2002 News Archive

The Registry of Motor Vehicles continued its tradition of innovation Thursday in Chicopee, opening its first-ever location to feature a drive-through window for Registry transactions.

The new branch at 1011 Chicopee St. offers all license, registration, and title transactions, as well as license plate returns, suspension payments, and learner's permit testing. Drive-through customers can renew their registrations, return plates, and request Registry forms; no license transactions are available at the drive-through.

The drive-through is possible thanks to a unique partnership between the Registry of Motor Vehicles and the City of Chicopee. The new office, which the city gave to the RMV, had a spot for a drive-through window, and the Registry decided to take advantage of it.

"This is a great example of the spirit of cooperation between municipal and state government," Senator Michael Knapik said. "I am pleased we were able to link the Registry's renewed commitment to customer service and the city's commitment to the revitalization of Willimansett. This location will certainly be beneficial to people throughout the Pioneer Valley," Knapik added.

Today's opening fulfills a promise made to return Registry service to Chicopee after the RMV's Fairfield Mall location had to close.

"The return of a full-service Registry of Motor Vehicles office to the city of Chicopee is most welcome," Chicopee Mayor Richard J. Kos said. "This decision represents more than providing a necessary service to the citizens of this region. It is an investment in the future of this neighborhood and the city that is as important as the reconstruction of roads and sidewalks."

State Representative Joseph F. Wagner called the new Registry part of Chicopee's revitalization.

"The Willimansett section has realized millions of dollars in public resources in recent years," he said. "This entire corridor of our city has been the focal point of an economic revival."

"We're glad to be back in Chicopee," Registrar Kimberly Hinden said. "The Registry is dedicated to making service quick and convenient, and our new Chicopee office - complete with a drive-through - is another way to do that."

The Chicopee branch is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Like all Registry branches, it features the RMV's state-of-the-art Q-matic ticketing system, which lets customers take a number when they get to the office and see about how long they'll be waiting. Wait times are also available online at www.massrmv.com or by calling the Registry's automated self-service hotline at 866-MASSRMV (866-627-7768).