The Registry of Motor Vehicles in Boston serves Massachusetts residents

Massachusetts calls its DMV the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). The main Boston office is located at 630 Washington Street in downtown Boston, near the Downtown Crossing area. This is the largest RMV location in the state and handles driver's licenses, ID cards, vehicle registration, and title work.

The Boston RMV is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is closed on Sundays and state holidays. You cannot walk in without an appointment — the RMV requires you to book a time slot before you arrive, either online or by phone.

If you cannot reach the Boston location or need a different neighborhood, the RMV also operates a second Boston-area office at 100 Hanover Street, also in downtown Boston. Both locations handle the same services, though wait times and appointment availability vary between them.

Key Takeaways

  • You must book an appointment online at mass.gov/rmv or by calling 857-368-8000 before visiting any RMV office in Boston.
  • The main Boston RMV is at 630 Washington Street and is open weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Bring original documents like a birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of residency; the RMV website lists exact requirements by transaction type.
  • If you are renewing a license or ID, you may be able to do it online or by mail instead of visiting in person.
  • Scammers pose as the RMV on social media and email — the real RMV never asks for payment or personal information through unsecured channels.

How to book an appointment at the Boston RMV

Go to mass.gov/rmv and select "Book an Appointment" from the homepage. You will choose your transaction type (new license, renewal, ID card, registration, title, etc.), then select a date and time from available slots. The system shows you which office has openings and how far out the next appointment is — this can range from a few days to several weeks depending on demand.

If you cannot book online, call the RMV appointment line at 857-368-8000. The line is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Have your transaction type ready when you call, and be prepared to provide your name and phone number so the RMV can confirm your appointment.

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with all required documents. If you miss your appointment without canceling, you will need to book a new one. If your plans change, cancel through the website or call the appointment line to free up the slot for someone else.

What documents you need to bring

The documents required depend on what you are doing. For a new driver's license or ID card, bring an original or certified birth certificate, a Social Security card (original or certified copy), and two forms of proof of your current Massachusetts address — such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. You will also need a completed process form, which you can fill out at home or at the RMV.

For a license renewal, requirements are lighter if you are renewing in person. Bring your current license, proof of address if your address has changed, and your Social Security card if you are changing your name. Many renewals can be done online or by mail without visiting the office — check mass.gov/rmv to see if yours qualifies.

For vehicle registration or title work, bring your current registration, proof of ownership (title or bill of sale), proof of insurance, and proof of address. If someone else is on the title with you, both owners may need to be present or provide notarized consent. The RMV website has a full checklist for each transaction type under "What to Bring".

Do not bring originals of documents you cannot afford to lose — bring certified copies instead. The RMV will not return original documents, and you may need them for other purposes.

Fees and payment methods at the Boston RMV

Fees vary by transaction. A new Massachusetts driver's license costs $50 and is valid for five years. A renewal costs $50. An ID card (non-driver) costs $25 for five years. Vehicle registration renewal costs vary by vehicle weight and type, typically between $40 and $80. Title transfers cost $75. The RMV website lists exact fees for each service under "Fees and Payments".

The Boston RMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some locations also accept checks, but call ahead to confirm. If you are paying by check, make it out to "Commonwealth of Massachusetts". The RMV does not accept payment by phone or online for in-person transactions — you pay when you arrive at your appointment.

If you cannot afford a fee or believe you may have access to for a waiver, ask the RMV staff when you arrive. Waivers are rare and depend on specific hardship criteria, but it does not hurt to ask.

What to expect during your appointment

When you arrive, check in at the front desk with your appointment confirmation (digital or printed). You will be called to a window when it is your turn. The RMV staff will review your documents, ask you to sign forms, and take a photo for your license or ID card. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if your documents are in order.

If a document is missing or incorrect, the RMV may ask you to reschedule and return with the right paperwork. This is why checking the document checklist before you go is important — coming back wastes time and another appointment slot.

For a new license, you will take a written test and a road test on separate visits. The written test can be scheduled at the RMV office; the road test is scheduled separately and takes place at a testing facility. Both must be passed before your license is issued.

Scams and safety warnings

The RMV does not contact you by email, text, or social media to ask for payment or personal information. If you receive a message claiming to be from the RMV asking you to "verify your information" or "renew your license online" through a link, it is a scam. Do not click the link or provide any information.

Fake RMV websites sometimes appear in search results. Always go directly to mass.gov/rmv by typing the address yourself, not by clicking a link in an email or ad. Check that the URL starts with "mass.gov" — scammers use similar-looking domain names like "massrmv.com" or "rmv-massachusetts.com".

Never pay anyone to help you get a license or ID. The RMV does not charge for appointment booking, and no third-party service can speed up the process. If someone offers to "get you in faster" or "may provide approval", they are running a scam.

If you believe you have been scammed, report it to the Massachusetts Attorney General's office at mass.gov/ago or call 617-727-8400.

Alternatives if you cannot visit the Boston office

If you live outside Boston but need RMV services, Massachusetts has branch offices in most cities and towns. You can book an appointment at any location on mass.gov/rmv. Some transactions, like license renewal, can be done by mail or online without visiting an office at all — check the website to see if your renewal qualifies.

If you are renewing your driver's license and have not had any violations or address changes, you may be able to renew online at mass.gov/rmv. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as in-person renewal. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

For vehicle registration renewal only, you can renew by mail by sending your current registration and payment to the RMV. Mail renewal takes longer — typically 2 to 3 weeks — but avoids a trip to the office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Real ID at the Boston RMV?

Yes. A Real ID is a federal-compliant driver's license or ID card required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. Massachusetts issues Real ID licenses by default. When you get a new license or renew, ask the RMV staff if you want to confirm your license is Real ID-compliant. The fee is the same as a standard license.

What if I miss my appointment?

If you miss your appointment without canceling, you will need to book a new one through mass.gov/rmv or by calling 857-368-8000. Repeated no-shows may result in a temporary hold on your ability to book appointments. If you cannot make your time, cancel online or by phone so someone else can use the slot.

How long does it take to get a new driver's license after my appointment?

If you pass the written and road tests, your license is issued the same day. If you are renewing by mail or online, your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, ask the RMV about temporary license options at your appointment.

Do I need an appointment for a road test?

Yes. Road tests are scheduled separately from your RMV office appointment. After you pass the written test at the RMV, staff will help you book a road test at a testing facility. Road test appointments fill up quickly, so book as soon as you pass the written exam.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

Bring proof of your new address to your appointment — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The RMV will update your address on your new license at no extra cost. You must update your address within 30 days of moving under Massachusetts law.