Options for renewing license at MA RMV

Submitted by davearthurs t3_zoel4j in boston

I just discovered that I may need to drive home for the holidays. Unfortunately, my license has expired and the earliest appointment I could get in the Boston (Haymarket) RMV is mid-January.

Does anyone know if there are ways to expedite the renewal process? For example, going to another location that allows drop ins? I saw on another Reddit thread that the Watertown RMV might offer drop-ins, but I'm not sure if that information is outdated

Also, it says on their website (https://www.mass.gov/how-to/renew-your-drivers-license) that it takes 7-10 days to ship the new license. Do they give you any paperwork that can permit you to drive in the interim, while your license is processing? From searching other peoples' experiences on Reddit, I'm guessing that the answer to this is probably "no," but I thought I'd ask in case I'm missing something.

Thanks

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tobiasrfunke t1_j0mh96o wrote

They give you a temporary paper license with your photo and other details on it. It says "not a valid photo ID" on it as it's intended to let you drive and not buy liquor, for example.

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HOARDING_STACKING t1_j0mlokk wrote

Join AAA and you'll have a license that same day.

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[deleted] t1_j0mhv8f wrote

[deleted]

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Silverline_Surfer t1_j0mltzq wrote

This; the one in Wilmington is right next to the train station North Wilmington on the Haverhill Line so it’s easy to get to without a car and is generally far less busy than any of the ones in/around the city.

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davearthurs OP t1_j0mirvw wrote

Cool, thanks for the tip. Were you able to start driving right away, or did you still need to wait for them to ship you the physical license?

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tobiasrfunke t1_j0mj642 wrote

As I said, they give you a temporary paper license so you can drive immediately...

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SpiritedCamel_ t1_j0nnvow wrote

Yes, the Watertown RMV allowed walk-ins the the last time I was there 6 months ago.

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crunkmullen t1_j0oim37 wrote

Monday at 7am appointments open up on line. Sometimes for the very same day.

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NEU_Throwaway1 t1_j0t11zz wrote

If you have AAA, go on their website and refresh every hour. You might get lucky enough to find an appointment the same week due to cancellations and glitchy scheduling.

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