Massachusetts License Plate
Get a detailed vehicle report history in Massachusetts using the license plate number and see the result instantly—an affordable and reliable choice.
When buying a used vehicle, you must get a vehicle history report to learn about its past, including accident history, title status, ownership records, and more. The second-hand vehicle might have a dark past that the buyer or the seller must unmask to avoid scams, costly maintenance, or even stolen vehicles.
Table of Contents
Is There a Way to Get a Free License Plate Lookup in Massachusetts?
Although free vehicle report history does not include all the information about the vehicle, it guarantees that the report is a good starting point.
- VIN
- Engine Value
- MSRP
- Manufacturer
- Fuel Type
- Body Type
- Year & Model
- Transmission
- Vehicle Type
- Sales Record
- Drive Type
- Mileage
- Market Value
- Doors
- Country of Origin
Why You Should Do a License Plate Lookup?
A license plate lookup is a valuable tool for both buyers and sellers. For buyers, it helps confirm the vehicle’s history, ensuring it is not stolen, has no outstanding loans, and matches the seller’s description. Without this step, you could unknowingly purchase a stolen car or one with a hidden past, leading to legal or financial issues.
For sellers, running a plate lookup builds trust with potential buyers. A clean history report can make your vehicle more appealing and help justify its price. It also prevents disputes after the sale by offering full transparency.
How Does the License Plate Lookup Work?
To perform a license plate lookup, follow this step to get your report in less than five minutes.
Video: How to Lookup a Massachusetts License Plate
Step 1: Enter the License Plate Number
You can find the license plate number on the front and back of the vehicle. Fill out the form on this page and submit it.
Step 2: Review and Purchase
Check vehicle specifications and features and complete your purchase.
Step 3: Access Your Report
Access your vehicle history report instantly. Download and print it easily.
What Kind of Information Will I Be Getting on a Paid Report?
Unlike the free license plate look-up version, this version provides a complete report for your vehicle without restrictions.
Here’s what you can expect on the paid version of the report:
Vehicle Details:
Offers comprehensive insights into the car’s year, manufacturer, model, trim, and engine configuration.
Accident Records:
Identifies past accident involvement, clarifying the car’s safety profile.
Previous Ownership:
Outlines the history of past owners and the level of care the vehicle has received over time.
Transaction History:
Summarizes the car’s sales journey, revealing past ownership transfers.
Auction Record:
Indicates whether the vehicle was listed or sold at auctions, which may affect its market reputation.
Title Information:
Discloses whether the vehicle has a clean title or has been labeled as salvaged or rebuilt.
Loan or Lien Details:
Highlights any unpaid loan or lien associated with the vehicle.
Recall Notifications:
Consider any open recalls or unresolved safety matters that may require action.
Theft Status:
Confirms whether the car has been reported stolen and subsequently recovered.
Mileage Verification:
Ensures the odometer reading is accurate and not altered, preserving transparency in usage.
Maintenance Records:
Sees the vehicle’s service history to clarify its reliability and upkeep.
State Laws and Legislation on License Plates in Massachusetts
Understanding the laws about license plates is vital for vehicle owners in Massachusetts. We have simplified the rules and regulations for you. Below are the key rules and regulations related to license plates in the state, along with helpful references to official resources.
Government Agencies Responsible for License Plate
The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles regulates and is responsible for everything related to license plates in the state. The Massachusetts RMV is obligated to oversee license plate issuance, renewal, and management and ensure compliance with state laws, including the proper display of plates and their replacement when necessary.
Vehicle That Needs a License Plate
In Massachusetts, all motor vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, trailers, and commercial vehicles, must have valid license plates. However, off-road vehicles and farm equipment may be exempt from these requirements. For additional information, the number plate must be clean and not covered with anything. Thus, it must be lit up to be visible from sixty feet at night.
Where Should You Put the License Plate in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts requires that the license plate be displayed on the front and rear sides of the vehicle; nonetheless, the placement rule of license plates is different for cars and trailers.
Every car and trailer must have easily visible number plates. Cars need plates on the front and back, and trailers only need one plate. If there’s just one plate, it goes on the back.
License Plate Design in Massachusetts
The Massachusetts license plate design features a white background with red lettering. At the top middle section of the plate, the word “MASSACHUSETTS” appears with the displayed number in the middle part.
In the middle and bottom part, the “Spirit of America” slogan reflects the state’s pride in its historical significance, cultural contributions, and role as a symbol of American independence and innovation, celebrating Massachusetts as a cornerstone of American identity.
Types of License Plates in Massachusetts
Knowing the types of license plates is important if you live in Massachusetts and want to buy a used car registered in the state. Massachusetts has several types of license plates, so here are some examples.
Standard Plates
This is the common license plate type featuring the iconic slogan “The Spirit of America.” It is issued for most passenger vehicles.
Commercial Plates
It is exclusively issued for the company to register their vehicle used for business purposes. The commercial plate often has strict measurements for weight and legal restrictions.
Vanity Plates
You can apply for a personalized touch version of the license plate called the Vanity Plates, and you are allowed to customize the plates with custom alphanumeric combinations to make the vehicle unique.
Specialty Plates
The government of Massachusetts issued a license plate called the ” Specialty Plates ” to support various causes such as environmental protection, education, or veterans’ services. These plates often include unique designs distinct from other plates, such as the Cape Cod & Islands or Boston Red Sox plates, allowing residents to show support for their interests or communities.
Antique Plates
Antique Plates are available for vehicles over 25 years old that maintain their original condition. They are specifically made for classic car collectors and enthusiasts.
Motorcycle and Trailer Plates
Massachusetts also issues specific plates for motorbikes and trailers to ensure compliance with registration laws for all types of vehicles.
Fun fact about Massachusetts
You might surprised that Massachusetts was the first state to issue license plates on September 1, 1903, to Frederick Tudor, an American businessman and merchant. (sourced from Wikipedia)
Other Useful Tools
A car’s history matters. Use these tools to check ownership records, factory specifications, and past incidents to make a well-informed purchasing decision.
VIN Decoder
Our VIN decoder does the trick if the license plate number is unavailable. Quickly decode your VIN to access detailed information from factory details to original specifications and all vehicle history records.
Window Stickers
Get a copy of the original window sticker of any vehicle, showing all the options, packages, standard features and equipment, safety ratings, fuel economy, and factory-installed parts your vehicle came with.
Build Sheets for Classic Vehicles
Like window stickers, you can get build sheets for classic or vintage vehicles with our build sheet lookup tool for classic vehicles with the VIN only. View specifications, features, color, pricing, and more.
Classic Car History Report
You won’t find this anywhere else! Our classic car VIN check provides exclusive records for all old vehicles, giving you a full classic car vehicle history report that Carfax and AutoCheck can’t. Check a vintage car’s authenticity today!
License Plate Lookup By States
Frequently Asked Questions
Police license plate scans are restricted; they cannot reveal private details such as personal or financial records. The technology is governed by rules designed to safeguard privacy and prevent unwarranted intrusion, requiring suspicion of wrongdoing before use.
It’s best not to show license plates in videos. It can cause legal issues. Those numbers can also be used for crimes. Blurring is a quick way to prevent that.
Transferring your license plates to Massachusetts is a convenient process through the RMV. It’s easily done whether you’re getting a new vehicle or giving one to someone else.
