How to Transfer a Car Title in Massachusetts?

A certificate of title is a document that establishes ownership of a car. If you’re buying or selling a used car in Massachusetts, the transfer of the title is one of the most crucial steps of the entire process.

Private vehicle sales need a safe, legal title transfer process. Our Massachusetts title transfer guide gives you everything you need to know to sign over a car title in Massachusetts.

The key component of the entire car-buying transaction is transferring a Massachusetts vehicle title from seller to buyer. A vehicle title transfer establishes the buyer of a car as the new owner.

When the seller signs the title and hands it to you, the car is officially and legally yours. There are still some steps remaining for you to take following the title transfer, but now you’re the vehicle owner.

When signing the title certificate, always keep the following in mind.

The front of a Massachusetts title has a section for lienholders. If there is a lien on the title, the lienholder will need to release the lien in the green-colored section shown below.

The back of the title has sections for the buyer (teal), and the seller (red). Here is the process for filling out the back of a Massachusetts title.

The seller enters their full name, the buyer's full name, the date of the sale, and the buyer's state, county, city, zip code, and street address in the rectangle shown in red, above.

1. The seller enters the exact selling price, date of the sale, odometer reading, signature, and printed name (never induce tenths of a mile).
2. The buyer enters their signature, printed name, and the date in the teal rectangle marked “3”.

You’ve done the deal and are the proud owner of a new-to-you vehicle. Your work is not yet done. There are still steps you need to take to finalize the title transfer with the State of Massachusetts.

You also need to get new license plates and register the car with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV).

You will need to submit the following documents to your local RMV office:


In Massachusetts, title transfers can be done online.

To avoid any fees or penalties, make sure you are registering the car right after transferring the title.

Massachusetts laws require the seller to provide the buyer with a passing emissions test that hasn't been used to register or renew a vehicle registration.

Cars manufactured after model year 2008 must pass an annual emissions test.

Cars that don’t require emissions testing:


If the car that you are buying does not meet any of these criteria, find a Massachusetts Registry for Motor Vehicles location and proceed with the test.

For locations of smog check stations visit the Massachusetts RMV website.

For most cars, the fee for performing this test will be $35.

A bill of sale is a legal document that is required if purchasing a vehicle from a private owner in Massachusetts.

Here are the necessary elements in a bill of sale:


PrivateAuto includes a Massachusetts bill of sale as part of our standard in-app transaction process. At the appropriate phase in the car-buying transaction, both you and the seller will be prompted to e-sign the bill of sale within their mobile PrivateAuto app.

The whole transaction, including the bill of sale, can be completed in a few minutes when you meet for the test drive and approve the car. It’s so fast and convenient you won’t believe it. And then, you won't have to keep track of all your paperwork, you will always have the electronic bill of sale accessible in your PrivateAuto account to prove that the transaction was legitimate.

If you find that you need to invoke MA private party lemon law, a bill of sale will provide proof of purchase.

Massachusetts requires liability insurance at a minimum. If you don’t have it, you won’t be able to register your car and legally drive it. Of course, you can opt for full coverage insurance if you want it. If you don’t have car insurance, get a quick quote here.

To complete the Massachusetts car title transfer form, you will need to provide the following information:

Some states allow the license plates to remain with the car when sold. Unfortunately, Massachusetts requires that the plates be removed from the car. As the buyer, you’ll apply to RMV for new license plates, and pay the $30 or $75 Massachusetts license plate fee.

Complete the sales process easily and legally with the help of PrivateAuto. Our tech-driven platform connects you to private sellers, allows you to e-sign documents, sign documents online and receive state-specific steps to complete the sale. See how it works today to buy and sell vehicles privately in Massachusetts.

PrivateAuto makes selling your used car hassle-free. The sales process consists of a few simple steps:

1. Gather necessary documentation
2. Register on PrivateAuto and get your account verified
3. List your car
4. Set your own terms
5. Go over incoming offers
6. Choose your perfect buyer
7. Meet for a test drive
8. E-sign documents
9. Get paid, instantly
10. Transfer title
11. Remove license plates
12. Cancel car insurance

PrivateAuto makes buying a used car hassle-free. Whether you’re looking for a Honda Civic, Toyota Camry, Jeep Grand Cherokee, or a lightly-used Toyota Rav4, you’re sure to find a great deal on the ride of your dreams.

Conduct private car transactions easily and safely with PrivateAuto. Our innovative platform connects buyers and sellers and gives them all the tools to complete the deal, from in-app financing to secure messaging to integrated payments. Get started with PrivateAuto today.

PrivateAuto makes selling your used car safe and easy. The sales process consists of a few simple steps:

1. Gather the required documentation
2. Create your PrivateAuto profile and get verified
3. List the car
4. Set your own terms
5. Vet incoming offers
6. Choose the buyer you like
7. Schedule the meetup
8. E-sign paperwork
9. Get paid instantaneously
10. Transfer ownership