, the remaining nine months of fees do not come back to you.
Can I cancel plates if I still owe money on the car loan?
Yes. The lender's interest in the vehicle does not prevent you from canceling the registration with the RMV. However, if you are selling the car, the lender typically requires the sale proceeds to pay off the loan first. Canceling the registration and selling the car are separate steps.
What if the RMV says my plates were never returned?
If you mailed your plates and the RMV says they did not arrive, check your mailing receipt for tracking information. If you used certified mail, you can file a claim with the postal service. If the plates were lost in the mail, contact the RMV and explain. They may cancel your registration without the physical plates if you provide proof of mailing.
Do I need to cancel plates before selling my car?
You do not have to cancel before the sale, but you should cancel as soon as the sale is complete. Once the new owner registers the vehicle in their name, your registration ends automatically. However, canceling right away protects you from liability if there is a gap between when you sell and when the new owner registers.
Can someone else cancel my plates for me?
If you give someone your registration card and plates, they can cancel on your behalf at an RMV branch or by mail. For online cancellation, you need your own driver's license and RMV account login. If you are unable to cancel yourself, having a trusted person handle it in person is the simplest option.