How to Cancel Your Vehicle Registration in Massachusetts

How to cancel your Massachusetts vehicle registration

You cancel your Massachusetts vehicle registration by submitting a form to the RMV (Registry of Motor Vehicles) and returning your license plates. The process itself is straightforward — you fill out one form, mail it in or drop it off, and send back your plates. The RMV does not charge a fee to cancel. What matters most is timing: if you cancel mid-year, you may receive a refund for the unused portion of your registration, but the refund amount depends on when you cancel and what type of vehicle you own.

You will need to cancel if you sell your car, move out of state, no longer own the vehicle, or straightforward do not plan to drive it anymore. Keeping an active registration on a car you do not use costs money each year and can create problems if the vehicle is involved in an accident or parking violation while registered to you.

Key Takeaways

You cancel registration by submitting Form RMV-14 (Notice of Discontinuance of Use of Motor Vehicle) to the RMV, either by mail or in person at a branch.
You must return your license plates to the RMV at the same time you submit the cancellation form, or within a set timeframe after.
If you cancel before your registration expires, you may receive a refund for the unused months, though the amount varies by vehicle type and registration length.
The cancellation takes effect on the date the RMV receives your form, not the date you mail it, so keep proof of submission.

What form you need and where to send it

The form you need is Form RMV-14, titled "Notice of Discontinuance of Use of Motor Vehicle." You can read it from the Massachusetts RMV website (mass.gov/rmv) or pick up a copy at any RMV branch. The form is short — it asks for your name, address, vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number, and the date you want the cancellation to take effect.

You have two ways to submit the form. You can mail it to the RMV's main office in Boston, or you can bring it in person to any RMV branch. If you mail it, send it to: Registry of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 55889, Boston, MA 02205-5889. The cancellation becomes official on the date the RMV receives your form, not the date you send it, so if you are mailing it, allow extra time and keep your mailing receipt as proof.

If you go in person, you can hand-deliver the form and plates the same day. This is faster and gives you when ready proof that the RMV received your cancellation. Most RMV branches accept walk-ins, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Returning your license plates

Your license plates must be returned to the RMV as part of the cancellation process. You cannot straightforward throw them away or keep them. If you mail your cancellation form, you can mail the plates in the same envelope, or you can return them to an RMV branch in person at a different time — the RMV will accept them separately.

If your plates are damaged, lost, or stolen, tell the RMV on the cancellation form. You will not be penalized for returning damaged plates. If your plates are lost or stolen, the RMV may ask you to file a separate report, but this does not delay your cancellation.

Refunds for unused registration time

If you cancel before your registration expires, the RMV will refund the unused portion of your registration fee. The refund amount depends on how many months remain on your registration and what type of vehicle you own. Passenger cars, trucks, and motorcycles have different fee structures, so the refund will vary.

The RMV does not automatically send refunds. You will receive a notice in the mail telling you whether you are owed a refund and how much. If a refund is due, it will be mailed to the address on file. This can take several weeks after your cancellation is processed. If you do not receive a refund notice within two months, contact the RMV to check the status.

What happens after you cancel

Once the RMV processes your cancellation, your registration is no longer active. You cannot legally drive the vehicle on public roads in Massachusetts. If you are stopped while driving an unregistered vehicle, you can face a fine and other penalties.

Your vehicle's title remains in your name unless you sell the car or transfer it to someone else. Canceling the registration does not affect your title. If you later decide to drive the vehicle again, you will need to re-register it with the RMV and pay the full registration fee.

Canceling registration if you sold your car

If you sold your vehicle, you should cancel the registration as soon as the sale is complete. The buyer is responsible for registering the car in their name, but you remain liable for anything that happens with the vehicle until the registration is officially transferred or canceled. Canceling protects you if the new owner gets a parking ticket, is in an accident, or commits a traffic violation while the car is still registered to you.

When you sell a car in Massachusetts, you and the buyer both sign the title. The buyer then takes the signed title to the RMV to register it in their name. You should cancel your registration at the same time or shortly after. If the buyer does not register the car quickly, you can still cancel your registration independently — this removes your liability even if the buyer has not yet registered it.

Canceling registration if you are moving out of state

If you are moving out of Massachusetts and taking your car with you, you will need to cancel your Massachusetts registration and register the vehicle in your new state instead. Each state has its own registration process and fees, so check your new state's motor vehicle agency for their requirements.

Cancel your Massachusetts registration before or shortly after you move. Do not let it renew while you are living in another state — this wastes money and creates confusion if you are ever pulled over. Some states will not register a vehicle that is still registered elsewhere, so canceling first makes the process smoother.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for the RMV to process a cancellation?

Processing usually takes two to four weeks from the date the RMV receives your form. If you submit it in person, you can ask for a receipt showing the cancellation was received. If you mail it, keep your mailing receipt. You can call the RMV to confirm the cancellation went through if you do not hear back within a month.

What if I lost my license plates?

You can still cancel your registration. On Form RMV-14, check the box indicating your plates are lost or stolen. The RMV will not require you to return them. You may need to file a separate police report for lost or stolen plates, but this does not hold up your cancellation.

Can I cancel registration online?

The RMV does not currently offer online cancellation. You must submit the form by mail or in person at a branch. You can read the form from mass.gov/rmv to print and mail, or pick one up at any branch.

Will I get a refund if I cancel mid-year?

You may receive a refund for unused months, but the amount depends on your vehicle type and how much time is left on your registration. The RMV will send you a notice in the mail if a refund is due. Refunds typically arrive within two months of cancellation.

Do I need to cancel if I am just not driving the car for a while?

If you plan to drive it again later, you do not have to cancel — you can let the registration expire and renew it when you are ready. However, if you know you will not use the car for a long time, canceling saves you money on the renewal fee and removes your liability if something happens to the vehicle while it is parked.

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.