How to Book a Massachusetts RMV Appointment Online or by Phone

Book your Massachusetts RMV appointment through the online system or by calling 857-368-8000

The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) requires you to book an appointment before visiting most branches. You cannot walk in without one — the RMV stopped accepting walk-ins at most locations and now operates by appointment only. You have two ways to book: the online appointment system at mass.gov/rmv or by phone during business hours.

The online system is faster and shows you available times immediately. The phone line works if you cannot use the website, but wait times can be long, especially on Monday and Tuesday mornings. Either way, you will need to know what service you need (license renewal, new license, registration, title transfer, and so on) before you start, because the system asks you to select your transaction type first.

Key Takeaways

• You must book an appointment online at mass.gov/rmv or call 857-368-8000; walk-ins are not accepted at most branches.
• The online system shows available appointment slots immediately and lets you choose the date, time, and branch that works for you.
• You will need your driver's license number, transaction type, and preferred branch location before you start booking.
• Appointments typically fill up two to four weeks in advance, so book as soon as you know you need a service.
• If you miss your appointment, you can reschedule through the same system without penalty, but cancelling more than 24 hours ahead frees the slot for others.

Using the online appointment system

Go to mass.gov/rmv and look for the "Book an Appointment" link on the homepage. The system will ask you to enter your driver's license number and select the service you need from a dropdown menu. Common services include renewing your license, replacing a lost or stolen license, getting a new license after moving to Massachusetts, renewing your vehicle registration, and transferring a title.

After you select your service, the system shows you available dates and times at branches near your zip code. You can filter by branch location if you prefer a specific one. Pick the date and time that work for you, then confirm your appointment. You will receive a confirmation number by email — save this or take a screenshot, because you will need it when you arrive at the branch.

The online system is open 24 hours a day. Appointments typically fill up two to four weeks in advance during busy seasons (spring and summer), so book as soon as you know you need a service. If you book far in advance and your plans change, you can reschedule or cancel through the same system.

Booking by phone if the website is not an option

Call 857-368-8000 to speak with an RMV representative. Have your driver's license number ready and know which service you need. The representative will ask you the same questions the online system does: your transaction type, preferred branch, and available dates. They will then book you into an open slot and give you a confirmation number over the phone.

Phone lines are busiest on Monday and Tuesday mornings and during lunch hours. If you call in the afternoon on a Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday, you will usually reach someone faster. The RMV does not take appointments by email or through a callback system, so you have to stay on the line until someone picks up.

What to bring to your appointment

Bring your confirmation number and a photo ID — your current driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The specific documents you need depend on your transaction type. For a license renewal, you typically need only your confirmation number and ID. For a new license, you need proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and proof of your date of birth (your birth certificate or passport).

For vehicle registration or title work, bring your vehicle's current registration, proof of insurance, and the title or bill of sale. If you are unsure what documents you need for your specific transaction, call 857-368-8000 before your appointment and ask. Showing up without the right documents will waste your appointment slot, and you will have to book again.

What happens if you miss or need to reschedule

If you cannot make your appointment, reschedule through the online system or call 857-368-8000. There is no penalty for rescheduling. If you cancel more than 24 hours before your appointment, the slot opens up for someone else. If you miss your appointment without cancelling, the RMV may require you to wait longer to book your next one, though this policy varies by branch.

If you are running late, call the branch directly as soon as you know you will miss your time slot. Some branches can move you to a later time the same day if they have openings, but do not count on it. It is better to reschedule in advance than to show up late.

Branch locations and hours

Massachusetts has RMV branches in Boston, Watertown, Medford, Framingham, Worcester, Springfield, and several other cities. Each branch has different hours — most are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some branches staying open until 6 p.m. on certain days. A few branches have limited Saturday hours. When you book your appointment, the system shows you the hours for each branch, so you can pick one that fits your schedule.

The Boston branch (100 Nashua Street) is the busiest and often has the longest wait times between appointments. If you have flexibility, booking at a branch outside the city center usually means shorter wait times and more available slots. The online system shows you all available times at all branches, so compare before you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book an appointment for someone else?

No. The person whose license or registration the appointment is for must book it themselves using their own driver's license number. If someone cannot use the online system, you can call 857-368-8000 on their behalf, but you will need their license number and they will need to be present at the appointment.

What if I do not have a driver's license yet?

You can still book an appointment for a new license. When you call 857-368-8000, tell the representative you are a first-time applicant. They will book you without a license number. Bring your confirmation number, proof of residency, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your date of birth to your appointment.

How far in advance can I book?

The online system typically shows appointments up to 30 days ahead. During slow periods, you may see fewer slots available. If you need an appointment more than 30 days away, check back closer to your target date — new slots open as the calendar advances.

What if all appointments are full?

If you see no available times, check back the next day or try a different branch. The RMV releases new appointment slots regularly, and cancellations open up slots throughout the day. You can also call 857-368-8000 to ask if there are any same-day or next-day openings a representative can see.

Do I need to print my confirmation number?

No, but take a screenshot or write it down. When you arrive at the branch, you will give this number to the staff member at the check-in desk. Having it ready speeds up the process.