How to Visit the Fall River RMV and What to Bring

The Fall River RMV location and what it handles

Fall River has one Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) office, located at 1363 North Main Street. This is a full-service branch, meaning you can handle most common transactions there: license renewals, address changes, vehicle registration, title work, and learner's permit tests. The office does not issue Real ID licenses — you will need to go to a larger regional office for that.

The RMV is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a lunch closure from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. It is closed on state holidays and weekends. Parking is available on-site, and the building is accessible. There is no appointment system at this location — service is first-come, first-served, so arriving early in the day typically means shorter waits.

Fall River is in Bristol County, and this office serves residents across the surrounding area. If you need a service this location cannot provide, the nearest larger RMV offices are in New Bedford (about 20 minutes away) and Providence, Rhode Island (about 45 minutes away).

Key Takeaways

The Fall River RMV is at 1363 North Main Street and handles license renewals, address changes, vehicle registration, and title work, but not Real ID licenses.
Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a lunch break from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., and there is no appointment system.
Arriving early in the morning typically means a shorter wait, and parking is available on-site.
For Real ID licenses or services this office cannot provide, you will need to visit a larger regional office in New Bedford or beyond.

What documents to bring for a license renewal

If you are renewing a Massachusetts driver's license at the Fall River office, bring your current license, proof of residency (a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Do not bring originals of these documents; the RMV will make copies.

You will also need to pass a vision screening at the office. Bring your glasses or contacts if you use them. If you wear bifocals or progressive lenses, let the staff know before the test. The vision test is quick and part of the standard renewal process.

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you may need to retake the written test and the road test. Bring the same documents listed above, plus proof that you have passed a driver education course if you are under 18. Call the Fall River office at (508) 672-5400 to confirm what you need before you go.

Changing your address at the RMV

To change your address on your Massachusetts license or vehicle registration, go to the Fall River RMV with your current license, proof of your new address, and your vehicle registration (if you are also updating your car's address). Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works.

Address changes are processed quickly — usually within 15 to 20 minutes if the office is not busy. You will receive a new license with your updated address, and the change to your vehicle registration happens in the same visit. There is a fee for a replacement license; check the RMV website for the current amount, as fees change periodically.

You can also change your address online through the Massachusetts RMV website if you do not need a replacement license when ready. Online changes take three to five business days to process. However, if you need the new license card in hand the same day, you must visit the office in person.

Vehicle registration and title services

The Fall River RMV handles new vehicle registrations, registration renewals, and title transfers. For a new registration, bring the vehicle's title, proof of insurance, your license, and proof of residency. If you are registering a vehicle you just bought, bring the bill of sale or purchase agreement as well.

For a title transfer (when you buy a used car from a private seller), bring the signed title from the seller, a bill of sale, proof of insurance, and your license. The RMV will process the transfer and issue a new title in your name. This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes at the counter, though the new title may arrive by mail within one to two weeks.

Registration renewals can be done online, by mail, or in person. If you renew online or by mail, you do not need to visit the Fall River office. In-person renewal takes about 10 minutes and requires your current registration, proof of insurance, and your license. Bring proof of residency if your address has changed since your last registration.

Real ID licenses and where to get them

The Fall River RMV does not issue Real ID licenses. A Real ID is a federal standard license that is required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings as of May 2025. If you need a Real ID, you must visit a larger RMV office.

The nearest offices that issue Real ID licenses are in New Bedford (about 20 minutes away) and Worcester (about 45 minutes away). You will need the same documents as a standard license renewal — your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number — plus an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. Bring your passport if you have one, as it can speed up the process.

Real ID processing takes longer than a standard renewal because the RMV must verify your documents against federal databases. Plan for a 30 to 45 minute visit. Call ahead to the office you plan to visit to confirm they have Real ID appointments available, as some offices book up weeks in advance.

Learner's permit and road test information

The Fall River RMV administers written tests for learner's permits and road tests for driver's licenses. To take the written test, bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, and a form of identification. You do not need to bring a parent or guardian if you are under 18, but you will need to show proof of completion of a driver education course.

The written test covers Massachusetts traffic laws and safe driving practices. You can study using the official RMV manual, available free on the Massachusetts RMV website. The test is offered in multiple languages. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or return another day.

Road tests are scheduled through the RMV and typically have a wait of two to four weeks depending on the season. You must bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance for the vehicle you will use, and your license (if you have one). The vehicle must be in safe working condition and registered in Massachusetts. Call (508) 672-5400 to schedule a road test appointment.

Wait times and how to avoid them

Wait times at the Fall River RMV vary by time of day and day of week. Mornings between 8:30 and 10:00 a.m. are typically the shortest, with waits of 15 to 30 minutes. Mid-morning through early afternoon (10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) can see waits of 45 minutes to over an hour. Late afternoon, after 4:00 p.m., is often busy again as people stop by after work.

Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually slower than Mondays and Fridays. The lunch hour (12:00 to 1:00 p.m.) is when the office closes, so arriving just after 1:00 p.m. can mean a fresh queue. Avoid the end of the month, when people rush to renew registrations and licenses before important date.

You can check real-time wait times on the Massachusetts RMV website before you go. The site updates every 15 minutes and shows current wait times for most offices. If the Fall River office has a long wait, you might consider visiting New Bedford or another nearby location instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license by mail or online instead of going to the Fall River office?

Yes. If your license is not expired and you have not had any violations, you can renew online through the Massachusetts RMV website or by mail. Online renewal takes three to five business days, and mail renewal takes two to three weeks. You will receive your new license by mail. Go in person only if you need the license the same day or if you have had a suspension or violation.

What if I lost my license and need a replacement?

Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, and a form of identification (passport, birth certificate, or state ID). The RMV will issue a replacement license on the spot. There is a fee for a replacement license. If you also lost your vehicle registration, bring proof of insurance and your vehicle title to replace that as well.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Fall River RMV?

No. The Fall River office operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no appointment system. Arrive early in the morning to minimize your wait. If you prefer an appointment, some larger RMV offices in the region offer them — check the Massachusetts RMV website to see which locations near you have appointment availability.

What is the phone number for the Fall River RMV?

The Fall River RMV can be reached at (508) 672-5400. Call to confirm hours, ask about specific services, or get information about road test scheduling. The office is busiest in the morning, so calling in the afternoon may get you through faster.

Can I register a vehicle from out of state at the Fall River office?

Yes. Bring the out-of-state title, proof of insurance, your license, and proof of residency in Massachusetts. The RMV will process the registration and issue a new Massachusetts title. If the out-of-state title is a lien title (the lender holds it), bring a letter from the lender authorizing the transfer. This process usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.