Lost, damaged, or never received your Massachusetts title? You still have legal ways to sell. Here's how it works in 2026, based on official Massachusetts rules — plus the fastest way to just get a cash offer.
Massachusetts is a title-holding state through the RMV, but very old vehicles are exempt. Here's how to handle a missing title depending on your car's age.
Passenger vehicles with a model year of 1980 or older that were purchased before Nov 26, 1990 are exempt from titling in Massachusetts. For those, the previous registration plus a bill of sale serve as proof of ownership — you can sell without a title.
For a titled vehicle with a lost title, apply for a duplicate through the RMV (Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title), fee around $25. All owners must sign. Then you assign the duplicate to your buyer. Remember: in Massachusetts the plates stay with you, the seller.
To scrap or junk a car, you surrender the title (or the last registration, for age-exempt vehicles) to the RMV within 10 days, plus a completed Junking/Scrapping form. The vehicle is then permanently branded 'JUNK' and can't be re-registered.
Tell us the year and condition — we'll tell you exactly what's needed and make a real cash offer, with free towing at pickup.
Get My Free Offer →The quick reference for signing your car over the right way in Massachusetts.
Three things worth confirming before you hand over the keys.
Running or not, title or no title — get a real cash offer in about two minutes, with free towing.
Get My Free Offer →This guide is general information based on Massachusetts rules current as of 2026, not legal advice. Requirements can change and situations vary — confirm details with the official state source (official Massachusetts DMV page) before acting.