The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles has implemented new procedures for most transactions. Appointments are required and they must be booked in advance via the Registry’s website. The Registry will not accept walk-ins for most transactions.
However, the procedure is different for those who need Registry Hearings. Anyone seeking a hardship license or reinstating from a DUI suspension will need to go through the hearing process, which includes a thorough review of the customer’s records in Massachusetts and other states.
Customers seeking hardship licenses or full license reinstatements will need to first appear in person at a Registry Service Center where there are hearing officers, such as the Main Registry Branch located at 136 Blackstone Street in Boston, Massachusetts. There is no appointment necessary. The customer will complete a hearing intake form and leave any relevant documents for a hearing officer to review.
Hearing officers will not conduct in-person hearings. Instead, the hearing officer will review the documents provided by the customer and also review the customer’s criminal and driving records as well as any information on file with the Registry.
The RMV Hearing Officer will then call the customer at the phone number provided on the hearing request form to discuss the case. In some cases, the hearing officer will render a decision over the phone. In other cases, the hearing officer may take the matter under advisement and he or she will contact the customer at a later date.
There is no need for anyone who needs a Registry Hearing to make an appointment. Hearings can still be requested in-person. However, the actual hearing will be conducted over the telephone. Anyone who needs a hearing should get to the Registry early in the morning. A limited number of hearing forms are distributed and they are given out on a “first come, first served” basis.
Anyone who receives an unfavorable decision from the Registry has the right to appeal retaining legal counsel is strongly recommend.