| Slogan label | Slogan |
|---|---|
| Size | 12 by 6 in 30 by 15 cm |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Serial format | Current: 1ABC 23 Former: 123 ABC 1234 AB 12A B34 123 AB4 1AB 234 12A 340 123 A40 (Coded by month) |
| Current start date | 1987 (vanity plates and some non-passenger types; used as standard passenger base from 1993 onwards) |
| Issuer | Massachusetts Department of Transportation, Registry of Motor Vehicles |
| Start date | September 1, 1903, to Frederick Tudor |
Massachusetts was the first U.S. state to issue license plates on September 1, 1903.[1] Plates are currently issued by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV).
All plates since 1978 are currently valid. Prior to 1993, only rear plates were required; since the first "Spirit of America" plate was issued in 1986, front and rear plates have been required since. As such, the 1978-1993 issues continue to only require the rear plate, while the "Spirit of America" issues since 1986 require front and rear plates.
The very first Massachusetts license plate, "1", is still in use today.[2] It was issued to Frederick Tudor, who also received the first license issued.[3] He got the plate due to his work for the Massachusetts Highway Commission and his connection as the nephew of the wealthy Henry Lee Higginson, whose irritation with cars speeding by his estate led to him successfully petitioning for the state of Massachusetts to register all motor vehicles (previously, only the city of Boston had this requirement).[4] This was the first license plate in the United States. His descendants have kept the plate registered and in use within the family.[5]
Passenger baseplates
1903 to 1966
In 1956, the United States, Canada, and Mexico came to an agreement with the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, the Automobile Manufacturers Association and the National Safety Council that standardized the size for license plates for vehicles (except those for motorcycles) at 6 inches (15 cm) in height by 12 inches (30 cm) in width, with standardized mounting holes.[6] The 1955 (dated 1956) issue was the first Massachusetts license plate that complied with these standards.
| Image | Dates issued | Design | Serial format | Serials issued | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1903–07 | White serial on blue porcelain plate; "MASS. AUTOMOBILE REGISTER" at top | 12345 | 1 to 26207[1] | ||
| 1908 | Blue serial on white porcelain plate; vertical "MASS" and "1908" at left and right respectively | 12345 | 1 to approximately 17500 | First dated plate. | |
| 1909 | White serial on blue porcelain plate; vertical "MASS" and "1909" at left and right respectively | 12345 | 1 to approximately 23500 | ||
| 1910 | Blue serial on white porcelain plate; vertical "MASS" and "1910" at left and right respectively | 12345 | 1 to approximately 29000 | ||
12345 | 1911 | White serial on blue porcelain plate; vertical "MASS" and "1911" at left and right respectively | 12345 | 1 to approximately 33000 | |
| 1912 | Blue serial on white porcelain plate; vertical "MASS" and "1912" at left and right respectively | 12345 | 1 to approximately 41000 | ||
| 1913 | White serial on blue porcelain plate; vertical "MASS" and "1913" at left and right respectively | 12345 | 1 to approximately 54500 | ||
| 1914 | Blue serial on white porcelain plate; vertical "MASS" and "1914" at left and right respectively | 12345 | 1 to approximately 62000 | ||
| 1915 | White serial on blue porcelain plate; vertical "MASS" and "1915" at left and right respectively | 12345 | 1 to approximately 79500 | ||
| 1916 | Dark blue serial on cream flat metal plate; vertical "MASS" and "1916" at left and right respectively | 123456 | 1 to approximately 102000 | First plate to use tin instead of iron.[3] | |
123,456 | 1917 | Cream serial on dark blue flat metal plate; "MASS. 1917" centered at bottom | 123,456 | 1 to approximately 127,000 | |
| 1918 | Dark blue serial on cream flat metal plate; "MASS. 1918" centered at bottom | 123,456 | 1 to approximately 142,000 | ||
123,456 | 1919 | Cream serial on dark blue flat metal plate; "MASS. 1919" centered at bottom | 123,456 | 1 to approximately 177,000 | Last plate to use tin.[3] |
| 1920 | Embossed dark blue serial on white plate; "MASS. 1920" centered at bottom | 123,456 | 1 to approximately 219,000 | First embossed plate. | |
| 1921 | Embossed white serial on dark blue plate; "MASS. 1921" centered at bottom | 123,456 | 1 to approximately 260,000 | ||
123,456 | 1922 | As 1920 base, but with "MASS. 1922" at bottom | 123,456 | 1 to approximately 321,000 | |
123,456 | 1923 | As 1921 base, but with "MASS. 1923" at bottom | 123,456 | 1 to approximately 402,000 | |
| 1924 | Embossed white serial on maroon plate; "MASS. 1924" centered at bottom | 123,456 | 1 to approximately 473,000 | ||
123,456 | 1925 | Embossed white serial on black plate; "MASS. — 1925" at bottom | 123,456 | 1 to approximately 546,000 | |
123,456 | 1926 | Embossed white serial on blue plate; "1926 — MASS" at bottom | 123,456 | 1 to approximately 598,000 | |
| 1927 | Embossed white serial on maroon plate; "MASS — 1927" at bottom | 123,456 | 1 to approximately 624,000 | ||
| 1928 | Embossed white serial on green plate; "1928", cod fish graphic and "MASS" at bottom | 123,456 | 1 to approximately 644,000 | Removed due to superstition cod fish facing away from "MASS" led to bad fishing harvest.[3] | |
| 1929 | Embossed white serial on blue plate; "MASS — 1929" at bottom and occasional cod graphic | 123,456 | 1 to approximately 712,000 | ||
| 1930 | Embossed white serial on maroon plate; "1930 — MASS" at bottom | 123,456 | 1 to approximately 749,000 | ||
123,456 | 1931 | Embossed white serial on green plate; "MASS — 1931" at bottom | 123,456 | 1 to approximately 792,000 | |
123,456 | 1932 | As 1930 base, but with "1932 — MASS" at bottom | 123,456 | 1 to approximately 740,000 | |
123,456 | 1933 | As 1931 base, but with "MASS — 1933" at bottom | 123,456 | 1 to approximately 759,000 | |
123,456 | 1934 | As 1930 base, but with "MASS — 1934" at bottom | 123,456 | 1 to approximately 749,000 | |
| 1935 | As 1931 base, but with "1935 — MASS" at bottom | 123,456 | 1 to approximately 734,000 | ||
123,456 | 1936 | Embossed white serial on maroon plate; "MASS 36" centered at top | 123,456 | 1 to approximately 729,000 | |
123,456 | 1937 | Embossed white serial on green plate; "37 MASS" centered at top | 123,456 | 1 to approximately 755,000 | |
| 1938 | Embossed white serial on maroon plate; "MASS 38" centered at bottom | 123·456 | 1 to approximately 751·000 | ||
123·456 | 1939 | Embossed white serial on green plate; "39 MASS" centered at bottom | 123·456 | 1 to approximately 771·000 | |
| 1940 | Embossed white serial on maroon plate; "MASS 40" centered at top | 123·456 | 1 to approximately 779·000 | ||
| 1941 | Embossed white serial on green plate; "41 MASS" centered at bottom | 123·456 | 1 to approximately 852·000 | ||
| 1942–44 | Embossed white serial on maroon plate; "MASS 42" centered at bottom | 123·456 | 1 to approximately 828·000 | Revalidated for 1943 and 1944 with wind- shield stickers, due to metal conservation for World War II. | |
123·456 | As above, but green rather than maroon | 828·001 to approximately 855·000 | |||
| 1945 | Embossed white serial on dark blue plate; "45 MASS" at top | 123·456 | 1 to approximately 799·000 | ||
| 1946 | Embossed white serial on black plate; "46 MASS" at bottom | 123·456 | 1 to approximately 843·000 | ||
| 1947 | Embossed white serial on dark green plate; "MASS 47" within embossed white bar centered at top | 123·456 | 1 to approximately 897·000 | ||
| 1948 | Embossed white serial on maroon plate; "48 MASS" within embossed white bar centered at bottom | 123·456 | 1 to approximately 948·000 | ||
No image | 1949–50 | Embossed white serial on black plate; "49 MASS" within embossed white bar centered at top | 123·456 | 1 to 999·999 | Revalidated for 1950 with windshield sticker. |
| A12·345 | K, H and J series | ||||
| 1951–52 | Embossed white serial on maroon plate; "MASS 51" within embossed white bar centered at bottom | 123·456 | 1 to 999·999 | Revalidated for 1952 with windshield sticker. | |
| A12·345 | K, H, E and P series | ||||
| 1953–54 | Embossed white serial on black plate; "MASS 53" within embossed white bar centered at top | 123·456 | 1 to 999·999 | Revalidated for 1954 with windshield sticker. | |
| A12·345 | K, H, E, P and L series | ||||
No image | 1955–56 | Embossed white serial on maroon plate; "55 MASS" within embossed white bar centered at bottom | 123·456 | 1 to 999·999 | Revalidated for 1956 with windshield sticker. |
| A12·345 | K, H, E, P, L, N and X series | ||||
| 1957–58 | Embossed white serial on black plate with border line; "MASS 57" within embossed white bar centered at top | 123·456 | 1 to 999·999 | First 6" x 12" plate. Revalidated for 1958 with windshield sticker. | |
| A12·345 | K, H, E, P, L, N, X and U series | ||||
| 1959–60 | Embossed white serial on maroon plate with border line; "59 MASS" within embossed white bar centered at top | 123·456 A12·345 | Revalidated for 1960 with windshield sticker. | ||
| 1961–62 | Embossed white serial on dark green plate with border line; "MASS 61" within embossed white bar centered at top | 123·456 A12·345 | Revalidated for 1962 with windshield sticker. | ||
| 1963 | Embossed white serial on black plate with border line; "63 MASS" within embossed white bar centered at top | 123·456 A12·345 | Substandard paint used, plates needed refurbishing.[3] | ||
| 1964–65 | Embossed white serial on maroon plate with border line; "MASS 64" within embossed white bar centered at top | 123·456 A12·345 | Revalidated for 1965 with windshield sticker. | ||
| 1966 | Embossed white serial on dark green plate with border line; "66 MASS" within embossed white bar centered at top | 123·456 A12·345 |
1967 to present
Massachusetts implemented a monthly staggered registration system in 1969. Since then, serials on passenger plates have been coded by the month of expiration of the registration, determined by the last number in the serial (1 for January, 2 for February and so on up to 0 for October). From 1969 through 1977, serials with 'X' suffixes were used for November and 'Y' suffixes for December expirations respectively. Registrants are issued plates expiring the last day of the previous month (e.g. a motorist registering a vehicle in June will be issued May plates). If a vehicle is registered in December or January (so that November and December plates would be called for), leftover plates are issued from other months with manufacturing overruns.
Two-year registrations are mandatory, with the exception of vehicles initially registered during December or January. Vanity plates and motorcycle plates must be renewed annually. All apportioned plate registrations expire on June 30, all trailer and "Spirit of America" vanity plate registrations expire on November 30, and all motorcycle, commercial, and single letter passenger reserved plate registrations expire on December 31.
Currently, the Livery plate is the only common license plate in Massachusetts that is allowed to have more than six characters in its serials. All Livery plate serials start with the letters "LV", even if not stamped.
Because the RMV utilizes "Plate Type" to describe the type of registration, it is theoretically possible to have two plates issued with seemingly the same serial. Some of the plate types, and their three-letter codes, are listed below:
- PAN - Passenger: Normal
- PAR - Passenger: Reserved
- PAS - Passenger: Specialty (Antique, Veteran, Environmental, Sports, Spay & Neuter, Breast Cancer, United We Stand, etc.)
- PAV - Passenger: Vanity
- PAY - Passenger: Year of Manufacture (Antique plate with year stamped; AN gets added to the beginning of plate number on registration)
- CON - Commercial: Normal (plates starting SR are for snow removal; HR for Hearse)
- COR - Commercial: Reserved
- COV - Commercial: Vanity
- MCN - Motorcycle: Normal
- MCR - Motorcycle: Reserved
- MCS - Motorcycle: Specialty
- MCV - Motorcycle: Vanity
- AHN - Camper: Normal
- AHR - Camper: Reserved
- AHV - Camper: Vanity
- AMN - Ambulance: Normal (includes Animal Ambulance)
- AMR - Ambulance: Reserved
- LVN - Livery: Normal
- LVR - Livery: Reserved
- LVV - Livery: Vanity
- SPN - School Pupil: Normal
- TAN - Taxi: Normal
- TAR - Taxi: Reserved
- TRN - Trailer: Normal (not used on Camper trailers)
- TRR - Trailer: Reserved
- VPN - Van Pool: Normal
- SBN - School Bus: Normal
- SBR - School Bus: Reserved
- BUN - Bus: Normal
- BUR - Bus: Reserved
- BUV - Bus: Vanity
| Image | Dates issued | Design | Serial format | Serials issued | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1967–68 | Embossed blue serial on reflective white plate with border line; "MASSACHUSETTS" centered at top | 123·456 | 100·001 to 999·999 | Revalidated with windshield stickers through the end of 1969, then coded by month of expiration (see above) and revalidated with plate stickers. | |
| A12·345 | E10·001 to Y99·999 | ||||
| 1969–71 | 123·45A | Coded by month of expiration | Revalidated with plate stickers. All plates replaced 1972–73. | ||
| 1972–78 | Embossed red serial on reflective white plate with border line; "MASSACHUSETTS" centered at bottom | 1A·2345 12A·340 123·456 A12·345 123·45A | Coded by month of expiration | 12A·340 serial format used only on plates expiring in October.[7] Issued in alternating weeks from 1977, following the introduction of the green-on-white base (below), until supplies were exhausted. Replaced 1982–83. | |
| 1977–93 | Embossed green serial on reflective white plate with border line; "MASSACHUSETTS" centered at top | 123·ABC | 100·AAA to 999·VZZ (see right) | Only rear plates issued (except for reserved and non-passenger plates). On all plates, the last digit corresponded to the month of expiration, with November and December expirations discontinued except on non-passenger plates and on red-and-white plates until 1980–81. All-numeric plates were generally issued to holders of the same serials on the red-on-white base. Still currently revalidated. | |
| 1983–93 | 123·456 | 100·000 to 999·999 (see right) | |||
| 1993–present | Embossed red serial on reflective white plate; "Massachusetts" and "The Spirit of America" screened in blue centered at top and bottom respectively | 123·ABC | 999·ZZZ to 100·WAA (reverse issue) | This base was first issued in 1987 for vanity plates and some non-passenger types, before becoming the standard passenger base in 1993. On all standard passenger plates, the last digit corresponds to the month of expiration. Digit 1 became serifed in March 2005. Letters Q and U never used. Letters I and O used in 123·ABC and 1234 AB formats (IA-IZ, OA-OZ were skipped) | |
| 1234 AB | 1000 AA to 9999 AA, then 1000 AB through 9999 AZ and so on through 9999 ZZ (January issued only through 9991 TZ, February issued only through 9992 YZ)[8] | ||||
| 12A B34 | 10A A00 to 99A A09, then 10A B00 through 99A Z09, then 10B A00 through 99Z Z09 and so on through 99Z Z99 (May issued only through 99Z Z85, June issued only through 99Z Z86) | ||||
| 123 AB4 | 111 AA0 to 999 AA9, then 111 AB0 through 999 AZ9 and so on through 999 ZZ9 (October issued only through 999 NZ0 to avoid any further confusion with the previous 123·ABO format) | ||||
| 1AB 234 | 1AA 110 to 9ZZ 999 | ||||
| 1ABC 23 | As of May 25, 2026:
| ||||
| 12A 340 | 11A 100 to 99Z 990 (October only) | ||||
| 123 A40 | 111 A10 to 479 Z90 (October only) |
Current passenger base plates
Currently, both the 1977 green-on-white base and the 1987 "Spirit" base are valid for registration. On the 1977 base, only rear plates were issued for most types (except for Reserved, Commercial and Taxi, for which front plates were also issued and must also be displayed today), whereas on the current "Spirit" base, both front and rear plates are issued. Registrants with 1977 plates have the option of replacing these with "Spirit" plates at no charge (though a different number will be used); however, most choose to keep their 1977 plates as a point of pride. In many cases, the 1977 plates are worn and illegible; legally per M.G.L. Chapter 90, a car with an illegible plate (regardless of age or color) must fail the state's annually required vehicle safety inspection. This is a safety fail, which under Massachusetts law prohibits operation of the vehicle until the issue is corrected.
| Image | First year of issue | Description | Serials previously issued | Current serial format | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Red on reflective white base with screened state name and slogan in blue | Coded with n by month of expiration (1 through 9 for January through September, 0 for October):
| Coded with n by month of expiration (1 through 9 for January through September, 0 for October):
| Letters Q and U never used. Letters I and O used in 123·ABC and 1234 AB formats (IA-IZ, OA-OZ were skipped) |
Reserved plates
In addition to the standard serial formats, Massachusetts also issues "reserve" plates. Reserve plates permit the plate holder to receive the same serial number when new plate styles are issued, or to transfer the serial number to family members. These plates are either all-numeric (1 through 99999) or consist of a single letter followed or preceded by a number (A 1 through Z 9999 and 1 A through 9999 Z). Reserve serials may also be of the forms A (expires on December 31), A#A, A##A, #A#, and #AA#, where # represents any number, and A represents any letter. Low-number reserve plates – now called "Lottery Plates" by the RMV – are of the forms A, #, ##, ###, ####, A #, A ##, # A, and ## A only. When a registrant cancels a low-number reserve registration, the number is placed in an annual lottery.[9] Registration for the lottery generally begins each June, and the drawing must be held by September 15. Prior to the institution of this annual lottery[when?], low-number reserve plates were issued only to well-connected individuals, and it is widely believed that drivers with low registration numbers were given preferential treatment by law enforcement. The annual lottery was instituted in response to complaints about the politics behind the issuance of low-number registrations.[citation needed] As with standard registration plates, the final digit on low-number reserve plates indicates the month of expiration.
| Image | First year of issue | Description | Serial formats | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Low-number reserve: Red on reflective white base with screened state name and slogan in blue | Coded with n by month of expiration (1 through 9 for January through September, 0 for October):
|
** No longer uses the letter O.[10] *** Never used the letter O.[10] |
Vanity plates
| Image | First year of issue | Design | Allowed serial formats | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Red on reflective white base with screened state name and slogan in blue |
| All passenger vanity plates expire on November 30. |
Charitable Organization Plates
In general, Massachusetts specialty plates follow the formats of X/X 1234, progressing to X/X 123A, X/X 12AB, X/X AB12, X/X A123.
Specialty plates cost an additional $40 every two years, for a total registration cost of $100. Upon initial registration, the special plate fee is divided into $12 for manufacturing and $28 for the organization featured on the plate. For the “Cape and Islands” and “Olympic Spirit” plates, a $50 special plate fee is divided into $16 for manufacturing and $34 for the organization featured on the plate, for a total registration cost of $110. The charity receives the full special plate fee upon renewal of registration. [11][12]
| Image | Type | Dates issued | Design | Serial Prefix | Serials issued | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ALS One | 2016 - Present | As 1993 Passenger base, "Care & A Cure For ALS" screened in blue at bottom. | L/G | |||
| Atlantic White Shark | 2016 - Present | As 1993 Passenger base, shark graphic screened at left, "Atlantic White Shark Conservancy" screened in black at bottom. | W/S | |||
| Basketball Hall of Fame | 1993 - Present | As 1993 Passenger base, basketball hall of fame graphic screened at left, "BIRTHPLACE OF BASKETBALL" screened in blue at bottom. | B/B | |||
| Blackstone Valley | 1999 - Present | Embossed Red Serial on blue and white plate with watermill graphic at left, "Massachusetts screened in blue at top, "Preserve the Trust" screened in blue at bottom. | B/V | |||
| Celtics | 1987 - 1998 | Embossed Red Serial on white plate, "Massachusetts" screened in blue at top, "The Spirit of America" screened in blue at bottom, "CELTICS" screened in red at left. | ||||
| 1998 - 2025 | Embossed Red Serial on white plate with Boston Celtics logo at left, "Massachusetts" screened in blue at top, "17-Time World Champions" screened in green at bottom left, "Boston Children's" screened in black at bottom. | C/S | ||||
| 2025 - Present | The "17-Time World Champions" screened in green at the bottom left was removed. New "Boston Children's Hospital" wordmark screened along with fully colored Celtics logo. | |||||
| Bruins | 1987 - 1998 | Embossed black serial in yellow plate, "Massachusetts" screened in black at top, "BRUINS" screened in black at left. | ||||
| 1998 - Present | Embossed Red Serial on white plate with Boston Bruins logo at left, "Massachusetts" screened in blue at top, "Invest in Youth Hockey" screened in black at bottom. | B/R | ||||
| Cape Ann | 2017 - Present | Embossed Red Serial on white plate "Massachusetts" screened in blue at top, "lovecapeann.com" screened in blue at bottom. | C/A | |||
| Cape and Islands | 1996 - 2006 | Embossed Red Serial on blue and white plate with lighthouse graphic at left, "Massachusetts" screened in blue at top, "Cape Cod & Islands" screened in blue at bottom. | C/I | $50 annual fee | ||
| 2006 - 2024 | I/C | |||||
| 2024 - Present | C/P | |||||
| Choose Life | 2010 - Present | Embossed Red Serial on white plate, mother and child graphic screened at left, "Massachusetts" screened in blue at top, "Choose Life" screened in black at bottom. | C/L | |||
| Conquer Cancer | 2006 - Present | Embossed blue tear drop and yellow sunset screened at left, "Conquer Cancer" screened in blue at bottom. | C/C | |||
| Cure Breast Cancer | 2006 - Present | Embossed pink breast cancer ribbon screened at left, "Cure Breast Cancer" screened in blue at bottom. | B/C | |||
| Dr. Seuss | 2025 - Present | Embossed image of The Cat in the Hat and the website “SeussInSpringfield.org” at the bottom of the plate. | D/R | |||
| Fallen Heroes | 2016 - Present | Embossed Red Serial on white plate, Massachusetts Fallen Heroes graphic screened at left, "Massachusetts" screened in blue at top, "Honor Their Sacrifice" screened in blue at bottom. | F/H | |||
| Firefighters Memorial | 2006 - Present | Embossed Red Serial on white plate, Firefighter graphic screened at left, "Massachusetts" screened in blue at top, "Firefighters Memorial" screened in red at bottom. | F/F | |||
| Fish and Wildlife | 1998 - Present | Embossed Red Serial on blue and white plate with fish graphic at left, "Massachusetts screened in purple at top, "Preserve the Trust" screened in white at bottom. | F/W | |||
| Freemasonry | 2017 - Present | Embossed Red Serial on white plate, Freemason graphic screened at left, "Massachusetts" screened in blue at top, "Freemasonry" screened in blue at bottom. | M/M | |||
| Fresh and Local | 2015 - Present | Embossed Red Serial on white plate, Pumpkin graphic screened at left, "Massachusetts" screened in blue at top, "Choose Fresh and Local" screened in blue at bottom. | A/G | |||
| Habitat and Heritage | 2022 - Present | Embossed Red Serial on white plate, deer graphic screened at left, "Massachusetts" screened in blue at top, "Habitat and Heritage" screened in black at bottom. | S/L | |||
| Invest in Children | 1998–Present | Embossed Red Serial on white and blue plate, children graphic screened at left, "Massachusetts" screened in blue at top, "Invest in Children" screened in white at bottom. | T/C | |||
| Martha's Vineyard | 2015 - Present | Embossed Red Serial on white plate, ferry graphic screened at left, "Massachusetts" screened in blue at top, "Martha's Vineyard" screened in blue at bottom. | M/V | |||
| Mass Animal Coalition | 2003 - Present | Embossed Red Serial on white plate, dog and cat graphic screened at left, "Massachusetts" screened in blue at top, "I'm Animal Friendly" screened in blue at bottom. | S/N | |||
| 250 Years of Independence | 2025 - Present | Embossed White Serial on blue plate with "1776" circled by 13 star graphic screened at left, "Massachusetts" screened in red at top, "250 Years of Independence" screened in white at bottom. | M/A | |||
| Nantucket Island | 2016 - Present | Embossed Red Serial on white plate, Nantucket and whale graphic screened at left, "Massachusetts" screened in blue at top, "Nantucket Island" screened in blue at bottom. | N/I | |||
| New England Patriots | 2005 - 2017 | Embossed Red Serial on white plate, "Massachusetts" screened in blue at top, "New England Patriots Charitable Foundation" screened at bottom. | N/E | |||
| 2017 - 2022 | ||||||
| 2022 - Present | ||||||
| Olympic Spirit | 1996 - Present | Embossed Red Serial on white and blue plate, USA Olympics graphic screened at left, "Massachusetts" screened in blue at top, "Olympic Spirit" screened in white at bottom. | O/S | $50 annual fee | ||
| Overdose Awareness | 2025 - Present | Embossed purple ribbon with angel wings and a halo and the words “Overdose Awareness”. | ||||
| Pan-Mass Challenge | 2015 - Present | Embossed Red Serial on white plate, Pan-Mass logo screened at left, "Massachusetts" screened in blue at top, "Share the Road" screened in blue at bottom. | P/M | |||
| Plymouth 400 | 2015 - Present | Embossed Red Serial on white plate, mayflower graphic screened at left, "Massachusetts" screened in blue at top, "An American Story, A National Legacy" screened in blue at bottom. | P/L | |||
| Red Sox / Jimmy Fund | 2010 - 2023 | Embossed Red Serial on white plate, Red Sox Logo screened at left, "Massachusetts" screened in blue at top, "The Jimmy Fund" screened in blue at bottom. | J/F | |||
| R/S | ||||||
| 2023 - Present | Embossed pair of red socks with a blue heart between them and Dana‑Farber/Jimmy Fund logos, commemorating the Jimmy Fund’s 75th anniversary. | |||||
| Registered Nurse | 2017 - Present | Embossed Red Serial on white plate, Registered Nurse graphic screened at left, "Massachusetts" screened in blue at top, "Advancing Health" screened in blue at bottom. | R/N | |||
| Right Whale | 1994 - Present | Embossed Red Serial on white and blue plate, whale graphic screened at left, "Massachusetts" screened in blue at top, "Preserve the Trust" screened in blue at bottom. | R/W | |||
| Roseate Tern | Embossed Red Serial on white and blue plate, whale graphic screened at left, "Massachusetts" screened in blue at top, "Preserve the Trust" screened in blue at bottom. | R/T | ||||
| State Police Association | 2019 - Present | Embossed Red Serial on white plate, state trooper hat graphic screened at left, "Massachusetts" screened in blue at top, "Protect and Serve" screened in blue at bottom. | P/S | |||
| Embossed Red Serial on white plate, American flag and a blue police ribbon screened at left, "Massachusetts" screened in blue at top, "Protect and Serve" screened in blue at bottom. | ||||||
| Striped Bass | 2019 - Present | Embossed Red Serial on white plate, striped bass graphic screened at left, "Massachusetts" screened in blue at top, "Striped Bass Conservation" screened in blue at bottom. | S/C | |||
| UMass | 2013 - Present | Embossed Red Serial on white plate, UMass graphic screened at left, "Massachusetts" screened in blue at top, "You were. You are. UMASS." screened in red at bottom. | U/M | |||
| United We Stand | 2002 - Present | Embossed Red Serial on American flag background, "Massachusetts" screened in blue at top, "United we Stand" screened in blue at bottom. | U/S | |||
| Welcome Home | 2020 - Present | Embossed Red Serial on white plate, house graphic screened at left, "Massachusetts" screened in blue at top, "Welcome Home" screened in blue at bottom. | W/H | |||
| Zoo New England | 2023 - Present | Embossed image of a gorilla and the words “Zoo New England” at the bottom of the plate and "Massachusetts" screened in blue at top, | Z/N |
Government Plates
| Image | Type | Design | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Governor's Council | Embossed Red Serial on white plate, with "GOVERNORS COUNCIL" in red on the left. | Governor's Council plates are issued to elected members of the Governor's Council. | |
| Honorary Consular | Embossed Red Serial on white plate, with "HON. CONSULAR CORPS" in red on the left. | Honorary Consular plates are issued to a private individual who is authorized to perform limited functions on behalf of a foreign government. | |
| House | Embossed Red Serial on white plate, with "HOUSE" in red on the left, and the state seal on the right. | House plates are issued to elected members of the Massachusetts House of Representatives. | |
| Senate | Embossed Red Serial on white plate, with "SENATE" in red on the left, and the state seal on the right. | Senate plates are issued to elected members of the Massachusetts State Senate. | |
| United States Congress | Embossed Red Serial on white plate, with "*U.S. CONGRESS*" in red on the left. | US Congress plates are issued to elected members of the US House of Representatives. | |
| United States Senate | Embossed Red Serial on white plate, with "*U.S. SENATE*" in red on the left. | US Senate plates are issued to elected members of the US Senate. |
Medical / Disability Plates
| Image | Type | Dates Issued | Design | Serial Prefix | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disability | Embossed red serial on white plate, with the International Symbol of Access icon in red on the left. | ||||
| Disabled Veteran | - 2005 | Embossed red serial on a white plate, with a vertical solid blue bar containing six white stars on the left and the word "Disabled" next to it, followed by a vertical red‑and‑white striped bar with the word "Veteran" next to it.” | |||
| 2005 - Present | Embossed red serial on white plate, with International Symbol of Access"icon holding an American Flag, in red on the left, and with "Disabled Veteran" screened in blue on the bottom. | ||||
| Emergency Vehicle | Embossed white serial on red plate, "Emergency Vehicle" in white to the left, and "Emergency" in white at the bottom. | ||||
| Medical Doctor | Embossed red serial on white plate, with "MD" icon in red on the left. | M/D |
Military Plates
| Image | Type | Design | Serial Prefix | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze Star | Embossed red serial on white plate, with Bronze Star medal on the left, and "Veteran" on the bottom. | V/B | ||
| Congressional Medal of Honor | Embossed white serial on blue plate, with six white stars on both sides, "CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR" on the top, and "Massachusetts" on the bottom. | |||
| Distinguished Flying Cross | Embossed red serial on white plate, with a Distinguished Flying Cross medal on the left, and "Veteran" on the bottom. | D/F | ||
| Ex-POW | Embossed red serial on white plate, with barbed wire and "Ex POW" on the left. | |||
| Gold Star Family | Embossed red serial on white plate, with a gold star on the left on a vertical black bar and "Gold Star Family" on the bottom. | G/S | ||
| Legion Of Valor | Embossed red serial on white plate, with "Legion of Valor" on the left. | |||
| Medal Of Liberty | Embossed red serial on white plate, with Medal of Liberty on the left. | M/L | ||
| National Guard | Embossed red serial on white plate, with an image of a National Guard solder on the left, and "National guard" on the bottom. | |||
| Pearl Harbor Survivor | Embossed red serial on white plate, with an eagle and a "Pearl Harbor Survivor" banner on the left, and "Veteran" on the bottom. | |||
| Purple Heart | Embossed red serial on white plate, with Purple Heart medal on the left, and "Veteran" on the bottom. | |||
| Embossed red serial on white plate, with Purple Heart medal on the left, and "Combat Wounded" on the bottom. | ||||
| Silver Star | Embossed red serial on white plate, with Silver Star medal on the left. | |||
| Veteran | Embossed red serial on white plate, with American Flag on the left, and "Veteran" on the "bottom". The left side will have a branch of service decal (Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Air Force). | |||
| Embossed red serial on white plate, with "Veteran" on the "bottom". No American Flag. |
"Other" Plates
| Image | Type | Dates issued | Design | Serial Prefix | Serials issued | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antique | Embossed Red Serial on white plate with the embossed word "Antique" at the bottom. | Vehicle must be 25 years or older and may only be used and maintained for use in exhibitions, club activities, parades, and other functions of public interest. | ||||
| Electric Vehicle | 2012 - Present | Embossed Red Serial on white plate, green EV graphic screened at left, and "Electric Vehicle" screened in blue at bottom. | E/V | Optional for electric and hybrid vehicles. | ||
| V/E | ||||||
| Foreign Organization | Embossed Red Serial on white plate with "Foreign Organization" screened at the bottom. | |||||
| HAM Operator | Embossed Red Serial on white plate with red separator for call sign. | |||||
| Limited Use Vehicle (LUV) | Embossed Red Serial on white plate with "Limited Use" icon in a yellow square screened on the right side. | L/U | ||||
| Low Speed | Embossed Red Serial on white plate with "Low Speed" screened at the bottom and an orange triangle with missing corners on the right side. | L/S | ||||
| News Photographer | Embossed Red Serial on white plate with "NEWS PHOTOG" screened on the left side. | Issued to members of the Boston Press Photographer's Association. |
Non-passenger plates
| Image | Type | Dates Issued | Design | Serial format | Serials issued | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial | 1987–1991 | As "Spirit of America" base, but with embossed "COMMERCIAL" in place of slogan | 123·456 | 1 to 999·999 | All Commercial plates expire on December 31. | |
| 1991–1993 | A 1234 A12·345 | A 1000 to C99·999 | ||||
| 1993–2007 | As above, but with embossed "DEC" at top left | D 1000 to approximately M63·800 | ||||
| 2007–2019 | As above, but with "DEC" screened rather than embossed | M63·801 to approximately V43·499 | ||||
| 2019–present | As above, but with "COMMERCIAL" screened rather than embossed | V43·500 to at least Z27·646 (as of May 3, 2026) | ||||
| Trailer | 1987–2004 | As "Spirit of America" base, but with embossed "TRAILER" in place of slogan | 123·456 | 1 to 999·999 | All Trailer plates expire on November 30. | |
| 2004–2008 | A 1234 | A 1000 to Z 9999 | ||||
| 2008–2021 | A12·345 | A10·000 to approximately F68·449 | ||||
| 2021–2024 | TZ 12345 | TZ 10000 to TZ 99999 | ||||
| 2024–present | TZ 1234A | TZ 1000A to at least TZ 5952M (as of April 30, 2026) | ||||
| Apportioned | 1987–2018 | As "Spirit of America" base, but with screened "APPORTIONED" in place of slogan | 12345 | 10000 to 99999 | All Apportioned plates expire on June 30. | |
| 2018–2021 | 1234 A | 1000 A to 9999 B | ||||
| 2021–present | 1AB23C | 1AA10A to at least 1AL17T (as of April 30, 2026) |
References
- ^ "History of the Plate". Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles. Archived January 4, 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 18, 2017.
- ^ "Man About Canton: Mass. License Plates | Canton Citizen". www.thecantoncitizen.com. Retrieved 2025-12-17.
- ^ Executive Office of Transportation (September 25, 2009). "History of the Plate". Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles. Retrieved December 17, 2025.
- ^ "Just A Car Guy: The first license plate in the US was "1", issued in Massachusetts, to Frederick Tudor, in 1903. He got it because he was related to the right person, the fix was in. The plate is still held by someone in his family.". Just A Car Guy. 2018-09-26. Retrieved 2025-12-17.
- ^ GazelleGazelle (2021-12-10). "The First License Plate Ever Was Spotted on 195 East in Dartmouth". FUN 107. Retrieved 2025-12-17.
- ^ Garrish, Christopher (October 2016). "Reconsidering the Standard Plate Size". Plates. Vol. 62, no. 5. Automobile License Plate Collectors Association
- ^ Tanner, Eric N. "Massachusetts License Plates". allaboutlicenseplates.com. Archived from the original on December 8, 2015. Retrieved December 5, 2015.
- ^ Sage, Kit & Tanner, Eric. "licenseplates.cc Massachusetts highs page". Archived from the original on April 25, 2009. Retrieved June 24, 2009.
- ^ "2011 Low Plate Lottery Announcement". Archived from the original on September 25, 2011. Retrieved March 11, 2012.
- ^ "Passenger Plates Booklet". massDOT Registry of Motor Vehicles Division. Commonwealth of Massachusetts. July 2014. Retrieved 7 October 2022.
- ^ "Apply for a special license plate". Mass.gov. Archived March 11, 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2025-03-19.
- ^ "Schedule of Fees". Mass.gov. 2025-05-01. Archived 2025-11-02 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-01-06.
External links
- Massachusetts license plates 1969–present
- Passenger Plates Booklet July 2014 Archived July 4, 2014 at the Wayback Machine. Registry of Motor Vehicles (MassDOT). Retrieved 2014-07-02.
- Love Cape Ann
- Seuss in Springfield