New RMV Hearing Procedures

The Registry of Motor Vehicles has implemented new hearing procedures in response to the Covid-19 Pandemic. Hearings will now be conducted over the phone and no in-person hearings will be held. However, in order to get a hearing, the customer must appear in person using the Registry’s “appointment only” system. This is designed to encourage “social distancing.” Here is the new procedure you must follow in order to get a hardship or license reinstatement hearing.

Step one, you must ensure that you have all of the necessary documents for the hearing. This includes DUI course completion certificates, court records, work letters, letters from probation, out of state driving records, etc…

Step two, you must make a reservation via the Registry’s website, which is known as the on-line service center. The RMV will confirm your reservation via e-mail.

Step three, you must personally appear at the full service Registry branch on the date and time of your appointment. Hearings are only available at 136 Blackstone Street in Boston, and at the RMV Branches located in Brockton, Fall River, Lawrence, Worcester, and Springfield. The Registry will also offer hearings at the Pittsfield location on Wednesdays only. The Registry only conducts chemical test refusal appeals at the Haymarket Branch on Blackstone Street in Boston, Massachusetts.

You will submit your paperwork to a Registry employee who will send it to a Registry Hearing Officer who will review your paperwork and conduct your hearing over the telephone. There will be no in-person hearing. It is critical that you submit all of the necessary paperwork.

If you receive an adverse ruling from the Registry, you may appeal to the Division of Insurance, Board of Appeal. This appellate board has the power to reverse any decision of the Registry.

It is unknown when the Registry will resume in-person “walk-in” hearings which were conducted pursuant to the standard hearing procedures.