Vehicle Registration Plates of Massachusetts - Current Passenger Base Plates

Current Passenger Base Plates

Currently, the 1977 green-on-white base as well as the 1987 "Spirit" base is valid for registration. The 1977 base only issued a single (rear) plate, whereas for the current "Spirit" base, two plates are issued. Registrants have the option of replacing the 1977 base with the "Spirit" base at no charge (though a different number will be used), however, most choose to keep their 1977 base plate as a point of pride. In many cases, the 1977 base plates are worn and illegible; technically, a car with an illegible green plate should fail the state's annually required vehicle safety inspection.

Image First year of issue Description Current serial format Serials previously issued
1987 Red on reflective white base with screened state name and slogan in blue Coded with "n" by month of expiration:
  • 123 ABn (1 through 9 for January through September, 0 for October)
  • 1AB 23n (1 through 9 for January through September, 0 for October)
  • 1A BC2n (1 through 9 for January through September, 0 for October)
 Coded with "n" by month of expiration:
  • 123 45n (1 through 9 for January through September, 0 for October)
  • 12n ABC (1 through 9 for January through September, 0 for October)
  • 123n AB (1 through 9 for January through September, 0 for October)
  • 12A B3n (1 through 9 for January through September, 0 for October)
1987 Low number reserve: Red on reflective white base with screened state name and slogan in blue Coded with "n" by month of expiration:
  • n (1 through 9 for January through September. 0 is never used.)
  • 1n (1 through 9 for January through September, 0 for October.)
  • 12n (1 through 9 for January through September, 0 for October.)
  • 123n (1 through 9 for January through September, 0 for October.)
  • 1234n (1 through 9 for January through September, 0 for October.)
  • A n (1 through 9 for January through September. 0 is never used.)
  • A 1n (1 through 9 for January through September, 0 for October.)
  • A 12n (1 through 9 for January through September, 0 for October.)
  • A 123n (1 through 9 for January through September, 0 for October.)
  • n A (1 through 9 for January through September. 0 is never used.)
  • 1n A (1 through 9 for January through September, 0 for October.)
  • 12n A (1 through 9 for January through September, 0 for October.)
  • 123n A (1 through 9 for January through September, 0 for October.)

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