Mass. Registry Discovers Email

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s Registry of Motor
Vehicles  announced earlier this month that it will begin sending email reminders to
vehicle owners approximately 60 days in advance of their registration
expiring. The new e-mail reminders will supplement notices sent via mail
to encourage vehicle owners to renew early and avoid a lapse in their
registration and a potential stop by a police officer.

The RMV  said it began sending emails on July 19 to
vehicle owners with registrations expiring in September. In order
to receive the e-mails, vehicle owners must have a current e-mail on
file with MA RMV. Going forward, reminder emails will be sent monthly to
customers whose registrations are set to expire in approximately 60
days.

“Each message will direct customers to renew online at
Mass.Gov/RMV and will remind them to confirm their auto insurance,
verify their mailing address is current, and resolve any outstanding
obligations such as unpaid parking tickets, excise tax, or toll
violations,” said Massachusetts Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie.
“By adding email reminders to our existing mailed correspondence, we
are giving customers another timely reminder and encouraging them to
renew early, make sure their information is up to date, and allow time
to receive their new registration and plate decal in the mail before the
current one expires.”

The RMV expects to send approximately
180,000 to 230,000 registration renewal reminder emails each month.
Customers are encouraged to renew online as soon as they receive their
reminder. Renewing early does not change the registration expiration
date. Once a renewal payment is successfully processed, the updated
vehicle registration and license plate decal will be mailed to the
mailing address on file.

Before renewing online, customers should
make sure they have their license plate number, plate type, and a valid
payment method available. Customers should also clear up any outstanding
obligations, including unpaid parking tickets, toll violations, or
unpaid municipal excise tax. In some cases, if updated proof of
insurance is required, online renewal may not be available.

Customers who are not eligible to renew online will continue to receive a renewal reminder by mail with other renewal options.

The
RMV also reminds customers to be alert for fraudulent messages.
Official RMV email reminders will direct customers to renew through
Mass.Gov/RMV. Customers should not click on suspicious links or provide
payment information through unofficial websites. The RMV does not send
text messages requesting payment.

For more information, please visit Mass.Gov/RMV.