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  • Division of Insurance

Appeal a Decision of the Registrar of Motor Vehicles

The Board of Appeal has jurisdiction to entertain appeals of decisions or rulings of the Registrar of Motor Vehicles.

Board of Appeal

The Details   of Appeal a Decision of the Registrar of Motor Vehicles

What you need   for Appeal a Decision of the Registrar of Motor Vehicles

If the Registrar of Motor Vehicles (not the courts) has sent you a notice advising you of a ruling or decision by the Registrar regarding your driving or licensing privileges in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and you wish to appeal that action, you may file an appeal with the Board of Appeal. The Board does not conduct in-person hearings. All hearings are conducted virtually by video or telephone. You must appear for your virtual hearing. You will be notified by mail as to the date and time of your appeal hearing.  If you have an attorney for your appeal, it is your responsibility to notify him/her. 

If your license was revoked by the courts, you must appeal through the court system to have it returned.

  • There are times when a Judge will advise you that a license suspension will accompany your conviction. It is your responsibility to obtain clarification as to whether your suspension is a part of the Judge's order or if the Judge is merely providing information to you as to the consequences that normally follow the offense for which you are being charged.

Please note: Breathalyzer Refusal/Chemical Test Refusal (CTR) revocations must be appealed through the court system. The Board does not hear CTR appeals.

Please note: If you have any court actions currently pending (any unresolved tickets/violations, future court dates or matters that have been continued) it is important for you to notify the Board of this fact before you begin your presentation. Such outstanding actions may prevent the Board from making a decision until your present record is complete. If you do not advise the Board of outstanding matters, you could possibly cost yourself substantial amounts in reinstatement fees only to receive a new suspension when the matter is resolved and entered on your record.

Fees   for Appeal a Decision of the Registrar of Motor Vehicles

Enclose with your appeal form a non-refundable $50.00 check or money order. Fees are payable by check or money order only. Not other form of payment is accepted.

Please make checks payable to:

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

License Suspension Appeals

Division of Insurance

1000 Washington St., Suite 810

Boston, MA 02118

How to appeal   Appeal a Decision of the Registrar of Motor Vehicles

Forms are available to download or at the office of the Board or at Registry offices. You may also call the Board and request that a form be mailed to you.

More info   for Appeal a Decision of the Registrar of Motor Vehicles

Appeals are scheduled in the order in which they are received and according to the length of your suspension. There are NO exceptions. 

Use the chart below to determine approximately how soon your hearing will occur after the Board has received your application.

30 day suspension        2 weeks

60 day suspension        3 to 4 weeks

4-8  year suspension    14 to 24 weeks

Other                              24 to 52 weeks

 

Please notify your probation officer of any pending appeals.

You will receive the Board's decision in a timely manner after all paperwork has been received by the Board.

If you wish to have your appeal continued so that you may have an attorney present or to obtain additional information, please advise the Board prior to your hearing and the Board may grant you a continuance. You/your attorney should contact the Board when you are prepared to go forward. 

If you are not satisfied with the decision of the Board the proper avenue of appeal is to the Superior Court in the county in which you reside. You may also file your appeal in Suffolk County, as that is the county in which the Boards' main office is located. The civil clerks' office will help you if you are filing pro se (for yourself/without an attorney). A second hearing before the Board will not be granted unless the decision you receive specifically states that you may re-apply to the Board.

Downloads   for Appeal a Decision of the Registrar of Motor Vehicles

Contact   for Appeal a Decision of the Registrar of Motor Vehicles

Address
1000 Washington Street, Suite 810, Boston, MA 02118
Fax
Board of Appeal—Surcharge/At-fault Hearings (617) 521-7772
Board of Appeal—Registry Hearings (617) 521-7539

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