Code of Massachusetts Regulations
540 CMR - REGISTRY OF MOTOR VEHICLES
Title 540 CMR 2.00 - Motor Vehicle Regulations
Section 2.05 - Vehicle Registrations Requirements

Universal Citation: 540 MA Code of Regs 540.2

Current through Register 1531, September 27, 2024

(1) Authority, Purpose and Scope. 540 CMR 2.05 is issued by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles under the authority of M.G.L. c. 6C, § 56 and c. 90, §§ 2 and 31. In order to promote and protect the public safety, every motor vehicle and trailer operated, pushed, drawn, towed, or remaining in any way shall be in compliance with the registration requirements of M.G.L. c. 90, and 540 CMR 2.05 or 540 CMR 18.00: Minimum Standards for the Issuance and Use of General Registrations and General Registration Numbers Plates Issued under the Provisions of M.G.L. c. 90, § 5.

(2) Applications for Registration and Powers of Attorney. Any person who desires to register a motor vehicle or trailer in the Commonwealth shall complete such application, and provide such information, as required by the Registrar. The application for registration may be signed on behalf of the applicant by a duly authorized attorney in fact acting under a valid power of attorney, provided the power of attorney or a copy thereof, duly authenticated, is filed with the application for registration.

(3) Definitions. As used in 540 CMR 2.05, the following terms are defined as follows:

Ambulance, Antique Motor Car, Auto Home, House Trailer, Motorcycle, School Bus, Semi-trailer, and Trailer. Have the meaning assigned to those terms in M.G.L. c. 90, § 1.

Apportionable Vehicle. Any motor vehicle which qualifies for registration under the International Registration Plan (IRP) authorized by M.G.L. c. 90, § 2.

Bus. Any motor vehicle which is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or meets the definition of bus or motor bus under M.G.L. c. 90, § 1.

Business Advertisement. Unless exempted by law, a business advertisement on a motor vehicle includes, but is not limited to, a notice, slogan, image, logo, internet address or a design, or any combination, intended to draw public attention to a company or organization or to a product or service.

Business Marking. Unless exempted by law, a business marking on a motor vehicle includes, but is not limited to, a name, address, telephone number, internet address or any combination or other indicia that identifies the owner or lessee of the vehicle.

Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV). A motor vehicle or combination of motor vehicles used in commerce to transport passengers or property if the motor vehicle:

(a) has a gross combination vehicle weight rating or gross combination vehicle weight of 11,794 kilograms or more (26,001 lbs. or more), whichever is greater, inclusive of a towed unit(s) with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of more than 4,536 kilograms (10,000 lbs.), whichever is greater;

(b) has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of 11,794 kilograms or more (26,001 lbs. or more), whichever is greater;

(c) is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver; or

(d) is of any size and is used in transportation of hazardous materials as defined in 540 CMR 2.05(3).

Commercial Plates Required Vehicle. Any motor vehicle required to display a "commercial" registration plate and which is not an "apportioned vehicle", a private passenger motor vehicle, personal transportation network vehicle, antique motor car, motorcycle, trailer, semi-trailer, auto home, house trailer, taxicab, ambulance, hearse, livery vehicle, bus, school bus, or school pupil transport vehicle, including the following:

(a) Any vehicle which has a vehicle weight, or curb weight, of 6,000 lbs., or more, as per the manufacturer's description of said vehicle, unless such vehicle is a sport utility vehicle or passenger van, or a pickup truck or cargo van meeting the definition of Private Passenger Motor Vehicle or a Camper Vehicle;

(b) Any vehicle which has five or more wheels on the ground; except that a pickup truck which has five or more wheels on the ground that is registered to an individual and is used solely for personal use shall not be classified as a "commercial plates required vehicle" for purposes of registration unless another provision of law requires such registration;

(c) Any pickup truck or cargo van, owned by a partnership, trust or corporation unless such vehicle meets the definition of Private Passenger Motor Vehicle;

(d) Any pickup truck or cargo van, if on the bed of the vehicle tools, supplies, materials or equipment are transported to or from a job site, or are stored for use at a job site, provided that transportation to or storage for use at a personal project for which no compensation is received shall not be considered in connection with a "job site";

(e) Any vehicle, if on the roof or sides of the vehicle, tools, supplies, materials or equipment are transported to or from a job site, or are stored for use at a job site, provided that transportation to or storage for use at a personal project for which no compensation is received shall not be deemed in connection with a "job site";

(f) A vehicle which has business advertisements or business markings thereon; provided however that markings limited to the name, address, telephone number, and logo of any corporation whose personal property is exempt from taxation under M.G.L. c. 59, § 5, Clause Third or Tenth and markings limited to the name, address, telephone number, logo or website address of a "car-sharing organization" as defined in M.G.L. c. 90, § 32J shall not be considered business advertisements or business markings for purposes of 540 CMR 2.05;

(g) A vehicle used for hire to plow;

(h) A vehicle used for hire to transport or store goods, wares or merchandise, provided that a private passenger motor vehicle which is owned by an individual and which is so used on only a part time basis shall not be deemed a commercial plates required vehicle under 540 CMR 2.05(3). "Part time basis" shall mean that not more than 40% of the total usage of the vehicle is devoted to the transporting or storing of goods, wares or merchandise.

(i) A vehicle used to transport or store goods, wares or merchandise intended for sale in the ordinary course of the vehicle operator's or owner's business, provided that if the vehicle is owned by an individual, has a maximum load carrying capacity of 1,000 lbs. or less, and is so used on only a part-time basis, such vehicle shall not be deemed a commercial plates-required vehicle under 540 CMR 2.05(3). "Part-time basis" shall mean that not more than 40% of the total usage of the vehicle is devoted to the transporting or storing of goods, wares or merchandise.

Hazardous materials. Any material that has been designated as hazardous under 49 CFR 383.5, including any material that has been designated as hazardous under 49 U.S.C. 5103 and is required to be placarded under subpart F of 49 CFR part 172 or any quantity of a material listed as a select agent or toxin in 42 CFR 73.

Hearse. Any vehicle regularly used in the course of business of a licensed embalmer or a licensed funeral director.

Limited Use Motor Vehicle. Any motor vehicle with two or more wheels as described in M.G.L. c. 90, §§ 1H or 1I which is capable of exceeding 30 miles per hour but not exceeding 40 miles per hour whose operation on public ways is restricted by law. Such vehicle shall display a Limited Use Vehicle registration plate, except that a three-wheeled vehicle meeting the definition of limited use motorcycle in M.G.L. c. 90, § 1I shall display a Limited Use Motorcycle plate.

Livery Vehicle. Any limousine or other vehicle which is designed to carry 15 or fewer passengers, including the driver, and carries passengers for hire, business courtesy, employee shuttle, customer shuttle, charter or other pre-arranged transportation, and which vehicle is not required to obtain a taxicab license pursuant to M.G.L. c. 40, § 22.

Low-speed Electric Bicycle. A two- or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (one h.p.), whose maximum speed on a paved level surface, when powered solely by such a motor while ridden by an operator who weighs 170 lbs., is less than 20 mph. These bicycles are not "motor vehicles" and are regulated by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. They are neither required nor authorized to be registered as "motorized bicycles" in the Commonwealth and the operator is not required to have a license or learner's permit but is subject to the traffic laws of the Commonwealth.

Low-speed Motor Vehicle. Any motor vehicle with four wheels meeting the definition in M.G.L. c. 90, § 1 and qualifying for registration under M.G.L. c. 90, § 1F, whose operations on public ways is restricted by law. Such vehicle shall display a Low Speed Vehicle registration plate and a "Slow Moving Vehicle Emblem."

Military Vehicles Appearing to Carry an Offensive Weapon. A privately-owned vehicle or vehicle owned by a not-for profit organization, which appears to contain a mounted offensive weapon designed for military use including, but not limited to, long guns, machine guns, and rocket launchers may not be registered for use on public ways. However, such vehicles may take part in parades on public ways when law enforcement officers escort the vehicle or close the way to the public.

Motor Vehicles and Motorized Vehicles Not Designed for Use on a Way. If the Registrar determines from a Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin or other document believed to contain reliable information, that a motor vehicle or motorized vehicle presented for registration was not designed for use on public ways, the Registrar may refuse to register such vehicle.

Motorcycle. As defined in M.G.L. c. 90, § 1, includes any such vehicle if it can achieve a top speed, as designed and manufactured, in excess of 40 miles per hour (MPH). If such vehicle can achieve a top speed, as designed and manufactured, of between 30 and 40 miles per hour (MPH) it may be registered as a "Limited Use Motorcycle" subject to restrictions as to operation on certain ways or portions of ways. Any two- or three-wheeled vehicle which has been certified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as a "motorcycle" can only be registered as a "Motorcycle" or "Limited Use Motorcycle". It cannot be registered as a "private passenger motor vehicle".

Motorcycle Conversions. A two- or three-wheeled motorcycle originally designed and manufactured for off-road use cannot be registered for on-road use, unless and until it has been physically converted in accord with the required motorcycle equipment/components list as contained in the Registrar's "Motorcycle Conversion Preliminary Examination Report" and the vehicle passes such preliminary examination prior to registration.

Motorized Bicycle (commonly called a moped). As defined in M.G.L. c. 90, § 1, may have two or three wheels. A motorized bicycle, however powered, cannot be converted and registered as a motorcycle. If the Registrar has information that he or she believes to be reliable that a particular make and model of motorized bicycle or a particular motorized bicycle itself can exceed 30 miles per hour, he or she may refuse to recognize it as a motorized bicycle and may reject registration for the specific vehicle or the make and model produced by the manufacturer.

Motorized Scooter. As defined in M.G.L. c. 90, § 1, is neither required nor authorized to be registered in the Commonwealth.

Motorized Vehicle Combinations. A vehicle composed of a motorized vehicle on the bottom and one or more parts of another vehicle or vehicles on top, whether the top portion contains a separate motorized vehicle or part of a boat, plane or off-road vehicle, etc., will not be registered for operation on public ways.

Motorized Vehicle Designed for Off-road Use. A motorized vehicle originally designed and manufactured for off-road use, for example, a snow mobile or ski mobile, an all-terrain (ATV) vehicle, a utility vehicle, etc., that could be registered under M.G.L. c. 90B cannot be registered for on-road use, either in its original manufactured configuration or as modified for on-road use. Only a "motorcycle" properly converted from off-road use may be registered for on-road use.

Personal Transportation Network Vehicle. A private passenger motor vehicle that is used by a Transportation Network Company Driver to provide Transportation Services for a Transportation Network Company.

Private Passenger Motor Vehicle. Any vehicle:

(a) which has a vehicle weight rating or curb weight of 6,000 lbs. or less as per the manufacturer's description of said vehicle; or is a sport utility vehicle or passenger van as per the manufacturer's description of said vehicle; or which is a pickup truck or cargo van with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 16,000 lbs. or less as per the manufacturer's description of said vehicle; or which is a vehicle used solely for official business by any college or university police department whose officers are appointed as special police officers by the colonel of the state police under M.G.L. c. 22C, § 63; and,

(b) which, if a pickup truck or cargo van with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 16,000 lbs. or less as per manufacturer's description of said vehicle, is registered or leased to an individual or individual trust, and is used solely for personal use; or is registered or leased to a college or university police department as described in subparagraph (a); and,

(c) which, other than a Personal Transportation Network Vehicle, is not described elsewhere in 540 CMR 2.05.

The terms passenger vehicle, passenger car, automobile and pleasure passenger vehicle are synonymous with Private Passenger Motor Vehicle. For the avoidance of doubt, the Private Passenger Motor Vehicle shall include, but not be synonymous with, Personal Transportation Network Vehicle. For the purposes of M.G.L. c. 90D, § 15A, the term "pleasure vehicle" shall include any motor vehicle, as defined in M.G.L. c. 90D, § 1, that is registered to one or more person(s) and is not registered or used for commercial purposes.

School Pupil Transport Vehicle. Any vehicle which is required to comply with the special equipment and licensing requirement of M.G.L. c. 90, § 7D.

Tank Vehicle (liquid storage). Any commercial motor vehicle that is designed to transport any liquid or gaseous materials within a tank or tanks having an individual rated capacity of more than 119 gallons and an aggregate rated capacity of 1,000 gallons or more that is either permanently or temporarily attached to the vehicle or the chassis. A commercial motor vehicle transporting an empty storage container tank, not designed for transportation, with a rated capacity of 1,000 gallons or more that is temporarily attached to a flatbed trailer is not considered a tank vehicle.

Taxicab. Any vehicle which carries passengers for hire, and which is licensed by a municipality pursuant to M.G.L. c. 40, § 22 as a taxicab.

Transportation Network Company. A corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, or other entity operating in Massachusetts that, for consideration, will arrange for a passenger to be transported by a driver between points chosen by the passenger. A Transportation Network Company must hold a valid Transportation Network Company Certificate issued by the Department of Public Utilities or a notice issued by the Department of Public Utilities within the preceding six months certifying that, as of the date of the notice, the Department of Public Utilities is not issuing Transportation Network Company Certificates.

Transportation Network Company Driver or TNC Driver. An individual who, on behalf of a Transportation Network Company, provides Transportation Services to TNC Riders.

Transportation Network Company Rider or TNC Rider. Any passenger who is transported by a TNC Driver for consideration and whose transportation is arranged by a TNC Company.

Transportation Services. The transportation of a passenger between points chosen by the passenger for consideration.

Vanpool Vehicle. Any vehicle with a seating arrangement designed to carry seven to 15 adults, including the driver, and is used by seven or more persons commuting on a daily basis to and from work, as classified in M.G.L. c. 63, §§ 31D through 31F.

(4) Registration Plates.

(a) A Private Passenger Motor Vehicle may display a private passenger registration number plate.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of 540 CMR 2.05(4), any apportionable vehicle registered under the IRP shall display an APPORTIONED registration number plate.

(c) A Commercial Plates Required Vehicle shall display a COMMERCIAL registration number plate. Each commercial vehicle must have on its registration the registered gross weight evidencing the registered owner's intended loaded weight.

(d) An Ambulance shall display an AMBULANCE registration number plate.

(e) An Antique Motor Car may display an ANTIQUE registration number plate, or a YEAR OF MANUFACTURE registration number plate issued in accordance with 540 CMR 2.07.

(f) An Auto Home may display a CAMPER registration number plate. A House Trailer may display either a CAMPER or a TRAILER registration number plate.

(g) A Bus shall display a BUS registration number plate.

(h) A Hearse shall display either a HEARSE or COMMERCIAL registration number plate.

(i) Subject to 540 CMR 2.05(4)(i)1., 2. and 3., and the provisions of M.G.L. c. 90, § 7D, a Livery Vehicle shall display a LIVERY registration number plate, provided that nothing contained in 540 CMR 2.05(4)(i) shall prevent a vehicle that meets the requirements in M.G.L. c. 90 for a registration number plate bearing the International Symbol of Access from displaying such registration number plate.
1. Any vehicle that meets the definition of Livery Vehicle, including vehicles described in 540 CMR 2.05(4)(i)2. and 3., but which vehicle is used for the transportation of school pupils under M.G.L. c. 90, § 7D, shall display a PUPIL registration number plate.

2. Any vehicle that meets the definition of Livery Vehicle solely by virtue of the use to which it is put pursuant to a short term rental agreement of not more than seven consecutive days, and 30 days in the aggregate in any calendar year, need not display a Livery registration number plate during such rental period, provided the vehicle is owned by an entity whose regular business is vehicle rental; the vehicle is covered by a liability insurance policy applicable to a vehicle used to transport people for hire; said rental agreement is carried in the vehicle; and the vehicle is properly registered based upon the use to which it was put just prior to the commencement of the short term rental period.

3. Any vehicle that meets the definition of a Livery Vehicle but is used exclusively to provide transportation in connection with a program of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services and/or Department of Mental Health may display either a Livery registration number plate or a Passenger registration number plate, provided that if such vehicle displays a Passenger registration number plate it shall not bear any business advertisements or markings thereon, and there shall be maintained in the vehicle, in a readily accessible place for examination by law enforcement officers upon request, written evidence of the relationship with the Department(s) supplied by the Department(s), which writing shall specifically reference the expiration date of the current relationship with the Department(s).

(j) A Motorcycle shall display a MOTORCYCLE registration number plate except that a Limited Use Motorcycle shall display a LIMITED USE MOTORCYCLE plate.

(k) A School Bus shall display either a SCHOOL BUS, a BUS, or an APPORTIONED registration number plate, except as provided in M.G.L. c. 90, § 7D. The requirement of 540 CMR 2.05(4)(k) is applicable to all such classified motor vehicles notwithstanding that they otherwise would be eligible to display a COMMERCIAL, LIVERY, TAXI, MUNICIPAL, STATE, AUTHORITY, or other registration number plate. In case of emergency, a vehicle with a COMMERCIAL, LIVERY, TAXI, PUPIL, MUNICIPAL, STATE or AUTHORITY plate may be substituted as a school bus; provided said substitution may not occur for more than five days in any 12-month period.

(l) A School Pupil Transport Vehicle shall display a PUPIL registration number plate. The requirement of 540 CMR 2.05(4)(1) is applicable to all such classified motor vehicles notwithstanding that they otherwise would be eligible to display a COMMERCIAL, LIVERY, TAXI, MUNICIPAL, STATE, AUTHORITY, or other registration number plate. In case of emergency, a vehicle with a COMMERCIAL, LIVERY, TAXI, BUS, SCHOOL BUS, MUNICIPAL, STATE, or AUTHORITY plate may be substituted for a School Pupil Transport Vehicle; provided, said substitution may not occur for more than five days in any 12-month period.

(m) A Semi-trailer shall display a SEMI-TRAILER registration number plate.

(n) A Taxicab shall display a TAXI registration number plate, except that a vehicle which meets the definition of Taxicab, but which vehicle is used for the transportation of school pupils under M.G.L. c. 90, § 7D, shall display a "PUPIL" registration number plate.

(o) A Trailer shall display a TRAILER registration number plate.

(p) A Vanpool Vehicle shall display a VANPOOL registration number plate.

(q) Each registration plate issued by the Registrar remains the property of the Registrar

(r) A vehicle must display the number of registration plates issued by the Registrar for that vehicle.
1. Green and White Registration Plates. Registration plate must be mounted and displayed on the rear of the vehicle.

2. Red, White and Blue Registration Plates. Registration plate must be mounted and displayed on the rear and front of the vehicle (including, but not limited to, all private passenger vehicle plates). Trailers and semi-trailers are issued only one plate which must be mounted and displayed at the rear of the vehicle. General registration number plates issued under M.G.L. c, 90, § 5 (Dealer, Repair, Farm, Owner-Contractor and Transporter) shall display one plate at the rear of the vehicle.

3. Motorcycles are Issued One Registration Plate. Registration plate must be mounted and displayed on the rear of the vehicle.

(s) The registered owner or lessee of a vehicle eligible to display a PASSENGER, CAMPER, LIVERY, BUS, or COMMERCIAL plate may, upon application, request that the Registrar issue a distinctive letter-number combination for said plate. Such application shall be granted unless the Registrar determines that the combination:
1. does not comply with readability standards as set forth by the Registrar;

2. is duplicative of a registration already issued;

3. is or implies a vulgarity or profanity including a swear or curse word, or scatological term, not usually displayed in the community for general viewing;

4. is obscene or otherwise contains material of prurient sexual suggestiveness in that it refers explicitly or by euphemism to a sexual body part, a sex act, or the availability for sex; and/or

5. is an expression of "fighting words" that the RMV reasonably foresees would imminently incite or provoke violence or other immediate breach of peace.

(a) A TNC Driver shall not provide Transportation Services to a passenger unless a Transportation Network Company has pre-arranged for the TNC Driver to provide Transportation Services to the passenger. A TNC Driver shall not solicit or accept on-demand summoning of a ride, otherwise known as "street hail" or "hail pick-up".

(b) A Transportation Network Company shall make available to prospective TNC Riders the method by which the Transportation Network Company calculates fares or the applicable rates being charged and an option to receive an estimated fare.

(c) A TNC Driver must:

1. Be 21 years of age or older;

2. Possess a valid driver's license;

3. Possess proof of personal motor vehicle insurance as required under M.G.L. c. 90 for the Personal Transportation Network Vehicle being used;

4. Comply with such other requirements as may be set by the Department of Public Utilities for TNC Drivers.

(d) No individual whose operator driving record, as maintained on behalf of the Merit Rating Board under M.G.L. c. 6C, § 57A, contains any of the following traffic violations shall operate a Personal Transportation Network Vehicle:

1. More than three traffic violations, as defined by the Division of Insurance, in the preceding three-year period; or

2. A major traffic violation, as defined by the Division of Insurance, in the preceding three-year period

(a) The Department of Public Utilities ("DPU") shall act as the licensing authority to which a Transportation Network Company shall apply for a certificate to provide TNC Services. The DPU may issue such a certificate if the DPU finds that public convenience and necessity require that the applicant be allowed to provide Transportation Services.

(b) The DPU shall have general supervision and regulation of, and jurisdiction and control over Transportation Network Companies as common carriers.

(c) The DPU shall ensure that, before arranging for a Transportation Network Driver to provide Transportation Services, a Transportation Network Company shall:

1. Conduct, or have a third-party conduct, a background check that shall include Criminal Record Information (CORI) and Multi-state/Juris Criminal Records Locator or other similar nationwide database, and National Sex Offender Registry database; and

2. Conduct, or have a third-party conduct, a driving record check.

(d) The DPU shall further ensure that:

1. A Transportation Network Company shall not arrange for a passenger to be transported by any Transportation Network Driver who appears on the National Sex Offender Registry or who has a conviction in the past ten years for crimes of violence, sexual abuse, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, hit and run, attempting to evade the police, driving with a suspended or revoked license, felony robbery, or felony fraud.

2. A Transportation Network Company and the TNC Drivers the Transportation Network Company arranges to provide Transportation Services shall maintain appropriate liability insurance.

(e) In the event that the DPU is unwilling or unable to ensure that Transportation Network Companies in general or a Transportation Network Company in particular comply with the above requirements, the Registrar of Motor Vehicles shall have the power to prohibit the operation of some or all Personal Transportation Network Vehicles or take such further action with respect to such vehicles as otherwise authorized by law or regulations.

(5) Remedies.

(a) The certificate of registration of any vehicle that is registered in violation of 540 CMR 2.00, as determined by the Registrar after hearing, shall be subject to revocation under M.G.L. c. 90, § 2; however, if the Registrar determines that the continued operation of such vehicle constitutes an immediate threat to public safety then, under M.G.L. c. 90, § 22(a), such revocation by the Registrar shall be without a prior hearing.

(b) Any violation of 540 CMR 2.05 is punishable by a fine pursuant to M.G.L. c. 90, § 20, and may result in the suspension of the operator's license or right to operate and/or certificate of registration for up to 30 days pursuant to M.G.L. c. 90, § 22(b). Confiscation of the registration plate and/or impoundment of the subject vehicle for the reason that the vehicle displays the incorrect type of vehicle registration plate based upon the classifications described in 540 CMR 2.05, is not authorized by 540 CMR 2.05 in the absence of a determination by the Registrar that continued operation of such a vehicle in a particular case would constitute an immediate threat to public safety.

(c) Any person who operates a motor vehicle which has no current registration in violation of M.G.L. c. 90, or which bears a registration plate that is assigned to a vehicle or trailer other than the one to which it is attached, or which is the subject of a revoked or suspended registration shall be subject to the penalties set forth in M.G.L. c. 90, §§ 2, 9 and 23, and the registration plate(s) attached to such vehicle shall be subject to immediate confiscation by an officer of the police, or other person authorized by the Registrar. Any such confiscated plate(s) shall be returned to the Registrar as soon as is practically possible after confiscation.

(6) Registration Stickers.

(a) The Registrar may issue a sticker or decal to validate a registration plate issued under M.G.L. c. 90, § 2. The owner of the vehicle shall attach such sticker or decal to the upper right-hand corner of the rear registration plate, so as to cover any previously attached sticker.

(b) Any motor vehicle or trailer registered to the Commonwealth or a political subdivision shall be exempt from the requirement of displaying a registration sticker.

(7) Electronic Vehicle Registration (EVR) Program. Participation in the Registry's Electronic Vehicle Registration (EVR) Program authorizing third parties to issue motor vehicle registrations, enter motor vehicle registration data onto the Registry's computer database through an authorized third-party vendor and perform ancillary functions shall be by permit issued, suspendable and revocable by the Registrar, and subject to such reasonable terms and conditions as the Registrar may prescribe.

(8)

(a) Registration Requirements for Natural Persons (Individuals). If an applicant for registration of a motor vehicle or trailer is a natural person (an individual), the following information must be provided in addition to any other information the Registrar may require: The applicant's:
1. full name;

2. full residential address, including an apartment or unit number, if applicable; and 3. date of birth;

4. A valid Massachusetts driver's license or identification card, if one has been issued. If the applicant does not hold a Massachusetts driver's license or identification card, the applicant must present at least one of the following:
a. a valid unexpired driver license from any state or territory of the United States or Canada;

b. a valid unexpired foreign passport or a valid unexpired consular identification document, which shall be accompanied by a certified translation if the document is not in English;

c. the applicant's Social Security Number (SSN); or

d. other proof of lawful presence as defined in 540 CMR 2.06.

(b) Registration Exemptions for Natural Persons (Individuals). As authorized by M.G.L. c. 90, § 2, the Registrar has established exemptions from the requirements in 540 CMR 2.05(8)(a)1. through 4. for nonresident (out of state) students; military personnel; senior citizens and disabled persons; and may establish additional exemptions by regulation for other groups if consistent with the provisions in the law. The following exemptions are incorporated in 540 CMR 2.05(8)(b):
1. Nonresident Student. A nonresident enrolled as a student at a school or college in this state who attends school during any period from September 1st of any year to August 31st of the following year and who has a temporary residential address in this state while attending such school, may register a vehicle for personal use that he or she owns from such address without having to provide evidence of a Massachusetts driver license, a Massachusetts ID card (issued under M.G.L. c. 90, § 8E), or provide his or her Social Security Number (SSN) but must have a valid driver license from his or her home state or country if he or she is to be the principal driver of the registered vehicle.

Note: A nonresident student enrolled as a student at a school or college in the Commonwealth who attends school during any period from September 1st of any year to August 31st of the following year and who has a temporary residential address in this state while attending such school is not required to obtain Massachusetts registration plates for a vehicle he or she has brought into the Commonwealth while attending a school or college here if the student completes the nonresident student statement required of nonresident students by M.G.L. c. 90, § 3, including maintaining the required insurance coverage, and files such statement in quadruplicate with the local police where the school or college is located and displays the decal for the applicable academic year provided by the school. (For purposes of 540 CMR 2.05(8) a "student" is defined as in M.G.L. c. 90, § 1).

2. Military Personnel. A person who is an active duty member of the armed forces of the United States whose permanent home is in another state, who is assigned to a base or facility in Massachusetts and who has a temporary residential address in this state, may register a vehicle without having to have a Massachusetts driver license, a Massachusetts ID card or an SSN although he or she must have a valid driver license from his or her home state if he or she is the principal driver; and if not the principal driver and he or she does not have an out of state license, he or she must have an SSN or be denied registration.

3. Senior Citizen or Disabled Person. A person who is 65 years of age or older and who is a resident of Massachusetts and a person of any age who is a resident of this state and who otherwise meets the definition of a disabled person who would qualify for a handicapped placard or HP plates under Massachusetts law, can register a vehicle that he or she owns without the need to have a Massachusetts driver license, a Massachusetts Identification card or an SSN.

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