Massachusetts
LegalMA
Kei trucks are street-legal and can be titled and registered for on-road use in Massachusetts as of August 2026.
Massachusetts registers kei vehicles that meet the federal 25-year rule. This is a reversal: the RMV halted kei registrations in June 2024, then restored them on September 18, 2024 after public pushback, and vehicles registered before the pause kept their registrations throughout. One caveat worth understanding — this is agency policy, not statute. The RMV reversed its own ban and can revise its own position again, particularly once the safety study it promised concludes. That is a weaker foundation than Texas or Vermont, where the legislature acted.
Registration Status
Street Legal
Kei Vehicles can be driven on public roads.
Titleable
You can obtain a state title for a kei vehicle.
Registerable
Kei Vehicles can be registered with the state.
Inspection Required
A safety and/or emissions inspection is required.
Minimum Vehicle Age: 25 years
The vehicle must be at least 25 years old to qualify for import and registration.
Recent News & Politics
- ADVISORY: Massachusetts RMV Announces Update to Kei Vehicle Policy
Mass.gov (official RMV advisory) ·
RMV reversed its short-lived ban: kei vehicles can be registered with passenger or commercial plates effective Sept 18, 2024.
- Massachusetts Reverses Course, Will Allow Kei Truck Registrations
Motor1 ·
Coverage of the RMV's about-face after enthusiast pressure — registrations resumed less than three months after the ban.
- Bill H.4053 — An Act to legalize Kei vehicles in the Commonwealth
Massachusetts Legislature ·
House bill filed to codify RMV's policy into law, removing the agency's discretion to reverse course again.
- In A Surprise Move, Massachusetts Makes It Legal To Register Kei Trucks And Imported Cars Again
The Autopian ·
Enthusiast-focused breakdown of how Massachusetts became the second state to roll back an imported-car ban.
Restrictions
- Must be at least 25 years old under the federal import rule
- Must pass state safety inspection
How to Register a kei vehicle in Massachusetts
- 1
Get insurance
Obtain liability insurance before visiting the DMV. See our insurance directory for companies that cover kei vehicles.
- 2
Pass required inspections
Massachusetts requires a vehicle inspection. Take your kei vehicle to a licensed inspection station.
- 3
Gather your documents
Bring to the DMV:
- Bill of Lading (proof of shipment)
- Customs Entry Summary (CBP 7501)
- EPA Form 3520-1
- NHTSA/DOT Form HS-7
- Japanese Export Certificate
- Bill of Sale
- Proof of insurance
- Inspection certificate
- 4
Visit the DMV and apply for title
Request a title application for an imported vehicle. The Japanese chassis number will serve as the VIN — clerks may need to enter it manually. If the clerk is unfamiliar with kei vehicles, ask to speak with a supervisor.
- 5
Pay fees and get plates
Pay titling fees, registration fees, and applicable sales tax. You'll receive a state title, registration card, and license plates.
For a detailed walkthrough, see our Title & Registration Guide.
Official Source
Visit your state's DMV/DOT website for the most current information on vehicle registration and titling.
Massachusetts DMV/DOTMassachusetts DMV/DOTLast verified: August 2026 · 1 month ago
Tips for Massachusetts
- Bring your import documents (bill of lading, customs entry, export certificate) to the DMV for titling.
- The Japanese chassis number will be used as the VIN — DMV clerks may need to enter it manually.
- Schedule your safety/emissions inspection before visiting the DMV.
Kei dealers & importers in Massachusetts
Kei rules in nearby states
Legality changes at the state line, and often dramatically. If you are close to a border, or shopping across one, these are Massachusetts’s neighbours.