---
title: "Massachusetts Car Registration and Excise Tax Costs"
description: "Massachusetts car registration costs $60 for 2 years. Learn about excise taxes, documentation fees, and how your town's rates affect your total vehicle ownership costs."
canonical: "https://sidekick.vin/answers/how-much-are-massachusetts-car-registration-and-excise-taxes"
type: "qa"
vertical: "financing"
lastModified: "2026-02-26T13:23:45.127Z"
keywords: ["Massachusetts car registration", "Massachusetts excise tax", "Massachusetts vehicle registration cost", "Massachusetts car registration fee", "Massachusetts DMV fees"]
---
# How much are Massachusetts car registration and excise taxes?

> **Quick Answer:** Massachusetts car registration costs $60 for a two-year renewal. Many Massachusetts towns also charge annual excise taxes based on your vehicle's value, which vary by location.

**Category:** financing
**Question Type:** cost

**Related Questions:**
- What is the registration fee for a car in Massachusetts?
- How much do I pay for Massachusetts car registration?
- What are Massachusetts vehicle registration costs?
- Do I have to pay excise tax on my car in Massachusetts?

---
## Massachusetts Car Registration Fees

Massachusetts passenger car registration costs $60 for a two-year renewal period. This is one of the lowest registration fees in the United States.

When you register your vehicle, you'll also need to pay:

- **Registration fee**: $60 (valid for 2 years)
- **Documentation fee**: Varies by location, but averages around $459 statewide
- **Excise tax**: Determined by your town, based on your vehicle's assessed value

## Understanding Massachusetts Excise Tax

Excise tax is separate from registration fees. Your town calculates it based on what your car is worth. This tax varies significantly depending on where you live in Massachusetts.

For example, if your vehicle is valued at $20,000, your town's excise tax rate will determine your yearly bill. Some towns charge higher rates than others, so two identical cars in different towns can have different excise tax amounts.

You'll receive an excise tax bill directly from your town assessor's office. It's usually due twice a year or in one lump sum, depending on your town's policy.

## How to Find Your Exact Costs

Your total registration and tax bill depends on three factors:

1. **Your vehicle's assessed value** (affects excise tax only)
2. **Your town's excise tax rate** (each town sets its own)
3. **Documentation fees** (vary by location)

To get your exact costs, contact your town assessor's office or the Registry of Motor Vehicles. They can tell you the excise tax rate for your specific address.

## Bottom Line

Most Massachusetts drivers pay around $60 for registration plus an annual excise tax that depends on their car's value and town location. The excise tax is often the larger expense for vehicle owners in Massachusetts.