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updateUpdated 2026-10-09

Massachusetts License Plate Lookup

License Plate Lookup Massachusetts powered by NHTSA. The MA license plate lookup tool above returns make, model, year, trim, recalls, and crash ratings for any Massachusetts-registered vehicle in seconds.

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MASSACHUSETTS1ABC23

5.0M

Registered Vehicles

Massachusetts (FHWA)

Since 1903

Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV)

1ABC23

License Plate Lookup Massachusetts: Quick Facts

Agency	Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV)
Issuance year	1903
Current format	1ABC23 — Six characters on the current 'Spirit of America' green-on-white design: one digit, three letters, two digits. Massachusetts was the first US state to issue government-produced license plates in 1903.
Plates required	Two (front and rear)
Replacement fee	$10
Registration validity	2 years
Registered vehicles	5.0M (approx.)
DMV contact	1-857-368-8000 · www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-registry-of-motor-vehicles

How do I look up a Massachusetts license plate?

Three steps to a complete license plate lookup massachusetts. The MA license plate lookup workflow below works for any Massachusetts-registered plate.

1
Enter the Massachusetts license plate number in the search field above. Spaces and dashes are optional.
2
Confirm MA is selected in the state dropdown — plate numbers can repeat across states, so the state is required for accurate matching.
3
Press Search Plate. You'll see make, model, year, trim, engine, open recalls, and NHTSA crash safety ratings in seconds.

Run a MA plate lookuparrow_forward

What does a Massachusetts license plate lookup reveal?

Free Massachusetts plate searches return vehicle-level data: make, model, year, recalls, and NHTSA crash ratings. Personal information (driver name, address, contact) is protected under the DPPA and is not available here.

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DPPA notice — vehicle data only

This Massachusetts license plate lookup returns vehicle information only — make, model, year, recalls, and safety ratings from NHTSA's public database. We do not return the registered owner's name, address, phone number, email, driving record, or any other personal information about the driver. Personal driver and owner information is protected under the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act of 1994 (18 U.S.C. § 2721) and is not lawfully accessible through any free public lookup.

Free — available here

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check_circleOpen NHTSA safety recalls
check_circleNHTSA crash test ratings
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boltTheft / total-loss records

Registered owner name, address, contact details, and driving records are protected under the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (18 U.S.C. § 2721) and are not returned by this site or any other free public lookup. This tool provides vehicle-level data only — make, model, year, recalls, safety ratings, and EPA fuel economy — sourced from NHTSA and EPA public databases.

What does a Massachusetts license plate format look like?

Six characters on the current 'Spirit of America' green-on-white design: one digit, three letters, two digits. Massachusetts was the first US state to issue government-produced license plates in 1903.

MASSACHUSETTS1ABC23

Massachusetts license plate format history

Era	Format	Example
1903–1907	Sequential numeric (first state-issued plates in US)	1234
1908–1928	Numeric, increasing length	12-345
1929–1976	Numeric / alphanumeric variations	A12-345
1977–1987	3 digits + 3 letters ('Spirit of America' red on white)	123 ABC
1988–2017	3 digits + 3 letters (green on reflective white)	123 ABC
2018–present	1 digit + 3 letters + 2 digits (refreshed 'Spirit of America')	1ABC23

Massachusetts license plate laws you should know

Below are the four laws that most often trip up Massachusetts drivers. Rules are enforced at the stop, the inspection station, and at registration renewal.

Two plates required

Massachusetts requires two plates — front and rear — on every passenger vehicle under M.G.L. c. 90 § 6. Failure to display either plate can result in fines and may flag the vehicle during routine traffic enforcement.

Front plate rule

No exemption exists for vehicles lacking a front mounting bracket. Owners must install a bracket or face a citation under M.G.L. c. 90 § 6.

Registration stickers & display

Massachusetts issues a single inspection sticker (combining safety and emissions) displayed on the lower-passenger-side windshield, valid for one year. Registration tabs on the plate itself were eliminated in favor of electronic verification.

Inspection / smog check

Annual safety inspection is required for all registered vehicles statewide. Emissions testing (OBD-II) is also required annually for most gasoline vehicles 1996 model year or newer. The combined inspection costs $35.

Types of Massachusetts license plates

Massachusetts issues dozens of plate designs. These are the main categories you'll encounter on the road or see at the DMV counter.

Standard Massachusetts

Default 'Spirit of America' green-on-white plate issued in the 1ABC23 format. Two plates required — front and rear.

Personalized / Vanity

Up to 7 characters (6 on specialty plates) on the standard or specialty backgrounds. $50 every 2 years.

Disabled / Handicapped

ISA wheelchair symbol or DV (disabled veteran); qualifies for accessible parking statewide.

Military specialty

Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Silver Star, POW, Pearl Harbor Survivor, Gold Star Family, and branch-specific plates.

Special interest

Red Sox, Patriots, Bruins, Celtics, Cape Cod & Islands, Right Whale conservation, and dozens of charitable cause plates.

Antique / Year of Manufacture (YOM)

Antique plates for vehicles 25+ years old. YOM plates allow restored era-correct plates on classic vehicles.

How much does a Massachusetts license plate cost?

Typical Massachusetts DMV fees for plates, registration, and related services. Always confirm current amounts on the official DMV site before paying.

Biennial registration (passenger)	$60 ($30/year)
Replacement plate (per pair)	$10
Personalized plate (initial)	$50
Personalized plate (renewal, every 2 years)	$50
Title fee	$75
Inspection (annual safety + emissions)	$35

Source: Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) — https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-registry-of-motor-vehicles

What if my Massachusetts plate is lost, stolen, or damaged?

Follow these steps to replace a Massachusetts license plate. Do not keep driving with a missing plate — it is a citable offense in most states.

1
Report stolen plates to local police immediately and obtain a report number — required before the RMV will issue replacements.
2
Complete the Registration & Title Application (RTA) form, marking the Replacement Plates option.
3
Bring the form, the police report (if stolen), and any remaining plate from the pair to a Massachusetts RMV service center.
4
Pay the $10 replacement fee for a new plate pair.
5
New plates are typically issued on the spot at the service center.

Massachusetts DMV contact & privacy

Official agency

Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV)

call1-857-368-8000

languagewww.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-registry-of-motor-vehicles

DPPA privacy notice

Personal information tied to a Massachusetts license plate — driver name, address, date of birth, phone number, email, and driving record — is protected by the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (18 U.S.C. § 2721) and is not returned by this site. This page and the lookup tool provide vehicle-level data only: make, model, year, trim, recalls, and safety ratings from NHTSA's public database.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about Massachusetts license plate lookups, DMV rules, and plate replacement.

How do I run a Massachusetts license plate lookup?expand_more

Enter any Massachusetts plate in the search field above and press Check Plate. You'll get the vehicle's make, model, year, trim, open NHTSA recalls, and crash ratings — free, no signup required.

Does Massachusetts require a front license plate?expand_more

Yes. M.G.L. c. 90 § 6 requires passenger vehicles to display two plates — one on the front and one on the rear. There is no exemption for vehicles sold without a front bracket.

How much does a replacement Massachusetts plate cost?expand_more

The replacement fee is $10 for a new plate pair. Replacements are processed at any Massachusetts RMV service center; a police report is required if the plate was stolen.

What is the current Massachusetts license plate format?expand_more

The standard Massachusetts passenger plate uses a 6-character format: one digit, three letters, two digits (e.g., 1ABC23) on the 'Spirit of America' green-on-white design.

Are Massachusetts license plate records public?expand_more

No. Owner information tied to a Massachusetts plate is protected under the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) and M.G.L. c. 90 § 30. Free lookups return only vehicle-level data.

Does Massachusetts require an inspection?expand_more

Yes. Massachusetts requires an annual safety and emissions inspection for all registered passenger vehicles. The combined inspection costs $35 and is performed at state-licensed inspection stations.

How do I get a personalized Massachusetts plate?expand_more

Personalized plates are ordered through the Massachusetts RMV at mass.gov/rmv for $50 initial fee and $50 every 2 years. Up to 7 characters are allowed on the standard plate (6 on specialty designs).

How often do I renew my Massachusetts registration?expand_more

Massachusetts vehicle registration is valid for 2 years. The RMV mails a renewal notice approximately 60 days before expiration. Renewal costs $60 every 2 years for standard passenger vehicles.

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