Massachusetts DMV Vehicle Transfer | Vehicle Donations -->

Massachusetts Transfer Notification Support Page

It is REQUIRED for the Donor to Either Cancel Their Registration or Surrender Their License Plates to the RMV After the Pick-up Date of the Vehicle Donation to Release Liability

HOW TO HANDLE THE LICENSE PLATES WHEN YOU DONATE A CAR, TRUCK, SUV OR OTHER STANDARD VEHICLE IN MASSACHUSETTS


Please remove the license plates of your donated vehicle before the pick-up. Then cancel the Registration/Plates. Please be sure to keep a copy of the Registration Cancellation Receipt for your records and provide a photocopy to your insurance company. When your registration is canceled, the RMV will provide you with a registration cancellation receipt.

***Remember to only cancel your insurance AFTER you've cancelled your registration.

Once your registration is canceled, you must destroy or recyle your license plates. If your town accepts recycled plates, you can take the plates to your local recycling center. When destroyed, plates can be cut in half and discarded.

Please See the Steps Below for How to Cancel Your Registration

There are two ways in Massachusetts to notify the Commonwealth of Massachusetts RMV (Registry of Motor Vehicles) that you have donated your car: online or in person. Currently, You can find more information and forms for each notification method below:

1. TO CANCEL YOUR REGISTRATION ONLINE:

  • Click the blue button below to go to Mass.gov to complete your registration cancellation online.
  • Complete the online form. You will need your license plate number, email address and either your Driver's License/permit/ID number, SSN, or FID number.
  • Once the cancellation is complete, you can download a Registration Cancellation Receipt.


  • ****Please note, you may only cancel your registration online with a single owner. If there is more than one owner, you must cancel your registration in person at your local RMV. If there is more than one owner, you can download the the Affidavit for Cancellation of Registration. This must be completed and signed by both owners. See steps below for how to cancel your registration in person. For more information, click here.

Access MyRMV



2. TO CANCEL YOUR REGISTRATION IN PERSON:

  • Please click the Access Form button below to download the Affidavit for Cancellation of Registration
  • Print and complete the Affidavit. **The form must be signed by all owners.
  • Bring the completed form to your local full-service RMV location. Click HERE find a full-service RMV location.
  • Once the registration is cancelled, please recycle or destroy the plates.
  • Download Affidavit for Cancellation of Registration


Haven't donated yet? We can help you find a fantastic Massachusetts nonprofit to donate to.


Frequently Asked Questions


Q: When do I cancel my insurance? A. Only cancel your vehicle's insurance AFTER your vehicle has been picked up and you have notified the state that you’ve donated your vehicle. If your state requires notification, please be aware that you should never cancel your insurance prior to reporting to the state you are no longer in possession of the vehicle. This is a general rule for States/Motor Vehicle Departments that require Notification be submitted or license plates returned.

Q: Who is considerd the purchaser of my vehicle donation? Is it the nonprofit or charity? A. The purchaser of your donated vehicle is NOT the nonprofit or charity. It will either be the vendor or Charitable Adult Rides & Services, the vehicle donation program provider and partner of your nonprofit of choice.

Q. What is State Notification? A. State notification releases the vehicle donor from liability over the vehicle, including registration fees and from having to keep the vehicle insured, after the vehicle is picked up. State notification is a way for the state to create a record that the owner is no longer in possession of the vehicle. The steps needed to release your liability of a donated vehicle vary by state.

Q. Who is supposed to take care of the state notification process? A. If state notification is required, only the donor and/or owner of the vehicle can complete this process. Please do not rely on the pick-up driver or vendor to report to the State/Motor Vehicle Department that you are no longer in possession of the vehicle. If you need support, please contact the vehicle donation support team at donorsupport@careasy.org or call 855-500-7433. We would be happy to assist you.

If you have additional questions, please visit our vehicle donation FAQS.

If you would like assistance with your vehicle donation, please contact us here.

For more information on vehicle transfers, please contact your local Motor Vehicle Division:


Registry of Motor Vehicles
Department of Transportation
10 Park Plaza, Suite 4160
Boston, MA 02116

For all departments: 857.368.4636
Toll Free: 877.623.6846
TTY: 857.368.0655
Fax: 857.368.0601
Ask the RMV RMV Website