Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 159B § 12A
The director of the transportation division may destroy applications filed under this chapter for distinguishing plates, except those of the current calendar year and the year next preceding. He may destroy or dispose of any returned or obsolete distinguishing plates which, in his opinion, are no longer of any value to the commonwealth. He may also destroy or otherwise dispose of certificates, permits or licenses which have been cancelled, revoked or reclassified under the provisions of the General Laws and which have not been effective for five years from the date of such cancellation, revocation or reclassification. He may likewise dispose of or destroy applications for certificates, permits or licenses which have been denied or dismissed after the expiration of five years from the date of such denial or dismissal.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 159B, § 12A