AAA is your neighborhood Massachusetts RMV

Effective 5/7/2025, a new federal law goes into effect requiring a new type of identification – REAL ID – for anyone 18 years and older flying within the United States or entering a Federal building that requires identification.

 

After 5/7/2025, a standard license will NOT be acceptable to pass through domestic airport security checkpoints. You will need a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification, such as a valid passport, federal government PIV card or US military ID.

 

REAL ID endorsements for a MA Driver’s License or MA State ID can be processed at AAA branch locations for AAA members only, but you will need to present certain physical documents to prove your identity. All Massachusetts members interested in obtaining a REAL ID must refer to the Massachusetts RMV website for complete information, start their application online, and see a list of acceptable documents that must be physically presented during your transaction. If your license transaction requires a new photo, one will be taken by the RMV system. Please note we cannot use user-submitted photos, or photos from a mobile phone for a RMV transaction. MA RMV Website:  https://www.mass.gov/guides/massachusetts-identification-id-requirements

 

Note: If you need to renew in person (required eye test, name change, upgrade to Real ID, etc.), you can start your application online but must not submit payment online. When renewing in person, payment must be provided at the time of your appointment.

 

If you can renew online, you may do so by completing your renewal on the RMV website.

 

Required Documents: When renewing or upgrading to the REAL ID License/ID there are documents that are required by the state of Massachusetts and Federal Laws. List of the specific documents.

Registration:

1. You must be an AAA Member with a membership in your name to conduct a registry transaction at AAA
2. Membership is non-transferable. A member may conduct a transaction on behalf of another member only.
3. Business Registrations: Owner or business employee must be a member with a membership ID number in their name.
4. AAA reserves the right to restrict the number of registrations completed at one time due to business demands. Most offices have one RMV terminal, therefore limiting the number of transactions that can be done at one time. Large quantities of transactions should be conducted at the RMV, online, or US mail.
5. A company that is in the business of processing registrations for other customers must adhere to the following:

•     An employee of the company must be a member with a digital membership card in their name.
•     Prior to the processing at AAA, the individual membership number of the corresponding registered owner must be written on each registration form. AAA is not responsible for researching membership numbers in this scenario.
•     Registrations processed will be entered in the registered owners’ name/membership number.

License or State ID:

1. Membership is non-transferable. Only the named member on a membership number may conduct a license or ID transaction.

Although AAA accepts many different forms of payments, RMV services are limited to the following forms of payment:

 

Cash: US Currency only

 

Personal Check: Personal checks made payable to AAA, from member conducting the transaction. No third party checks.

 

Business Check: RMV Policy states business checks are accepted for business registrations only and must match the company name on the registration.

 

Bank Checks/Money Orders: Bank checks/money orders payable to AAA, drawn on a local bank.

 

Credit/Debit Cards:

• License transactions, all major Credit/Debit cards are accepted.
• Registration transactions - all major Credit/Debit cards are accepted.

 

Service Fees: AAA members do not pay any additional service fees over/above the normal RMV-Registry fee.

 

Fee Listing: See Mass-RMV Registry fee listing

The US Dept. of Citizenship and Immigration Services requires government agencies to verify immigration & lawful presence status as part of a REAL ID Driver’s License, or Non-Driver ID card. Individuals presenting a US Passport, Naturalization Certificate, Certificate of Citizenship or other Citizenship documents at either the RMV or AAA, may not be able to complete their transaction immediately. The SAVE verification process provides free updates to individuals and will notify you when you can return to the agency to complete your transaction.

License Renewal:

 

Cost: See Mass-RMV Registry fee listing

 

Description: Non-CDL License Renewals. License Renewals can be processed 364 days in advance of the expiration, and up to two years after expiration date.

 

Process: Member should present their existing photo license along with other documentation Refer to “Massachusetts Identification (ID) requirements

 

Processing Time: A temporary license is printed and given after a review of paperwork and payment. The physical license is mailed within 10 days after processing.

 

Changes:

 

Address Changes: A change of address may be completed as part of the License Renewal transaction. Address changes are for in-state address changes only (no out-of-state conversions).

 

Physical Description Changes: Changes to physical appearance can be made as part of the Duplicate License transaction.

 

Name Changes: Name changes must be completed at a Full-Service RMV Office. AAA offices can only do a name change as part of a REAL ID transaction with proof of name change

 

Eye Exams: License Renewal Applicants will be given and must pass the official Mass RMV-Registry Eye Exam as part of the renewal process. At least 20/40 distant visual acuity in either eye, with or without corrective lenses, and not less than 120 degrees combined horizontal peripheral field of vision to be eligible for a license. Members may ask their Optometrist or Ophthalmologists to sign an official Class D and M Vision Screening Certificate and the eye exam procedure will be omitted. Click here for more information.

 

Note: Renew on or after your 21st birthday to receive a standard horizontal license.

 

Required Documents: Either renewing a standard license or getting a REAL ID license there are documents that are required by the state of Massachusetts and Federal Laws. List of the specific documents.

Cost: See Mass-RMV Registry fee listing

 

Description: Renewal of existing State ID's. NOTE: State ID’s that have expired for two or more years or do not show an expiration date MUST be transacted at the RMV only. AAA does not process Renewals of Liquor ID’s

 

Process: Complete Class D, M, or D/M License and ID Card Application form completely. Click here for more information.
 

Processing Time: A temporary Mass ID is printed and given after a review of paperwork and payment. The physical Mass ID is mailed within 10 days after processing.

 

Changes

 

Address Changes: A change of address may be completed as part of the Mass Renewal ID process.

 

Physical Description Changes: Changes to physical appearance can be made as part of the Renewal Mass ID process.

 

Name Changes: Name changes must be completed at a Full-Service RMV Office. AAA offices can only do a name change as part of a REAL ID transaction with proof of name change

 

Required Documents: Either renewing a standard MA ID or getting a REAL ID MA ID there are documents that are required by the state of Massachusetts and Federal Laws. List of the specific documents.

Cost: Varies by plate type/weight of vehicle. See Mass-RMV Registry fee listing

 

Description: Registration Renewals, new license plate stickers issued. Registration Renewals can be processed up to 6 months in advance.

 

Process: Registration Reminder Notice must be signed by registered owner. If Registration Reminder Notice not available a Titling and Registration Form can be completed and signed by the registered owner: Click here for more information.

 

Processing Time: Registration and license plate stickers are printed and given to member after payment and review of paperwork is complete.

 

Changes

 

Address Changes: A change of address may be completed as part of the Registration Renewal process.

 

Vehicle Color Changes: Vehicle color may be changed as part of the Registration Renewal.

 

Insurance Changes: Insurance Company can be changed if Registration Reminder Notice or Titling and Registration Form is stamped to indicate change.

 

Note: In order to process leased vehicle registrations, the owner's name must appear on either the physical registration or be listed in the RMV computer system. The AAA office cannot process registrations with parking tickets, excise tax, etc.

Cost: See Mass-RMV Registry fee listing

 

Description: Provides a Duplicate Registration for registered owner

 

Process: Complete a Titling and Registration Form. The completed Titling and Registration Form must be signed by registered owner. AAA members may process a transaction for themselves or on behalf of another member only.

 

Processing Time: Duplicate Registrations are printed and given to member after payment and review of paperwork is complete.

 

Changes

 

Address Changes: A change of address may be completed as part of the Duplicate Registration transaction.

 

Vehicle Color Changes: Vehicle color may be changed as part of the Duplicate Registration transaction.

 

Insurance Changes: Insurance Company can be changed if Registration Reminder Notice or Titling and Registration Form is stamped to indicate change.

Cost: See Mass-RMV Registry fee listing

 

Description: Allows changes on registrations, excluding name changes. (Vehicle type, address, garaging etc.) Name changes must be completed at a RMV Office.

 

Process: Completed Titling and Registration Form required: Click here for more information.
AAA members may process a transaction for themselves or on behalf of another member only.

 

Processing Time: Registration Amendments are printed and given to member after payment and review of paperwork is complete.

 

Insurance Changes: Insurance Company can be changed if Titling and Registration Form is stamped to indicate change.

Cost: See Mass-RMV Registry fee listing

 

Forms of Payment: Debit/Credit, cash, money order, personal check, and bank check

 

Details:  AAA can process a transfer under these conditions:

• You currently have a registered vehicle or trailer in your name and you want to transfer those plates to the same vehicle type on a newly acquired vehicle. 
• AAA is able to process any person to person sale regardless of what state the seller resides in. 
• Massachusetts dealer sales ONLY; AAA is not authorized to process an out of state dealer transfer.  Out of state dealer transfers must be done at an RMV office only.  
• Private sale from Massachusetts or any other state.
• Gifted vehicle (with proper documentation) ​from Massachusetts or any other state
• Customer name on registration plates and newly acquired vehicle must match. AAA is not authorized to change names or ownership of plates. 
• AAA cannot process a transfer when the vehicle was formerly a leased vehicle.  (Buyout of a lease)  Lease purchases must be done at an RMV office only.

 

Process: Completed Titling and Registration Form required: Click here for more information. AAA members may process a transaction for themselves or on behalf of another member only.

1. AAA can only process transfers on a newly acquired vehicle. If a vehicle was taken off the road and needs to be reregistered (same owner/plate) it cannot be done as it's not “newly acquired to the customer"
2. AAA can transfer existing plates only. AAA cannot issue new plates.
3. AAA can process transactions with tax exemptions as a gift, family, or long term lease, but no other tax exemptions to include surviving spouse transactions.
4. Salvage & Reconstructed Titles/Vehicles:
   • AAA is authorized for MA Salvage/Reconstructed vehicles only. No out of state Salvage/Reconstructed vehicles can be processed at AAA.
   • The customer is required to submit a completed MA State Police Inspection Report with the MA Salvage Title. Form: Click here for more information.
     
   • Once the MA Title is reconstructed the brand remains with the vehicle's title history.

 

Cost: See Mass-RMV Registry fee listing

 

Description: Provides Duplicate Title Request for non-lien held vehicles only. If at any point a lien was listed on the title the transaction must be done at an RMV office. All duplicate title transactions must be clear of any lienholder information listed on the title, even if the loan has been paid in full.

 

Process: Completed Application for a Duplicate title.

AAA members may process a transaction for themselves or on behalf of another member only.

 

Processing Time: Duplicate Title request processed after payment and review of paperwork is complete. Title is mailed to owner within 10 business days after request is submitted.

Cost: $0.00

 

Description: Replacement license plate sticker.

 

Process: Member presents valid registration, appropriate sticker is given. Registration must be valid to issue license plate sticker.

 

Processing Time: Sticker issued upon review of registration.

 

Note: AAA members may request license plate sticker for themselves or on behalf of another member only.

Cost: $0.00

 

Description:  AAA can take an adult Handicap Placard Photo AFTER the member or non-member applies through Medical Affairs and receive a letter stating that they need to have a photo taken.  To open and issuance of a RMV-Handicap Placard Letter for Members.  Disability Plates are issued to qualified Massachusetts residents who are primary owners of a registered passenger vehicle.  A holder of a passenger vehicle Disability Plate may be entitled to a Temporary Disabled Placard. AAA will assist members and non-members with photos for the renewal of a placard: Process and application can be found: Application for Disabled Parking Placard/Plate

 

Cost: Visit How to Apply for a Passenger (Class D) Learner's Permit

Forms of Payment: Debit/Credit, Cash, money order, personal check, and bank check

Details:
AAA can process Learner Permit exam requests for MA residents who meet the Learner's Permit exam criteria. Applicants would go to either a RMV service center or AAA Office to process their Learner's Permit application. Once the application is processed, the recipient will be given information on how to take the test at home online. After successfully passing the test online, the applicant will print their permit allowing them to drive with restrictions accompanied by a licensed driver.
 

1. As with other AAA RMV transactions, a reservation is required for this service.

2. Applicant MUST have a valid AAA membership in their name to process their application at AAA. If a parent/guardian is a member the applicant may join under that member at the time of the appointment. Age restrictions apply, see AAA office for details.

3. To get a learner's permit in Massachusetts, you'll need to provide proof of citizenship or lawful presence, a Social Security number, and Massachusetts residency. 

4. A Learner's Permit Can be either a Standard or with the Real ID endorsement.  See link above for details.

5. You must be at least 16 years old for a Class D Learner's permit at the time of application.

   1. If under 18, must have a written consent form from parent or guardian.

   2. If over 18, no Drivers' Education documentation is required.

6. You must take and pass the learner's permit exam. (online exam instructions given after successful permit application is complete)

7. The permit grants permission to learn to drive with restrictions accompanied by a licensed driver.

   1.      Requirements to get a permit:

      1. Complete an application

      2. Present identification and ALL required documents. (See #2 above)

      3. Pay a fee

      4. Pass a vision exam

      5. Pass a learner's permit exam

8. Motorcycle Permits:            

   1. Any individual who is seeking a Massachusetts Motorcycle License ("Class M") must obtain a learner's permit prior to applying for such a license. To obtain a learner's permit, an individual must be at least sixteen (16) years of age, complete an application, present valid identification, pay a fee, and pass a knowledge test.

   2. Note: If an applicant does not have a Class D license, he/she must pass both a Class D knowledge test and a Class M knowledge test.

   3. Permit holders are only authorized to operate during daylight hours (sunrise to sunset).

   4. Permit holders are prohibited from carrying passengers while operating a motorcycle. An individual cannot convert the learner's permit to a valid Massachusetts Motorcycle License until having successfully completed the requisite road test or the Massachusetts Rider Education Program. Any permit holder failing the motorcycle road test twice must successfully complete an approved rider training program before scheduling another motorcycle road test or MREP.

   5. Prior to the issuance of a Massachusetts Motorcycle License, an individual must pay all associated licensing fees.

Notes:

AAA cannot process any Out of State conversion for Permits or Licenses. Customers must schedule an appointment at a RMV Service Center. Customers without a Social Security Number- If you do not have a social security number then you must schedule an appointment at a RMV Service Center. SSN Denial Letters are also NOT accepted at AAA for this transaction. AAA will ONLY schedule online permit exams in ATLAS. If a member needs to take the test via Automated Testing System (ATS), you must schedule an appointment at a RMV Service Center.