MA Out of State Temporary Plate Proof of Insurance – Sample Template

December 16, 2025 The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles has approved the use of Out-of-State Temporary Plates for Massachusetts Residents. Attached is a form that agents can use as “Proof of Insurance” for your customers who are purchasing vehicles from Out-of-State. This form can be printed on your agency letterhead. Download the form here. It…

Replacement Cost Covers the Building—So Why Ordinance or Law Coverage?

December 12, 2025 Written By: Laura J. Poulin, AILP, AINS, AAM, CPIW, CRIS, MLIS, Director of Curriculum and Technical Affairs, MAIA Many insureds, and more than a few agents, assume replacement cost means full rebuilding cost. But replacement cost pays to rebuild what physically existed. Ordinance or Law coverage pays for what the law now…

Registry Procedures Manual Update!

December 9, 2025 This online “flipbook” manual is a MUST for every agent who writes MA automobile insurance and deals with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles! The Registry Procedures Manual (RPM) allows subscribers to utilize keyword searches to find what they need and is automatically updated regularly throughout the year. Check out what’s new HERE.…

Massachusetts Sales Tax Receipts for Out-of-State Residents

December 9, 2025 When an out-of-state resident purchases a motor vehicle from a Massachusetts dealer and takes delivery in Massachusetts, they can be issued a temporary Massachusetts registration for 15 days to enable them to drive the vehicle back to their home state for permanent registration. As part of this process, the customer is required to…

Reselling and Delivery Exposures – Auto, Homeowners, and Workers’ Comp Considerations

*This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations, & statutes in effect as of October 1, 2025. Question I had a question about personal lines, Mass Auto, and reselling. More customers are reselling from yard sales or Facebook marketplace, and I’m wondering what kind of coverage they should have for that exposure. Should they…

Updated New Jersey Title Stock

December 1, 2025 The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) is implementing the following color and watermark updates to their vehicle title stock paper to more easily verify the authenticity of vehicle titles and reduce the risk of fraud. Read the official update here. Registry Questions? Contact Kathy Cormier at 508-634-7353 or via email at [email protected]

Adding A Logon To eServices Portal

December 1, 2025 Effective November 20, 2025, all eServices Administrators will see updated wording when a web login is added using the eServices Portal. The new wording will remind eService Administrators of the guidelines when adding additional users to their business accounts. Users where Personally Identifiable Information (PII) is available for the following programs must…

Why Independent Insurance Agents Benefit from Business Consulting

November 10, 2025 Running an independent insurance agency is both rewarding and demanding. You work hard to protect your clients, grow your book of business, and provide personalized service in a very competitive marketplace. However, like many business owners, you may feel stretched thin, balancing sales, operations, staffing, compliance, and technology. Even the most seasoned…

Carrier RMV Codes

*This question was answered based upon current rules, regulations & statutes in effect on July 31, 2025 Question Is there an updated document list for carrier codes for the companies that write in MA? I used to have one with all the codes, and have not been able to put my fingers on it.  If…

Starting Your Own Independent Insurance Agency in Massachusetts

October 9, 2025 How MAIA’s Agency Launch Program Helps You Build the Foundation for Success For many insurance professionals, the idea of opening an independent agency is both exciting and daunting. You’ve likely imagined the freedom of being your own boss, the pride of building a business from the ground up, and the satisfaction of…

Remote Driver’s Education Parent/Guardian Class

October 6, 2025 On September 22, the remote (virtual) option for Driver’s Education classes ended and all classes are now in-person. However, effective October 2, the option for remote classes for the Parent/Guardian class was reinstated. Read the official update here. Registry Questions? Contact Kathy Cormier at 508-634-7353 or via email at [email protected]

Out of State Titles – Revised

October 6, 2025 When a customer is unable to produce their current Out of State Title because it is held by a lienholder, they must present the current Out of State Registration Certificate and any one of the following supporting documents to accompany a Registration and Title Application (RTA): A photocopy of the current Out…

Non-Domiciled CLP and CDL Eligibility

October 6, 2025 “Non-Domiciled” customers are residents of foreign countries who have temporary lawful presence in the United States. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has amended the eligibility and issuance requirements for Non-Domiciled Commercial Learner Permits (CLPs) and Commercial Driver Licenses (CDLs). Read the official update here. Registry Questions? Contact Kathy Cormier at…

Recognitions and Awards Given at MAIA’s 2025 Annual Meeting

The following individuals were honored during MAIA’s Annual Meeting: Henry F. Barry, Jr. Memorial Pacesetter of the Year: Lisa Hirbour, CIC, CPCU Board of Directors’ Award: Tricia L. Sabulis, CISR, CIC, AAI-M, CRIS Distinguished Service Awards: Patrick Dempsey MAIA’s Chair Award: Chris Fitts, CIC, CPIA, CPRM James O. Herrick, Jr. Memorial Young Agent of the…

We Want To Hear From You: Out-of-State Temp Plates

September 9, 2025 As you may know, the RMV recently announced a new policy regarding the operation of vehicles by Massachusetts residents with out-of-state temporary registrations. We understand that this change has caused confusion and concern for both agents and consumers, and we want to update you on MAIA’s ongoing advocacy on your behalf. MAIA…

Effective Immediately: Out-of-State Temporary Registration Reciprocity

September 8, 2025 In response to feedback from vehicle dealers, the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) has updated the policy regarding the operation of vehicles by Massachusetts residents with out-of-state temporary registration to align with a law change from April 2023. Section 2D of Chapter 90 of the Massachusetts General Laws (M.G.L.) was revised to allow out-of-state residents to…

New Braintree RMV Service Center

September 6, 2025 On Monday, September 22, the Braintree RMV Service Center will move to a new fully accessible location. The new address is 60 Columbian Street (West). The final day at the current location will be Friday, September 19. Read the official update here. Registry Questions? Contact Kathy Cormier at 508-634-7353 or via email…

REMINDER! RTA Acceptance Requirements

August 18, 2025 To ensure that Registration and Title Applications (RTAs) are completed properly and that vehicles are lawfully registered and titled, the RMV and its business partners responsible for registration and title transaction processing have certain requirements, including acceptable insurance stamps. Read the official update here. Registry Questions? Contact Kathy Cormier at 508-634-7353 or…

Out-of-State Titles with Notary Stamps

August 18, 2025 Many states require notarization when reassigning their Certificate of Title (see examples on following pages). Out-of-state titles with notary stamps are acceptable and the RMV does NOT require a copy of the customer’s license. The customer would have already provided their identification to the notary when they got the title notarized. Read…

Massachusetts 250 Plate Delivery Delay

August 8, 2025 Due to overwhelming demand, there is a delay in the delivery of Massachusetts 250 special plates. These plates should be delivered to customers in the mail within 8-10 weeks. Read the official update here. Registry Questions? Contact Kathy Cormier at 508-634-7353 or via email at [email protected]

Driver Retraining Courses Now in Three Languages

August 11, 2025 Customers required to complete a National Safety Council (NSC) driver retraining course due to the accumulation of Three Surchargeable Events (TSE) or more now have the option to take the course in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. Read the official update here. Registry Questions? Contact Kathy Cormier at 508-634-7353 or via email at [email protected]

REMINDER! Recreation Vehicles Cannot be Registered by RMV

July 28, 2025 Small recreation vehicles, recreation utility vehicles, or all-terrain vehicles intended for off-road use cannot be registered by the RMV as motor vehicles and cannot be operated on public ways. Massachusetts General Law defines a “recreation vehicle”, or “off-highway vehicle”, as any motor vehicle designed or modified for use over unimproved terrain for…

Discontinuation of Saturday Public Roster Road Tests

July 28, 2025 Beginning August 2, Saturday public roster road tests will no longer be offered at the following RMV Service Centers. July 26 will be the final day for Saturday public roster road tests. Read the official update here. Registry Questions? Contact Kathy Cormier at 508-634-7353 or via email at [email protected]

Road Tests at Brockton Asiaf and Cambridge Simoni Rinks Ending Effective August 1

July 25, 2025 Effective August 1, road tests will no longer be offered at the Brockton Asiaf Skating Rink or the Cambridge Simoni Skating Rink. The last tests will be conducted there on July 31. Read the official update here. Registry Questions? Contact Kathy Cormier at 508-634-7353 or via email at [email protected]

Vanity Plate Requirements Change

July 18, 2025 Effective immediately, the vanity plate requirements have changed to include the following: Vanity plates must not reference criminal conduct, including but not limited to acts of violence, motor vehicle crimes, or crimes related to use of alcohol, drugs, illegal substances, or weapons. Vanity plates must not be an expression of hate, contempt,…

Lifetime CDL Disqualification Waiver Program

July 18, 2025 Effective July 18, 2025, there will be a new Lifetime Disqualification Waiver Program for drivers disqualified for life from holding a Commercial Driver’s License (due to convictions under M.G.L. Chapter 90F, Section 9(A)-(B), or convictions under paragraphs (b)(1) through (8) in Table 1 of 49 CFR 383.51). Read the official update here.…

New Chelsea RMV Service Center – Revised

July 8, 2025 The Revere RMV Service Center will close permanently on Friday, July 11 at 6:00 p.m. and it will NOT be open on Saturday. Attached is a revised training update with the corrected date. Read the official update here. Registry Questions? Contact Kathy Cormier at 508-634-7353 or via email at [email protected]

New Chelsea RMV Service Center

June 30, 2025 On July 12, the Revere RMV Service Center will close and on July 14, a new RMV Service Center will open in Chelsea. The address of the new fully accessible location is 121 Webster Avenue, Chelsea. Read the official update here.  Registry Questions? Contact Kathy Cormier at 508-634-7353 or via email at…

Redesigned Boston Celtics Plates

June 30, 2025 The Boston Celtics special plate has been redesigned. Once the supply of the current version is depleted, the redesigned version will be available on the RMV website (Mass.Gov/RMV) and can be ordered through RMV Service Centers and EVR dealerships. Read the official update here.  Registry Questions? Contact Kathy Cormier at 508-634-7353 or…

Update – End of Physical CDL Medical Certificates for Interstate Operation

June 24, 2025 As previously announced in the training update titled “CDL Medical Certificates Electronically Documented”, physical (paper) CDL Medical Certificates will no longer be issued by Certified Medical Examiners to commercial drivers who are medically qualified for interstate operation and can no longer be accepted by the RMV after June 23. All medical certification…

Plates Incorrectly Manufactured with Letter “O”

June 6, 2025 Approximately 1,300 Electric Vehicle (VE prefix) plates were recently manufactured and distributed with the letter “O” where it should have been the number “0”. As a result, these customers’ physical plates do not match their vehicle registration number. Read the official update here.  Registry Questions? Contact Kathy Cormier at 508-634-7353 or via email…

New Milford RMV Service Center

June 6, 2025 On June 23, the Milford RMV Service Center will move to a new, fully accessible location. The new address is 138 South Main Street. All appointments and road tests scheduled for June 23 or later will be at the new location, and customers with appointments or road tests scheduled on or after…

CDL Medical Certificates Electronically Documented

June 6, 2025 Effective June 23, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will require commercial driver medical certificate information, which verifies that drivers are physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle, to be electronically documented by Certified Medical Examiners in the National Registry Database. Read the official update here.  Registry Questions? Contact Kathy…

2025 MAIA Advocacy Fund Contributors

We sincerely thank the following independent agents for contributing to the 2025 MAIA Advocacy Fund. Your contributions will directly support efforts to protect your business interests and ensure a fair legislative and regulatory environment. THANK YOU! A. David Risman Insurance Agency, Inc. Acrisure New England Partners Insurance Services, LLC Agostinelli, Teller, & Ryan Insurance Agency,…

Remote Driver’s Education Classes

June 1, 2025 The option for remote (virtual) Driver’s Education classes will be extended through the summer and will transition back to in-person education only starting September 22, 2025. Read the official update here. Registry Questions? Contact Kathy Cormier at 508-634-7353 or via email at [email protected]

New Massachusetts 250 Years of Independence Plates

May 27, 2025 The Massachusetts 250 Years of Independence plate is a two-year passenger special plate. Proceeds from this plate go to the Massachusetts general fund. Massachusetts 250 Years of Independence plates will be centrally distributed, and customers who order them in service centers and EVR locations will receive a temporary plate while the permanent…

Registry Procedures Manual Update!

May 27, 2025 This online “flipbook” manual is a MUST for every agent who writes MA automobile insurance and deals with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles! The Registry Procedures Manual (RPM) allows subscribers to utilize keyword searches to find what they need and is automatically updated regularly throughout the year. Check out what’s new HERE.…

New Citation Portal

May 12, 2025 The Merit Rating Board has launched a new Citation Portal. This is an online self-service tool that provides real-time, on-demand access to citation data. Read the official update here. Questions? Contact Kathy Cormier at 508-634-7353 or via email at [email protected]

New Overdose Awareness Plates

May 12, 2025 The Overdose Awareness plate is a two-year passenger special plate. Proceeds from this plate will fund TEAM SHARING Inc., which provides support and friendship to grieving families while working to raise awareness of Substance Use Disorder and its impact on our communities. Read the official update here.  Questions? Contact Kathy Cormier at 508-634-7353…

Redesigned Protect and Serve Plates

May 5, 2025 Beginning immediately, a redesigned version of the Protect and Serve special plate will be available on the RMV website (www.mass.gov/rmv) and can be ordered through RMV Service Centers. The new plate design features an American flag and a blue police ribbon. Read the official update here.  Questions? Contact Kathy Cormier at 508-634-7353…