E-Titles in Massachusetts: What Car Owners Need to Know

The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles has introduced an e-title initiative that went into effect on October 26, 2026. This initiative gives car buyers and owners a new way to keep their vehicle titles as an electronic record rather than a piece of paper. In eligible cases, it gives sellers the opportunity to transfer vehicle ownership electronically.

Have questions about the new Mass RMV e-title program? We have answers. Read on to understand the key takeaways, benefits, and details of the e-title initiative every car buyer and owner should know.

What is an E-Title?

A Massachusetts Vehicle Certificate of Title is the official record of who owns a vehicle. Under the new Massachusetts RMV initiative, an e-title is a Certificate of Title issued in electronic form.

When a vehicle and owner possess an e-title, the ownership record exists only in the RMV database—no paper title is created. Prior to this initiative, the RMV has printed and mailed a paper certificate for almost every vehicle title.

An e-title is different from an electronic lien and title (ELT).

• An e-title is a certificate of title issued in electronic form.
• An ELT means the lender’s lien and title are recorded electronically, but once the loan is satisfied, a paper title is still sent in the mail

A vehicle may have an electronically recorded lien without having an e-title, or have an e-title with no lien.

Phase 1 of the E-Title Initiative

The first phase of the Mass RMV e-title initiative went into effect on October 26, 2026. During Phase 1, owners can request to convert an existing paper title to an e-title, and Massachusetts residents completing private or casual sales can transfer ownership of a vehicle electronically through myRMV. However, dealership sales cannot yet process e-titles.

During Phase 1, titles will still be issued in paper form by default. E-titles are only issued when:

• An eligible owner requests a conversation from paper to e-title (and pays a $25 fee)
• A private or casual sale is completed through the e-title transfer process

Converting Title Formats

To convert from a paper title to an e-title (or from e-title to paper), you pay a $25 fee regardless of which method you use. Ways to convert the title format include:

• Online: Visit myRMV and use the Replace/Convert Your MA Certificate of Title application
• In-person: Visit any RMV service center with the application form
• Phone: Call the RMV
• Mail: Mail the completed application form to the RMV

E-Title Transfer Process During Phase 1

To transfer a title electronically during a private or casual sale, the seller and buyer must take the following steps:

1. The seller and buyer agree on the terms of the sale and the intent to transfer ownership electronically.
2. The seller converts the paper title to an e-title, if they haven’t already.
3. The seller transfers the e-title from the seller to the buyer electronically (no in-person signature is required). To complete the process on myRMV, the seller selects their vehicle, enters the odometer disclosure, and receives a one time transfer code, which they then must share with the buyer.
4. The buyer retrieves vehicle details using the transfer code, reviews and completes the odometer disclosure, and confirms their intent to buy. Once completed and confirmed, the buyer receives an email confirmation.
5. The seller receives and reviews the buyer’s confirmation and releases vehicle ownership via e-title, which will send a Vehicle Released Confirmation to the buyer.
6. The buyer applies for an e-title online through myRMV. It can take about two weeks for the e-title to be issued.
7. The buyer brings proof of e-title transfer, such as their email confirmation, to their insurance agent, who then certifies their Massachusetts Registration and Title Application (RTA) form.
8. The buyer brings their certified RTA form to the RMV to register their vehicle.

Who is Eligible for E-Title Transfer?

To be eligible for an e-title transfer in Massachusetts, both the buyer and seller must have myRMV accounts. The buyer must be one individual (for example, the vehicle cannot be transferred to a married couple), but the seller can be multiple individuals (e.g., the car might be registered in two spouses’ names before it is transferred to a single individual).

Eligible vehicles must meet the following requirements:

Already have an e-title (the seller can convert the paper title to an e-title for a $25 fee)

• Have no liens
• Have no brands
• Be a vehicle type reported to the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS)—this includes cars under 10,000 pounds, buses, motorcycles, tractors, trucks, and recreational vehicles
• Have a standard 17-character VIN

The transaction must also meet the following eligibility rules:

• It cannot be a gift, family transfer, or a $0 sale
• It cannot be a court-ordered transfer
• It cannot be a lease
• Power of Attorney cannot be used

Title Amendments and Adding Liens

Under the new initiative, title amendments and the addition of liens will be able to be processed electronically. Title format details—whether your title is paper or electronic—can be viewed on myRMV under the “More” tab by clicking “Title and Lienholder Status.”

Phase 2 of the E-Title Initiative

It’s estimated that Phase 2 will take effect in spring 2027. During Phase 2, dealers and insurance agents will be able to process e-title transfers.

Benefits of the E-Title Initiative

There are several ways in which car buyers benefit from using e-titles rather than paper titles:

• There is no need to order duplicate titles when you need to present or otherwise utilize your car’s title
• E-titles prevent loss, damage, fraud, and other issues that come with paper titles
• Title transfers can take place online, saving time and paper

Has Vehicle Registration Changed?

No, vehicle registration in Massachusetts still requires the current in-person process. The buyer needs to get an insurance stamp and for their insurance agent to validate vehicle ownership.

Still Have Questions?

For more information regarding the details of the e-title program, email RMVTitles@dot.state.ma.us, or get in touch with your insurance agent at C&S.