Do you have to be a Massachusetts resident to purchase the plate?
No, anyone with a car registered in the state of Massachusetts may purchase the Martha's Vineyard specialty plate.
What is the easiest way to get a Martha's Vineyard specialty license plate?
What do I need to bring to the RMV?
You will need to bring a completed RMV-3 form signed by your car insurance provider. To obtain this form, call your car insurance provider and ask them to email or fax you a signed RMV-3 form for a plate swap. Bring this form with you to the RMV. As long as your current registration is in good standing (no outstanding excise taxes, fines, tickets, etc.) you will be able to leave with plates in hand that day.
How much does a Martha's Vineyard plate cost?
Costs include a $40 special plate fee and a one-time swap fee of $20. The swap fee is payable when you pick up your plate at your local RMV. The state retains all of the swap fee.
Is the Martha's Vineyard plate fee tax-deductible?
Yes, $28 is tax-deductible with your first-time order ($12 goes to the RMV for production costs) and the entire $40 specialty plate fee is a tax-deductible donation upon renewal. For tax purposes, all you will need for documentation is your vehicle registration, which includes the Specialty Plate fee.
Does the cost of the Martha's Vineyard plate include my vehicle registration fees?
No, your registration fees are not included during the new plate development process. You must renew your current vehicle registration. When RMV issues your new plate, the plate fee will be included in your next vehicle registration renewal.
How often is the Martha's Vineyard plate renewed?
Every two years.
Can I put the Martha's Vineyard plate on my commercial vehicle?
Not yet. There is legislation being proposed that would allow commercial vehicles to be able to have a specialty plate.
Can I put the Martha's Vineyard plate on my leased vehicle?
Yes. You will need a Power of Attorney letter from your leasing agent in addition to a RMV-3 form signed by your car insurance provider.
Can I put the Martha's Vineyard plate on my motorcycle?
Not yet. There is legislation being proposed that would allow motorcycles to be able to have a specialty plate.
Can the Martha's Vineyard plate be personalized?
No. Like all Massachusetts specialty license plates, the Martha's Vineyard specialty plates begin with two letters (“MV” as pictured above) and will be followed by up to four digits.
If I have an Massachusetts plate but buy a new car, can I transfer the Martha's Vineyard plate to my new car?
Yes. If you are buying a new car at the dealership, the dealer should be able to transfer the plate. If you are leasing, it is easier for the dealer to put regular plates on the car and then transfer the plates at a RMV office. In that case, you would need to have a power of attorney letter from your leasing company, allowing them to swap the plates, and an RMV-3 from your insurance company.
Can I select my plate number?
Special plates are randomly assigned. You may not request a particular plate number or retain your current plate number. If you are interested in our low number (1-99) auction, sign up for our auction mailing list here.
Can I give a Martha's Vineyard plate as a gift?
Yes, as long as the person's car is registered in Massachusetts. The best way to do this is to write a check out to the Massachusetts RMV for $40 and give this printable gift certificate to the recipient. Once the person receives this gift, they will need to have their RMV-3 form from signed by their car insurance. To obtain this form, they will call their car insurance provider and ask them to email or fax them a signed RMV-3 form for a plate swap. They will need to bring the RMV-3 form, along with the gifted $40.00 check with them to the RMV. As long as their current registration is in good standing (no outstanding excise taxes, fines, tickets, etc.) they will be able to leave the RMV with plates in hand!
*If you are gifting the plate to a spouse/partner/child, in which you are on the same car insurance - you would be able to do these steps yourself prior to gifting - as long as you have all of the recipients information.
How can I get more information?
You can contact the state's Specialty Plate Department at: 1-857-368-8031.
You can also contact the Martha's Vineyard License Plate Committee at info@mvlicenseplate.com