Massachusetts has no law written for title loans. A loan secured by your car is treated as an ordinary licensed consumer loan, capped at 23% a year plus a $20 fee on loans of $6,000 or less (209 CMR 26.01).
Title loan rules in Massachusetts at a glance
| Title-loan law | None. Car-secured loans follow the consumer-loan rules |
|---|---|
| Rate cap | A vehicle-secured loan from a licensed lender is capped at 23% a year plus a $20 fee on loans of $6,000 or less (209 CMR 26.01) |
| Fees the law allows | $20 administrative fee, no more than once in 12 months (209 CMR 26.01) |
| Repossession | Allowed after default |
| Time to catch up before repossession | 21 days |
| Owe the balance after the car is sold? | Yes, with conditions. Only if the unpaid balance at the time of default exceeded $2,000, and the deficiency is measured against the vehicle's fair market value rather than the sale price (M.G.L. c. 255 § 13J(d)-(e)). |
| Lender license | Required (Massachusetts small loan licence (Division of Banks)) |
| Statute | M.G.L. c. 140 §§ 96, 100, 107; 209 CMR 26.01; c. 255 §§ 13I-13J |
Source: M.G.L. c. 140 §§ 96, 100, 107; 209 CMR 26.01; c. 255 §§ 13I-13J (read the law). We last checked it against the statute on October 6, 2026. See title loan laws in every state.
What a title loan costs in Massachusetts
Under Massachusetts's rate rules, borrowing $1,000 for 12 months costs $128.92 in interest at the maximum rate, so you repay $1,128.92. That is a 23% rate before any fee: the fee the law allows is not in these examples, and the APR in the lender's disclosure must include it. Your offer may differ.
| Loan | Term | Interest | Total repaid | Rate before fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,000 | 12 months | $128.92 | $1,128.92 | 23% |
| $2,500 | 12 months | $322.29 | $2,822.29 | 23% |
| $5,000 | 12 months | $644.58 | $5,644.58 | 23% |
Massachusetts also lets lenders charge a fee on top of the interest: $20 administrative fee, no more than once in 12 months (209 CMR 26.01). A fee like this raises the APR, so compare the APR in the lender's written disclosure, which must include it.
What happens if you can't repay
If you fall behind, the lender can repossess your car, but Massachusetts gives you 21 days to catch up on missed payments first. If the car is sold for less than you owe, whether the lender can collect more depends on Massachusetts law. Only if the unpaid balance at the time of default exceeded $2,000, and the deficiency is measured against the vehicle's fair market value rather than the sale price (M.G.L. c. 255 § 13J(d)-(e)).
If you think you will miss a payment, call the lender before the due date and ask what options it offers.
How to check a lender in Massachusetts
Title lenders in Massachusetts must be licensed (Massachusetts small loan licence (Division of Banks)). Search for the lender on the official license lookup before you sign. Lenditup does not check lender licenses for you (see how we verify).
Looking for a loan in Massachusetts?
The lenders in our network don't currently offer title loans in Massachusetts. If you need money, these options don't put your car at risk:
- A personal loan. You can send one personal loan request; lenders in our network decide whether they lend in Massachusetts. Read how installment loans work first.
- A credit union. Federal credit unions can offer small payday alternative loans with capped rates (NCUA rule). You usually need to be a member.
- Your creditors. If a bill is the problem, ask the company for a payment plan or a later due date before you borrow.
Lenditup is not a lender. Sending a request does not mean you will be approved; each lender sets its own rates and terms within Massachusetts law.
Title loan questions for Massachusetts
01What is the most a title lender can charge in Massachusetts?
02What happens if I can't repay a title loan in Massachusetts?
03How do I check that a title lender is licensed in Massachusetts?
04Is Lenditup a title lender in Massachusetts?
Title loan laws in other states
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Compare every state side by side on the state title loan law table, or read how title loans work and what lenders ask for.