Massachusetts Title Processing Information

(866) 779-1362

1. Where do I sign my Massachusetts vehicle title?
2. How do I release my liability for the donated vehicle?
3. What if my Massachusetts vehicle title is lost?
4. What about a vehicle with a deceased owner?
5. What if the vehicle was abandoned on my property?

Where do I sign my Massachusetts vehicle title?:

On the back of your Massachusetts title, in the section named "Assignment of Certificate of Title By Owner"

1. The owner(s) of the vehicle must sign where it reads "Signature of Seller(s)"
2. The vehicle's owner(s) name(s) must be printed where it reads "Printed Name of Seller(s)"
3. If a lien holder is listed on the front of the title without a corresponding release you must also provide us with an original letter of lien release from the lien holder.

We have provided the following sample images of a Massachusetts vehicle title for your reference--please sign your title where indicated.

How do I release my liability for the donated vehicle in Massachusetts?

The easiest way to  release your liability is to use the MassDot Online Branch form located here. You should have a copy of your vehicle registration and drivers license handy.

Alternatively you can surrender the vehicle's license plates to any Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) office. Make sure you receive a plate receipt.

Or, if you prefer, mail a Lost Plate Affidavit to:

• Registry of Motor Vehicles

• P.O. Box 55889

• Boston, MA 02205-5889

The receipt will be mailed to your address on record.

What if my title is lost?:

The state of Massachusetts is very strict about only allowing the transfer of a vehicle when an original clear title has been signed by the registered owner.  Because of these requirements we need some paperwork from you upfront before we pickup your vehicle in Massachusetts.

• In place of the title we simply need proof that you have applied for a duplicate title.

The most convenient way to apply for a duplicate title is the MassDot Online Title Application which once completed will allow you to receive your vehicle title within 7-10 business days.  You will also receive an application receipt once you've submitted your application. We require a copy of the application receipt to be emailed or faxed to us before we can schedule your vehicle pickup.  Once you receive your duplicate title we will need the owner(s) of the vehicle to sign the title and contact us for instructions on where to mail it.

If you prefer you may apply for a duplicate title by mail. This option will delay the pickup of your vehicle as we will only be able to schedule the pickup of your vehicle once you have received back your vehicle title. You will need to complete a Duplicate Title Application mail the duplicate title form along with the $25 fee to the address below. If you have a lien on the vehicle you will need to mail an original letter of lien release along with the application.

Attn: Duplicate Titles Department
   Registry of Motor Vehicles
   PO Box 55885
   Boston, MA 02205-5885 

What if the owner of the vehicle is deceased?:

In the case of the death of an owner: The deceased’s interest in the vehicle automatically transfers to the deceased’s spouse. Transfer of ownership can be accomplished with a copy of the death certificate, an Affidavit of Surviving Spouse, and a properly signed title by the surviving spouse.

In the case of the death of an owner with no surviving spouse: The transfer of ownership is accomplished with a copy of the Certificate of Appointment of the administrator or executor from the probate court and a properly signed title by the administrator or executor.

The vehicle was abandoned on my property:

In most cases we can still pick up the vehicle, if we need paperwork from you it will be in the form of your signature on a short document describing the location where the vehicle was left and your request for us to remove it.