How to Book a Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles Appointment

Book your appointment online or by phone before you go to the Registry

The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) requires you to schedule an appointment for most transactions. You cannot walk in without one — the Registry stopped accepting walk-ins to manage wait times. You have two ways to book: the RMV website at mass.gov/rmv or by calling 857-368-8000.

Online booking is faster. Go to mass.gov/rmv, select "Schedule an Appointment," choose your transaction type, pick a location, and select an available date and time. The system shows you openings weeks in advance. Phone booking takes longer because you are waiting in a queue, but a representative can answer questions about what documents you need before your appointment.

Appointments fill up quickly in busy locations like Boston and Worcester. If you cannot find an opening near you, check smaller branch offices — they often have more availability. You can also check back daily; cancellations open up slots regularly.

Key Takeaways

• Book your appointment at mass.gov/rmv or by calling 857-368-8000 before visiting any Registry location.
• The online system shows available dates and times weeks ahead and is faster than calling.
• Smaller branch offices usually have more open slots than major city locations.
• Bring your confirmation number and all required documents for your specific transaction type.
• Cancellations happen daily, so check back if your preferred date is full.

What transaction types need an appointment

Most RMV services require an appointment, but a few do not. You need an appointment for license renewals, new licenses, ID cards, registration renewals, title transfers, and road tests. You also need one for address changes, name changes, and adding or removing drivers from a registration.

You do not need an appointment to pay a ticket, request a driving record, or renew your registration by mail or online. If your transaction is not listed on the appointment booking page, call 857-368-8000 to confirm whether you need one.

Documents to bring for your specific transaction

What you bring depends on what you are doing. For a license renewal, bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. For a new license, add a birth certificate or passport, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.

For registration renewal or title transfer, bring your current registration, proof of insurance, and your vehicle identification number (VIN). If you are registering a vehicle for the first time in Massachusetts, bring the out-of-state title or bill of sale, proof of insurance, and a completed Application for Registration (Form REG 1).

The RMV website lists the full document checklist for each transaction type. Check it before your appointment — missing a single document means you will have to reschedule.

What to expect during your appointment

Arrive 10 minutes early. Bring your confirmation number and all documents listed for your transaction. The Registry processes appointments in order, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Morning appointments and weekday visits are usually shorter.

A representative will review your documents, answer questions, and process your transaction. If you are taking a road test, the examiner will meet you in the waiting area at your appointment time. License photos are taken on-site, and you will receive your new license or ID card the same day in most cases.

If the Registry finds that a document is missing or incorrect, they may ask you to reschedule. This is why checking the document list beforehand matters.

If you cannot make your appointment

Cancel or reschedule through the same system where you booked. On the RMV website, log in with your confirmation number and select "Manage Appointment." By phone, call 857-368-8000 and provide your confirmation number. Cancel at least 24 hours before your appointment time so someone else can use that slot.

If you miss an appointment without canceling, you may have to wait longer to book your next one. The system flags no-shows, and some locations deprioritize them.

Locations and hours

Massachusetts has 20 RMV branch offices across the state. The main office is in Boston at 100 Nashua Street. Other major locations include Worcester, Springfield, Framingham, and Brockton. Each location has different hours — most are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some Saturday hours at select branches.

Check the RMV website for the full list of locations, hours, and which services each branch offers. Some smaller offices do not handle all transaction types, so confirm before booking.

What to do if you cannot find an appointment

If no appointments are showing in your area, you have options. First, check a different location — even 20 miles away may have openings. Second, check back the next day; the system releases new slots regularly. Third, call 857-368-8000 to ask whether a location has a waitlist or if there are other ways to complete your transaction.

For some transactions, you can complete them by mail instead. License renewals, registration renewals, and address changes can often be done online or by mail without an appointment. Check mass.gov/rmv to see which services offer these alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?

Yes. A family member or friend can accompany you, but only you need to be present for the transaction itself. If you are under 18 or renewing a learner's permit, a parent or guardian must be present.

What if I lost my confirmation number?

Call 857-368-8000 with your name and date of birth, and a representative can look up your appointment. You can also try logging into the online booking system with the email address you used when you scheduled.

How long does an appointment usually take?

Most appointments take 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the transaction and how busy the location is. Road tests take longer — usually 30 to 45 minutes. Arrive early to allow time for check-in.

Can I reschedule to a different location?

Yes. Cancel your current appointment and book a new one at a different branch. You can do this through the online system or by calling 857-368-8000.

What if the Registry says a document is invalid?

Ask the representative what is wrong with it and what document they will accept instead. If you do not have an alternative, you will need to reschedule. The representative can tell you what to bring next time.