Customers encouraged to start applications online, visit mass.gov/ID to learn about new document requirements, and to check wait times online
BOSTON – Ahead of April vacation week, beginning on April 16, a time during which the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) traditionally sees a record number of customers at its service locations, the RMV is reminding the public to consider waiting if possible to visit a service location until after April 23.
The RMV encourages customers that, if they must visit a location April 17-April 20, to go online first to find out what documents are needed for the credential the customer seeks, fill out credential applications online and look at “real time” wait times for the service location the customer plans to visit. In addition, the public is reminded that because Commonwealth of Massachusetts offices are closed on Monday, Patriot’s Day, RMV service locations will also be closed on Monday, April 16.
“While school vacation time can be a great time to run certain kinds of errands, some locations, including Registry service centers, can be busier than normal,” said Registrar Erin Deveney. “During an ordinary year, RMV centers on school vacation days see a high number of customers but next week will be especially busy with offices only open four days not five, and with each customer’s transaction taking longer on average than ever before because of the new federal and state requirements for more documents per customer to be validated. If people wish to take care of an RMV transaction between April 17 and April 20 we welcome them but they should go online to get informed and to find out where the shortest waits may be on a particular day.”
The best way to start any transaction is to visit the RMV’s website, at mass.gov/ID, where customers can “Get Ready” online by starting their application. The online application process includes entering contact information and proof of lawful presence which may be a U.S. birth certificate or passport number. After the application is submitted online, customers receive a confirmation email that reminds them of the documents they selected to bring to the RMV. The confirmation also includes a QR code that can be scanned at an RMV location, (from the confirmation email or a mobile device), which will speed the customer’s visit.
Students can also download the driver’s manual from the RMV website and study for their learner’s permit so they are completely prepared when they arrive for a test.
Before visiting a RMV Service Center, customers can visit https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-registry-of-motor-vehicles/locations to find out waiting times for all locations, and plan their trip accordingly.
Source: MassDOT Press Office: 857-368-8500
