



MA OHV Registration Synopsis
All OHVs operated on both public and private property must be registered through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Registrations are valid for two years for residents and one year for non-residents.
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$44 for MA residents - 2 yr sticker
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$33 for non-residents - annual sticker
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$44 for vintage snowmobile - each sled, one time fee
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$16.50 - transfer to another vehicle
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$5.50 - duplicate sticker
Out-of-state OHV registrations are not valid in Massachusetts.
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You may register by mail or in person at a registration office.
Registration renewal may also be done through the MEP OHV Online Registration System.
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You will need to provide:
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Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (if vehicle was purchased new)
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Vehicle identification number
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Required fee
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Proof of payment of sales tax. For a purchase from a dealership the sales tax is normally collected by the dealer at the time of sale. For a private party sale, you can pay the tax in person or online.
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Note that the sales tax is NOT payable to MEP but to the Mass Dept of Revenue, a totally separate transaction and department.
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Also note that to avoid interest and penalties, the sales tax must be paid by the 20th day of the month AFTER the date of sale for in-state purchases (sales tax). For out-of-state purchases (use tax), it is the 20th day of the month AFTER the date that the vehicle entered Massachusetts. Please keep these due dates in mind in regards to the date on your bill of sale....if you present a bill of sale with a date from a year ago, they are not going to listen to your reasons why you haven't paid the sales tax yet, they are going to charge you interest and penalties for being a year late. The DOR does not negotiate.
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MA sales tax could still apply to out-of-state purchases if the sales tax paid in another state was less than 6.25%. To be considered "purchased for use within the state (use tax)", the vehicle does NOT need to be used only, or even primarily in Massachusetts if brought into the state within 6 months of the sale. For more information on use tax paid out-of-state, visit TIR 03-1. For more information about the "6 month rule", visit Directive 87-3.
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After receiving the appropriate documents and registration fee, the state will issue registration decals and a registration card containing the vehicle number.
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It is illegal to operate an OHV unless in possession of the OHV registration decals and card.
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The registration card must be carried on the vehicle and made available for inspection by law enforcement officers and property owners.
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The registration decals must be affixed on both sides of the forward half of the OHV.
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The registration decal that indicates the year of expiration must be affixed on the left side of the OHV.
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The left side is determined from the viewpoint of the operator when seated and facing forward.
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The decals and registration number must be clearly visible and not obstructed.
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Number must be at least 3 inches high and at least ½-inch wide.
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Number's color must contrast sharply with its background.
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Number must be maintained in a legible condition at all times.
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**OHVs used exclusively for agricultural, forestry, lumbering, or construction purposes must also be registered. However, owners may apply for a fee exemption. ​If you have questions about the fee exemption, contact your local Massachusetts Environmental Police registration office.​
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