Selling your car in Massachusetts? Whether you’re in Boston, Worcester, Springfield, or Cape Cod, this guide will walk you through the legal steps, paperwork, and options to sell your vehicle quickly and confidently.
Sell a Car in Massachusetts – Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before you list or sell your vehicle, collect the following items:
- Massachusetts Certificate of Title: The title must be in your name and signed by both the seller and buyer. If your title has a lien, it must be released first.
- Valid Identification: A Massachusetts driver’s license or other government-issued ID is typically required.
- Odometer Disclosure: Required for vehicles under 10 years old. Often completed on the title.
- Bill of Sale (Optional but Recommended): Helps document the sale and includes vehicle info, buyer/seller details, sale price, and signatures.
- Lien Release (if applicable): A lienholder must provide a lien release before you sell.
Massachusetts RMV Forms You May Need
Some of the most commonly used documents include:
- Bill of Sale Template – Optional, but useful.
- Form T20558 – Application for Duplicate Title (if the original is lost)
- Odometer Disclosure Statement – Required if the title does not have a dedicated section
All forms and resources can be found at the Massachusetts RMV website.
Sell Your Car in Massachusetts — Fast & Easy
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Step 2: Prepare the Vehicle for Sale
Getting your car ready can impact how fast it sells and how much you get. A clean, well-kept vehicle makes a better first impression and draws more interest.
That said, not everyone has the time or resources to clean, fix, or prepare a vehicle. If you’re in a hurry to sell or simply don’t want to deal with the extra effort, you can always sell your car as-is. Contact us, and we’ll make you an offer. No prep work is required.
Step 3: Determine Your Car’s Value
Before accepting an offer, research your vehicle’s value:
- Use Our Free Appraisal Tool: Get an offer in under 2 minutes.
- Check Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, or NADA: Use your car’s make, model, condition, and mileage.
- Browse Local Listings: Compare prices for similar vehicles in Lowell, Brockton, Newton, Quincy, and Cambridge.
Step 4: Choose a Selling Method
Massachusetts vehicle owners typically choose between the following options:
- Sell to a Car Buying Center (Fast & Reliable): We offer a secure, fast option with same-day payment and paperwork included.
- Trade-In at a Dealership: Helpful if you’re buying a new car, but may not bring top dollar.
- Private Sale: Potentially higher price, but requires more effort, time, and trust in strangers.
At Ken Ganley Buying Center, we help you avoid all the typical stress and delays.
Step 5: Get Paid
Don’t leave payment to chance. When you sell to us, you’ll get secure same-day payment, no scams, delays, or bank runs.
We take care of the documentation and help you walk away with confidence and cash in hand.
What Affects Car Values in Massachusetts? Local Market Insights to Know
Car values in the Bay State are influenced by:
- Fuel efficiency: Compact cars and hybrids are popular in urban areas like Boston and Cambridge.
- All-wheel drive and SUVs: In demand during winter and in western or coastal regions.
- Mileage and condition: New England’s road salt can cause wear; low-rust vehicles may fetch a premium.
- As of mid-2025, the average used car price in Massachusetts is approximately $33,232, slightly below the U.S. average price. Despite broader market softening, demand remains robust for well-maintained, fuel-efficient models and SUVs/AWD vehicles as seasonal needs arise.
Season, location, and weather all play a role in how much your car is worth.
Ready to Sell Your Car in Massachusetts?
Ken Ganley Buying Center makes it simple. Skip the confusion, avoid the delays, and walk away with a great offer and fast payment.
Start your free appraisal online or call us at 330-427-3656.
We work with sellers all across Massachusetts.
Need help selling your car in Massachusetts? Here are some quick answers
Do I need to notarize the title in Massachusetts?
No. Notarization is not required, but the title must be properly completed and signed.
Do I keep my license plates after the sale?
No. In Massachusetts, plates stay with the seller and must be returned to the RMV or transferred to another vehicle.
Can I sell my car without a title?
No. If the title is lost, you must request a replacement using Form T20558 before completing the sale.
Is a bill of sale required in Massachusetts?
Not required, but recommended to help document the transaction.
Who pays the sales tax?
The buyer pays sales tax when they register the vehicle with the RMV.