Massachusetts - front license plate stolen on leased vehicle

January 3, 2016 11:10 AM

My front license plate was stolen. The police officer who took the report said to go to the station on Monday and get a copy of the report, then go to the RMV for further instructions. The lease is in my name, but the registration is in the name of the lien holder, Nissan Finance. And since it's a lease, I don't have the title to the car. So, what do I need to bring to the RMV to deal with this?
posted by Ain to Law & Government (5 answers total)

Bring your registration and driver's license. Tell them your issue (front plate stolen; vehicle is leased) they'll give you the form you need. I've only had to deal with this in California, so actual procedure may vary, but your registration should be all you need. And proof of identity (DL).
posted by jeffamaphone at 11:30 AM on January 3, 2016

Response by poster: @jeffamaphone Even if the registration doesn't have my name on it?
posted by Ain at 11:32 AM on January 3, 2016

Counterintuitive but I've had luck with tweeting MA RMV (when they are open) with short questions like this and saving myself a trip to the place until I am sure I have the right stuff.
posted by jessamyn at 12:07 PM on January 3, 2016 [2 favorites]

I suspect they will be able to look up your car in their DB and see it's registered to you. You are not the first person to have this problem. Make sure you know your VIN (if it's not on the registration, it's on your insurance cards).

The DMV moves in mysterious ways; faith and patience will get you through. Bring what everything you have (including the Police report) and you'll be fine. If you need something else, they'll tell you. You may have to leave and come back, but I doubt it.
posted by jeffamaphone at 12:24 PM on January 3, 2016

I would think Nissan would have the documents you need.
posted by brujita at 2:48 PM on January 3, 2016