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.
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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 when selling my car in Massachusetts?
No, notarization is not required in Massachusetts for vehicle title transfers. The title must be properly completed and signed by both buyer and seller, but notarization is not mandatory. However, ensure that both parties sign and print their names clearly using black or blue ink only. Any erasures, white-outs, or alterations on the title will not be accepted by the RMV, so complete the transfer carefully to avoid processing delays.
Do I keep my license plates after the sale in Massachusetts?
No, in Massachusetts, plates stay with the seller and must be returned to the RMV or transferred to another vehicle. You must remove your license plates before handing over the vehicle to prevent liability for future violations. License plates do not have to be physically returned to the RMV when registration is cancelled, but they must be either destroyed or recycled. You should cancel your registration online or at an RMV office as soon as possible after the sale.
Can I sell my car without a title in Massachusetts?
No, if the title is lost, you must request a replacement using Form T20558 before completing the sale. The duplicate title costs $25 and takes up to 10 business days to receive by mail. Massachusetts title law requires all motor vehicles and trailers be titled within 10 days of purchase, so you cannot legally transfer ownership without a valid title. If you have a lien, obtain a signed letter from the lienholder on their letterhead before applying for the duplicate title.
Is a bill of sale required when selling a car in Massachusetts?
Not required by law, but highly recommended to help document the transaction and protect both parties. The bill of sale should include vehicle details, buyer and seller information, purchase price, odometer reading, and signatures. This document becomes especially important under Massachusetts Lemon Laws, as it helps establish the terms of sale and can be crucial evidence if disputes arise about undisclosed defects or inspection failures.
Who pays the sales tax when selling a car in Massachusetts?
The buyer pays the 6.25% sales tax when they register the vehicle with the RMV. The tax is calculated based on the purchase price documented in the sale. Massachusetts buyers are responsible for registration fees, title fees ($75), and sales tax as part of the title transfer process. As the seller, you don’t pay sales tax, but you should ensure the purchase price is accurately documented for the buyer’s tax calculation.
What is Massachusetts' unique Lemon Law for private sales?
Massachusetts has two distinct Lemon Law protections for private party sales: First, if the vehicle fails inspection within 7 days of purchase and repair costs exceed 10% of the purchase price, the buyer can return it for a refund. Second, buyers can rescind the sale within 30 days if they discover safety-impairing defects that the seller knew about but didn’t disclose. As a seller, you must disclose all known defects that impair safety or substantially impair the vehicle’s use to avoid liability under these laws.
How many cars can I sell privately before needing a dealer license?
Under Massachusetts law, anyone who sells more than three cars in a one-year period is considered a dealer and must obtain a used car dealer license from their municipality. This means private individuals can sell up to three vehicles per year without special licensing. If you plan to sell more than three cars, you’ll need to comply with dealer regulations and licensing requirements, which include additional consumer protection obligations.
What inspection requirements apply after selling my car?
The buyer must obtain a vehicle inspection sticker within 7 days of the registration date. This is crucial because failure to pass inspection within this timeframe can trigger Lemon Law protections if repair costs exceed 10% of the purchase price. As a seller, consider having the vehicle inspected before listing it to identify any issues that could lead to buyer returns. The inspection requirement also means buyers need to budget for potential immediate repairs after purchase.