What Is a Temporary License Plate in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts allows a temporary registration plate under M.G.L. c. 90, §2D, which permits short-term operation of a vehicle until permanent plates arrive. The Registry of Motor Vehicles does not issue temporary plates directly to consumers. Licensed dealers print and issue paper plates at the point of sale.
The system covers two scenarios: a Massachusetts resident awaiting permanent plates and a non-resident transporting a purchased vehicle home. Each plate is a printed paper plate inserted into a plastic sleeve and displayed on the vehicle.
What Types of Temporary License Plates Are There in Massachusetts?
| Class | Official Name | Trigger | Issuing Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Purchase | Temporary Registration Plate | Dealer sale to MA resident | Licensed MA Dealer |
| Non-resident Purchase | Non-resident Short-term Registration | Dealer sale to out-of-state buyer | Licensed MA Dealer via EVR |
| Plate Replacement | Plate Permit | Lost, stolen, or damaged plate | RMV |
Neither the temporary registration plate nor the non-resident short-term registration can be extended or reissued. The plate permit remains valid until replacement plates arrive by mail.
When Is a Temporary License Plate Required in Massachusetts?
- A licensed dealer issues a temporary registration plate to a Massachusetts resident when permanent plates are unavailable at the time of sale.
- A non-resident buyer receives a non-resident short-term registration from the seller for transporting the vehicle to the buyer’s state.
- A buyer with transferable Massachusetts plates may use the 7-day transfer grace period and does not require a temporary plate.
- Dealers use general registration plates under M.G.L. c. 90, §5 for transporting inventory, not temporary registration plates.
How to Get a Temporary License Plate in Massachusetts?
- Gather a completed registration and title application, proof of insurance certified by a Massachusetts agent, proof of ownership, and valid identification.
- The seller processes the transaction; consumers cannot obtain temporary registration plates at an RMV service center.
- The dealer processes the plate through the Electronic Vehicle Registration program or Business 2 Business services.
- Pay the fee described in the next section.
- Receive the printed paper plate, plastic sleeve, and temporary registration certificate at the dealership.
The RMV publishes the registration and title application on its forms page.
How Much Does a Temporary License Plate Cost in Massachusetts?
| Class | Fee | Automation / Add-on | Who Pays |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Registration Plate | Set by Registrar under §33(38) | EVR or B2B processing | Buyer via dealer |
| Non-resident Short-term Registration | $20 | EVR or B2B processing | Non-resident buyer via dealer |
| Plate Permit | $10 per plate | Online or phone order | Registered owner |
The RMV publishes its full schedule of fees separately; dealer channel fees are included in the dealership transaction.
How to Get a Temporary License Plate Online in Massachusetts?
No. The RMV does not issue temporary registration plates online to consumers.
Dealers process both the temporary registration plate and the non-resident short-term registration through the EVR program or B2B services at the RMV service center. Consumers cannot self-service either class.
Only for the plate permit can registered owners order a replacement online through myRMV or by phone at 857-368-8000.
The dealer channel at a selling Massachusetts dealership is the only path to a temporary registration plate or non-resident short-term registration.
How Long Can I Run a Temporary License Plate in Massachusetts?
| Class | Validity | Geographic Cap | Extension |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Registration Plate | Up to 20 days | None | None |
| Non-resident Short-term Registration | 15 days | Transit to home state | None |
| Plate Permit | Until replacement arrives | None | Not applicable |
Operation beyond expiration falls under M.G.L. c. 90, §9, which prohibits operating an unregistered vehicle. The first offense carries a fine of up to $100. Subsequent offenses carry a fine of up to $1,000.