Welcome to the Bay State! We understand that moving can be a stressful time. Hopefully, this information will help make the transition easier. Listed are the 3 steps required to legally drive your vehicle upon moving to Massachusetts. These steps must be done in order.
- Get Massachusetts insurance.
- Register your vehicle(s)
- Get your vehicle(s) inspected.
Chances are if you have moved from another state you have to replace your automobile insurance company since most national and regional companies do not write insurance in Massachusetts. Remember, Massachusetts is a compulsory state, meaning you must have automobile insurance to drive here. Without Massachusetts insurance you cannot register your vehicle. Time and again we have witnessed people wait in the long lines of the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) only to be turned away because they do not have an insurance stamp. We know your time is valuable, so please make sure you have Massachusetts insurance before attempting to visit the registry.
Once you have insurance you may now register your vehicle. An Application for Registration and Title is available at any full service RMV or insurance agency. Make sure your insurance agent stamps and signs the form. If you have a lien on the vehicle, you must include the lienholder information, as well as the out of state title number on the application form. If you do not have a lien on the vehicle, you will only need your out of state title. With the appropriate paperwork you may now go to the most convenient RMV to register your vehicle and receive a Massachusetts title.
As for the final step, here in Massachusetts it is mandatory to have your vehicle inspected every year. After your vehicle has been registered you have 7 days to then have it inspected at an official Massachusetts Inspection Station. Luckily, many of our local gas stations provide inspection services. To find the most convenient inspection location click here
Columbia Insurance Agency knows how important your free time is and our goal is to make sure that time stays free. As part of our services, we are proud to offer free at work appointments to take care of your auto insurance needs. If you work in the Greater Boston area, a Columbia representative will meet with you, at your convenience, to go over the insurance process and take care of any paperwork or registry needs you may have (with the exception of license matters). Yes, you read that correctly. Not only will we come to you, but we will brave the Registry of Motor Vehicles for you as well.
While the steps listed above may seem like more additions to your ever-growing to-do list, we will help you cross them off quickly and hassle free. For the past 40 years, Columbia has assisted those moving to Massachusetts reduce the time-consuming process of insuring and registering their vehicles and we are here for you too. Please be assured, although Massachusetts is different from your current state, it can be an easy transition if you have the right guidance.
If you have any questions or need to register your vehicle, please click here ([email protected]). Remember, Columbia Insurance Agency will be there with you every step of the way. Once again, welcome to Massachusetts!