Tips for RMV Success

We want YOU to be SUCCESSFUL! Follow these helpful tips for success at the RMV!

Online RMV Services

Looking for a particular RMV service or transaction? Look through the full list of what the RMV offers online to find what you need. 

Go Online First

• Go to Mass.Gov/myRMV to start your transaction online OR find out if you have to visit an RMV service center to complete your transaction
• COMPLETE the online application. Continue until you get a confirmation page with a QR  code. This code will be scanned in the Service Center to populate all of your information instantly and will expedite your visit there!

Accepted ID documents tips

No Laminated Documents

• The RMV cannot accept any laminated documents. Make sure documents are not laminated. Visit Mass.Gov/ID for a complete list of acceptable identification documents.

Name Change

• If the name on your current credentials is different than on your birth certificate or other lawful presence document and you are applying for a REAL ID, you must have documentation to prove your name change.  This is most commonly a marriage certificate or court document from a city or town (not a religious document).

Social Security 

• If you are applying for a REAL ID and need to order a new social security card, you can do so online at https://www.ssa.gov/
• If you are using your W-2 form  to prove your social security number for a REAL ID, make sure it has your entire social security number on it and not just the last 4 digits. All 9 numbers of the Social Security Number must appear on documents used for proof. 
• For a complete list of acceptable Social Security Number documents, visit Mass.Gov/ID

Residency

• 2 documents proving residency are needed for REAL ID – Only 1 needed for Standard
  • Examples of acceptable documents include: utility bill, bank statement, etc.
• For a complete list of acceptable residency documents, visit Mass.Gov/ID

Standard vs. REAL ID

• Decide which license credential you want before you visit a Service Center. 
• No one needs REAL ID until May of 2025 when it could be used to fly domestically or enter certain Federal Buildings. However, if you are willing to carry a passport, you will never need a REAL ID. Visit Mass.Gov/ID for more information on REAL ID requirements.

RMV Service Centers and AAA Branches

• If you are an AAA member you may be able to go to an AAA locations to do select license and registration transactions
  • Visit Mass.Gov/RMV/AAA for a list of RMV services AAA offers
• If you have to visit an RMV Service Center, you must make an appointment first.
• Avoid going to an RMV Service Center on Fridays, Mondays, or the day after a holiday. The first and last days of the month are also the busiest days at the RMV.

 NOTE: Portions of content from Boston Globe article published on 7/4/18.