MA Vehicle Taxes... (sales, insurance, buying)

[restoguy]

Ok so I just moved here from another state where licensing a vehicle was much easier, but really... what state is more complicated than MA? Previously when buying a vehicle from a private party I would go into the DMV office show a drivers license and pay for my plates after showing a bill of sale - nothing more.

I left my old state with a temporary plate and came to MA to register my car. Do I need to pay for the plate plus a city tax / excise tax or is the plate fee all you pay?

Also is there a law in MA about having a front plate on your vehicle?

I am pretty confused on what is legal here... Thanks for your help

[CaseyB]

You will get an excise tax bill later from your city or town, it will be prorated for the remaining months in the year.

You will pay a fee for the plates, and you do need a front plate.

You need a bill of sale that shows you paid sales tax in another state, or you will have to pay Mass. sales tax on the value of the car.

[professorsenator]

CaseyB is correct on all fronts. Also, when you go in for your Mass. driver's license, you'll need multiple forms of supporting ID (i.e. just turning in your old driver's license is not enough). Take your passport (if you have one), social security card, and a utility bill with your name and new address on it.

[cartgy]

Originally Posted by restoguy

Also is there a law in MA about having a front plate on your vehicle?

I think you have to have a front license plate if you have one with red letters, which is all they make now so you will need to put it on.

[ScituateAl]

Stop by a local insurance agent and get insurance. Here in MA insurance is mandatory. They can run the paperwork to the RMV for you and can get the plates for you. There was a time when we only needed a plate on the back of the car (these were green lettered plates). Nowadays you have to have plates on the front and back. Agents are the way to go as they can price out multiple policies for you and get you the best rate.