RhaenyrasUncle t1_j9qwdps wrote on February 23, 2023 at 10:37 PM

Immediately.

You cant register your new car until you get your new plates. You cant get insurance until your car is registered. So you will get your new plates before you do anything else.

SpindriftRascal t1_j9rc8ww wrote on February 24, 2023 at 12:27 AM

It is impossible to register a car in MA without first having insurance. The RMV-1 form requires proof of insurance before it is complete.

(In the old days, that proof was an actual ink stamp attested by the insurance agent. If you hear the phrase “insurance stamp,” that’s what they mean: proof of insurance. It’s mostly electronic now.)

lilbitspecial t1_j9wqy9l wrote on February 25, 2023 at 2:46 AM

RMV-1 is now an RTA form.

SpindriftRascal t1_j9wx8e9 wrote on February 25, 2023 at 3:39 AM

Oh, right. So RMV1 or RTA or whatever, I’m pretty sure the insurer has to certify it or whatever before the RMV registers the car.

Yakb0 OP t1_j9qzp1z wrote on February 23, 2023 at 10:59 PM

I'm referring to the time between purchasing the vehicle, and the dealer receiving the new plates. There's always going to be a few days delay in mailing the paperwork to the RMV. I'm wondering how long it takes them to process the paperwork and put the new plates in the mail.