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 appointments for most in-person transactions. You cannot walk in without one — the RMV stopped accepting walk-ins during the pandemic and has not returned to that system. You have two ways to book: the online appointment portal at mass.gov/rmv or by phone during business hours.

The online system is faster and shows you available times immediately. The phone line has longer wait times but works if you do not have internet access or need help choosing which transaction type you need. Both routes lead to the same appointment — there is no advantage to one over the other except speed.

Key Takeaways

• The RMV online appointment portal at mass.gov/rmv shows available times the same day you book, and you can choose your preferred branch and time slot.
• If you cannot use the online system, call 857-368-8000 during business hours — Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• You must select the correct transaction type when booking (license renewal, new license, registration, title transfer, etc.) because the appointment is locked to that service.
• Bring the documents listed for your specific transaction type, or the RMV will not complete your appointment and you will have to reschedule.
• If you miss your appointment without canceling, you may have to wait longer to get another one, so cancel through the portal or by phone if your plans change.

Using the online appointment portal

Go to mass.gov/rmv and look for the "Schedule an Appointment" button on the homepage. Click it and you will land on the appointment booking system. The first screen asks you to choose your transaction type — this is the most important step because you cannot change it after you book. Common types include "License Renewal," "New License," "Registration Renewal," "Title Transfer," and "Duplicate License or Registration." If you are unsure which one you need, the portal has a description for each.

After you select your transaction type, the system shows you available RMV branch locations and dates. Choose the branch closest to you and pick a date within the next few weeks. The system then shows you time slots for that day — morning and afternoon slots are usually available. Select the time that works for you, enter your name and phone number, and the system sends you a confirmation number by text or email. Save this number — you will need it when you arrive at your appointment.

The entire process takes about five minutes. You will receive a reminder text or email the day before your appointment.

Booking by phone if you cannot use the online system

Call 857-368-8000 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., or Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The wait time is usually 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the time of day. Calling early in the morning or on Saturday tends to be faster. Have your driver's license number or ID number ready when you call.

Tell the representative which transaction you need and which RMV branch you prefer. They will tell you what dates and times are open and book you into a slot. They will give you a confirmation number over the phone — write it down immediately. Ask them to repeat it if you did not catch it the first time.

If you do not have a phone number for the RMV, you can also visit an RMV branch in person and ask staff to book an appointment for you at a kiosk. This takes a few minutes and you walk out with a confirmation number.

What documents to bring to your appointment

The documents you need depend on your transaction type. The RMV website lists required documents for each service, but here are the most common ones:

• License renewal: Your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number.
• New license: Birth certificate or passport, proof of residency, Social Security card, and proof of name change if applicable (marriage certificate, divorce decree).
• Registration renewal: Your current registration, proof of insurance, and vehicle inspection certificate.
• Title transfer: The signed title from the previous owner, bill of sale, proof of insurance, and proof of residency.

Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for most documents. If you are missing even one required document, the RMV will not process your transaction and you will have to reschedule. Check the specific requirements for your transaction on mass.gov/rmv before your appointment.

What to expect when you arrive

Arrive 10 minutes early. Go to the branch location listed on your confirmation and check in at the front desk with your confirmation number. The staff will verify your documents and direct you to the correct window or service area. Most appointments take 15 to 30 minutes from check-in to completion, though some transactions (like title transfers) can take longer.

If your documents are incomplete or incorrect, staff will tell you what is missing and you will have to reschedule. If everything is in order, you will complete your transaction and receive a receipt. For licenses, you will get a temporary paper license that day and the plastic card will arrive by mail within two weeks.

Canceling or rescheduling your appointment

If you booked online, log back into the appointment portal using your confirmation number and cancel or reschedule from there. If you booked by phone, call 857-368-8000 to cancel or change your appointment. Cancel as soon as you know you cannot make it — this frees up the slot for someone else and prevents you from being marked as a no-show.

If you miss an appointment without canceling, the RMV may flag your account and you could face a longer wait to get your next appointment. Some branches prioritize people who have never missed an appointment.

If you cannot get an appointment when you need one

During busy seasons (spring and summer), appointment slots fill up quickly and you may not find an opening for several weeks. If the branch near you is fully booked, try branches in neighboring towns — they often have more availability. You can book at any RMV branch in the state, not just the one closest to you.

If your license or registration expires before you can get an appointment, you can still drive legally for a grace period. Massachusetts allows you to drive for 30 days after expiration if you have an appointment booked. When you call or book online, the system will show you the soonest available date — that counts as your appointment even if it is weeks away.

If you have an urgent need (for example, you need a license for a job starting next week), call the RMV directly at 857-368-8000 and explain your situation. Staff cannot may provide an earlier appointment, but they can sometimes fit urgent cases into cancellation slots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book an appointment for someone else?

No. The person whose license or registration is being renewed or changed must book the appointment themselves or be present at the appointment. If someone else books it, the RMV will not process the transaction. Parents can book appointments for minor children, but the child must be present.

What if I do not have a phone number or internet access?

Visit any RMV branch in person during business hours and ask staff to book an appointment for you at a kiosk. They will help you choose your transaction type and available time, and you will leave with a confirmation number. No phone or internet required.

Do I need to print my confirmation or can I show it on my phone?

You can show your confirmation number on your phone or print it — either works. The staff will ask for your confirmation number when you check in, so have it ready in whatever form is easiest for you.

What if I arrive late to my appointment?

Call the branch immediately and let them know. If you are only a few minutes late, they may still see you. If you are more than 15 minutes late, the branch may cancel your appointment and you will have to reschedule. It is better to call ahead than to show up late without warning.

Can I change my appointment to a different transaction type?

No. You have to cancel your current appointment and book a new one for the different transaction. The appointment system locks you into the service type you selected when you booked.