Vehicle registration plates of Massachusetts

Massachusetts
Current series
SloganThe Spirit of America
Size12 in × 6 in
30 cm × 15 cm
MaterialAluminum
Serial format1ABC 23
Introduced1987 (1987) (vanity plates and some non-passenger types; used as standard passenger base from 1993 onwards)
Availability
Issued byMassachusetts Department of Transportation, Registry of Motor Vehicles
History
First issuedSeptember 1, 1903 (1903-09-01), 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. 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 February 25, 2026:
  • 1AAA 11 to 6PZZ 91
  • 1AAA 12 to 6EZX 92
  • 1AAA 13 to 6SZZ 83
  • 1AAA 14 to 6KZZ 94
  • 1AAA 15 to 5YLZ 95
  • 1AAA 16 to 5GZZ 96
  • 1AAA 17 to 7CZZ 97
  • 1AAA 18 to 6XZZ 98
  • 1AAA 29 to 7DZZ 99
  • 1AAA 10 to 9RZZ 90 (9SAA 10 to 9ZZZ 90 were not used and October was moved on to the below formats in November 2018)
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):
  • 123·45n
  • 12n·ABC
  • 123n AB
  • 12A B3n
  • 123 ABn
  • 1AB 23n
  • 1ABC 20 (October expirations, although other months are currently following)
  • 12A 340 (October expirations only, although other months might follow)
 Coded with n by month of expiration (1 through 9 for January through September, 0 for October):
  • 1ABC 2n (January through September expirations)
  • 123 A40 (October expirations only, although other months might follow)
 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, 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. 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):
  • A (expires on December 31).
  • n
  • 1n
  • 12n
  • 123n
  • 1234n*
  • A n**
  • A 1n**
  • A 12n*
  • A 123n*
  • n A***
  • 1n A***
  • 12n A*
  • 123n A*
  • AnB*
  • A1nB*
  • 1An*
  • 1ABn*
 * No longer available via lottery.[10]

** 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
  • AB
  • AB 1
  • AB 12
  • AB 123
  • AB 1234
  • ABC
  • ABC 1
  • ABC 12
  • ABC 123
  • ABCD
  • ABCD 1
  • ABCD 12
  • ABCDE
  • ABCDE 1
  • ABCDEF
 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 Y51·384 (as of April 10, 2025)
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 8376D (as of March 9, 2025)
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 1AB 23C 1AA 10A to at least 1AK 92Z (as of March 7, 2025)

References

  1. ^ a b "History of the Plate". Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles. Archived from the original on January 4, 2017. Retrieved August 18, 2017.
  2. ^ "Man About Canton: Mass. License Plates | Canton Citizen". www.thecantoncitizen.com. Retrieved December 17, 2025.
  3. ^ a b c d e Executive Office of Transportation (September 25, 2009). "History of the Plate". Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles. Retrieved December 17, 2025.
  4. ^ "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. September 26, 2018. Retrieved December 17, 2025.
  5. ^ GazelleGazelle (December 10, 2021). "The First License Plate Ever Was Spotted on 195 East in Dartmouth". FUN 107. Retrieved December 17, 2025.
  6. ^ Garrish, Christopher (October 2016). "Reconsidering the Standard Plate Size". Plates. Vol. 62, no. 5. Automobile License Plate Collectors Association.
  7. ^ Tanner, Eric N. "Massachusetts License Plates". allaboutlicenseplates.com. Archived from the original on December 8, 2015. Retrieved December 5, 2015.
  8. ^ Sage, Kit; Tanner, Eric. "licenseplates.cc Massachusetts highs page". Archived from the original on April 25, 2009. Retrieved June 24, 2009.
  9. ^ "2011 Low Plate Lottery Announcement". Archived from the original on September 25, 2011. Retrieved March 11, 2012.
  10. ^ a b c "Passenger Plates Booklet" (PDF). massDOT Registry of Motor Vehicles Division. Commonwealth of Massachusetts. July 2014. Retrieved October 7, 2022.
  11. ^ "Apply for a special license plate". Mass.gov. Archived from the original on March 11, 2025. Retrieved March 19, 2025.
  12. ^ "Schedule of Fees". Mass.gov. May 1, 2025. Archived from the original on November 2, 2025. Retrieved January 6, 2026.
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