As of November 3, 2008 the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicle is reducing the hours at most RMV branches and no longer mailing courtesy notices for a number of things, including driver’s license renewal notices. This means, quite simply, that the RMV is no longer going to remind you when your driver’s license is about to expire, so you’re on the hook to remember for yourself or face the music when you try to use your ID to get on a plane or get pulled over and discover that your license has expired.
Here’s the text from http://www.mass.gov/rmv/ (I assume that the text will soon disappear from the home page, but there’s no permalink for it, which is why I’m pasting it here):
A Message from Registrar Kaprielian on RMV Budget Cuts
Dear Customer,
Like many businesses across the Commonwealth, the RMV is working to squeeze every penny of savings from our budget in the wake of a drastic downturn in the state’s economy.
To weather this financial storm, the RMV is adopting operational changes that, we believe, will minimize the impact on customer service in our branches.
NEW HOURS
Beginning Monday, November 3, 2008, the RMV will delay the opening hours of most branches by a half hour from 8:30am to 9 am. Hours of operation will also change at the 18 branches that have extended hours to 7pm on Thursdays. These branches will now be open from 10 am to 6 pm.
RMV MAILINGS
The RMV will eliminate courtesy notices that are sent to customers for the following services:
- License and Mass ID renewal notices
- Vehicle Inspection reminder letters for vehicles that are overdue for inspection
- Inspector license renewal notices
- 7D license renewal notices
- Driver’s Education Certificates
- Junior Operator Brochures for parents
- Change of address labels
Preserving customer service and keeping wait times down is my number one priority in implementing any changes at the RMV.
Remember: On line saves time. Chances are the service you need is right here on our website. The RMV Express Lane is always open.
Thank you for your patience.
Registrar Kaprielian
