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Massachusetts License Plate Lookup

GoodCar's license plate lookup provides interested parties with the right information on their vehicles.
Massachusetts License Plate Lookup Massachusetts License Plate Lookup
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How To Lookup Massachusetts License Plates

Massachusetts license plate searches are valuable for determining a vehicle's history, features, and overall state of the car. From a due diligence standpoint, a lookup gives an informative background on a vehicle so interested parties can have the complete picture before making a decision. In Massachusetts, these records are kept by government agencies like the Registry of Motor Vehicles and private platforms such as GoodCar. The platform's search parameters provide License Plate searches and VIN checks.

License Plates

License Plates

Massachusetts License plate searches are the premier way to search vehicle histories in the state. When parties request the full report, these searches provide details on vehicle specifications, warranties, recalls, accidents, title issues, odometer records and more. To access the full record, requesters have to pay a small fee. To get the comprehensive report, navigate to GoodCar.com and type the license plate number into the designated search bar. Parties also have to indicate the registration state before performing the search.

VIN

VIN

Vehicle Identification number searches are an alternative to the license plate lookup option. VINs are 17-character codes specific to vehicles as the manufacturer issues them during production. If you decode the characters of the VIN, it can tell you about the make, model, where and when the vehicle was produced. These can be found on the engine firewall, dashboard towards the windshield, and the driver door jamb. VIN searches yield the same information as license plate checks but are less convenient because of the hassle of finding and typing it into the search tab.

Why Run a License Plate Search in Massachusetts?

Reasons to Run License Plate Search in Massachusetts

Massachusetts License plate searches are gold mines for anyone trying to learn more about a vehicle they are interested in or one they already own. You could get access to previous damage data, including previous collisions, accidents, fire, or flood-related issues and much more. Such histories objectively view the vehicle and explain potential or present problems. For registered vehicles, they can assist the vehicle owner in determining the best course of action for repairs.

The license plate lookup also shows specifications, odometer reading, recalls, warranty, and pricing. Potential buyers may use it to confirm if they are getting their money’s worth. Massachusetts license plate searches can also be implemented to reduce liability. The title records section shows potential registration problems or caveats that would make transferring the title problematic.

What Can You Get Out of a Massachusetts License Plate Lookup?

Massachusetts’s License plate check offers a multidimensional look at vehicle records. This information is pooled from credible government and private databases. Its accumulation shows different areas of motor vehicle data that can serve several interests.

Vehicle Records

Vehicle Records

Vehicle records form the majority of the vehicle history report. These include automobile specifications, pricing, title records, awards and accolades, sales history, crash test ratings and additional information. Most vehicle records cover current features, capabilities, and market valuation.

Title Brands and Problem Checks

Title Brands and Problem Checks

Title brands focus on the classifications or previous issues the vehicle has experienced. Potential issues include previous recalls, rebuild records, refurbishing, junk or salvage titles, remanufacturing, saltwater damage, crashes and much more. They also show if the vehicle was previously classified as an antique, police vehicle, or taxi.

Why Choose GoodCar for Massachusetts Plate Lookups?

Why Choose GoodCar for Massachusetts Plate Lookups?

Requesters can benefit from extensive vehicle records and reports as they obtain information from accredited data providers like the NMVTIS. GoodCar also illustrates theft checks, collision records, recalls, flood, hail, or fire damage, and pricing.

Massachusetts Resources

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Massachusetts License Plates

Massachusetts was the first state in the country to begin issuing license plates to its citizens in 1903. These were provided by the Registry for Motor Vehicles. The initial plates were dark blue with white numbers, and the material was iron. Sizing was not standardized until the 1910s. Most plates of the era going into the 1930s were dark blue, dull, or sheet white. The serial color alternated between blue and white. During the 1950s and 60s, the plates were either brown, grey, or metallic red.

The state name and year of the plate were embossed on top of the white serials. From 1977 to the early 90s, Massachusetts plates had a white background and embossed green serial on the reflective white plate. The state name was indicated with a borderline ‘MASSACHUSETTS.’ Current plates have swapped the green for red serials. The state name is in cursive at the top in blue. ‘The Spirit of America’ is indicated at the bottom of the plate.

Standard Issue License Plates

Standard Issue License Plates

Standard-issue license plates are issued during vehicle registration. General-issue plates have a white gradient with red serials. The color cannot be changed. Massachusetts license plates are valid for two years. The plate fee is $60, including registration for the period’s duration, though there may be other associated costs for first-time vehicle owners in the state. License plates may be obtained from the RMV. The process may be done in person, via mail, or online.

Personalized License Plates

Personalized License Plates

The vehicle owner orders personalized plates as an alternative to the standard issue because they may prefer to use select text. The requests are issued to the RMV service center for approval of the plate. The typical criteria for these plates is that they cannot be offensive or controversial. If two individuals apply for the same personalized plate, it is usually judged on a first-come, first-served basis. All customized plates in Massachusetts have to begin with two letters, though.

Plates should have no more than six characters, or 5 for motorcycles. Letters and numbers cannot be intermixed as well. However, applying for vanity plates without having actively registered ones is possible. The applicant will have to use an RMV service center to be provided with a temporary plate. Similarly, this process may be done in person, via mail, or online. A personalized plate costs $50 and a swap fee of $20. If your request is approved, the plate will arrive in the mail within 12 weeks.

Specialty License Plates

Specialty License Plates

The Registry of Motor Vehicles issues specialty license plates to persons with unique qualifications, including military service, medical disabilities, and government affiliation. These are also considered vanity plates, which parties must apply with supporting documentation. The application is done in person or via mail to the Registry of Motor Vehicles.

To be approved, the applicant’s registration has to be active and in good standing with the authorities. The requester should be the registered owner of the vehicle. The fees for license plates vary, though they could range from $50 to $100 depending on the institution. Most service centers accept checks, cash, money orders, and debit cards. If the plates are ordered by mail, applicants are advised to allow six to eight weeks for processing.

How to Get a License Plate in Massachusetts

How to Get a
License Plate in Massachusetts

License plates are obtained during the process of vehicle registration. If you are new to the state or have a new vehicle, go to the Registry of Motor Vehicles. Applicants are required to carry registration and title, proof of insurance, and the registration fees. To register a passenger vehicle in the state, it costs $60 for two years. Individuals new to the state have 30 days to convert their out-of-state registration and re-title the vehicle.

There are also $75 title fees for vehicle registration. New Owners must have their vehicles inspected within seven days of registering them to certify that they meet Massachusetts safety and emissions regulations.

MA License Plate Renewal

License plate renewal in Massachusetts is carried out two years after registration expiration. Parties must have an active insurance policy for vehicles or trailers to renew vehicle registration. The registration renewal notice is issued six to eight weeks before the registration expires. The renewal application that is mailed will also show whether the vehicle owner has an active insurance policy at the Registry of Motor Vehicles.

If they do not, the application must be stamped by a valid insurance agent to show proof of insurance. Registration renewal cannot be done if the vehicle owner has unpaid parking tickets, EZ-Pass issues, or has not paid their excise tax. Registration renewal may be done via mail or online. To complete the process online, the vehicle owner has to provide their driver’s license number, the last four digits of their social security number, email address, and applicable fees. The cost of renewal is $60.

MA License Plate Replacement

Massachusetts license plates are to be replaced when lost, damaged, or defaced. This may be done at any time. You must provide the plate number, vehicle, and owner information to replace your Massachusetts license plates. If the vehicle fails inspection for an illegible license plate, there will be no replacement fee. However, each plate typically costs $10. If one or both plates have been reported as stolen, interested parties have to get a new set with a new number from the RMV. The process of license plate replacement can be done in person, via phone or online. For online options, though, you can order the front or the rear plate, but not both.

Frequently Asked Questions about Massachusetts License Plate Lookups

Frequently Asked Questions about
Massachusetts License Plate Lookups

  1. Can I Look Up MA License Plates for Free?

    Interested parties may use the Massachusetts license plate search for free, but to a limited extent, as complimentary searches only provide information on basic vehicle specifications. However, you will have to pay a small fee to access the full report.

  2. Can I use Massachusetts license plate lookup services to find out about a vehicle's accident history?

    Yes, Massachusetts license plate searches may be used to learn about accident history. License plate lookups can also determine whether the vehicle was rebuilt, remanufactured, crashed, or previously designated as salvage.

  3. How Can I Register a Vanity License Plate in Massachusetts?

    The Special Plates Department reviews vanity plate applications. Interested parties must apply for these plates with the proper criteria, such as beginning with two letters and not including offensive language. Applications may be submitted in person, via mail, or online to the RMV Service Center. The plate fee is $50, though there is also a $20 registration swap fee.

Massachusetts Resources: