Massachusetts Temporary Plate Reciprocity Update

In August of 2024, HB 1243—originally a Banking Department bill—was amended by Senator Donovan Fenton (D-NH-10) to allow New Hampshire dealers, who had previously been prohibited, to issue temporary plates to Massachusetts residents. This change streamlined cross-border vehicle sales and registrations and laid the groundwork for the temporary plate reciprocity update now in effect, recently announced by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV).

Conditions for Acceptance
The Massachusetts RMV will honor out-of-state temporary registrations issued to Massachusetts residents, provided the following conditions are met:

• The registration must be temporary in nature.

• The vehicle must properly display the temporary registration in accordance with Section 6 of Chapter 90.

• The vehicle must carry motor vehicle liability insurance equal to or greater than the minimum limits set forth in Section 34A of Chapter 90.

• The vehicle must carry property damage insurance equal to or greater than the minimum limits set forth in Section 340 of Chapter 90.

• Proof of insurance meeting the above minimums must be kept in the vehicle at all times while operating under a temporary registration.

Questions regarding these requirements may be directed to the Massachusetts Office of the Registrar of Motor Vehicles at (857) 368-7724.