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.
Whatever shape your car is in, Joe's pays cash and tows it free. Here's how we can help:
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.