Having to deal with the RMV/DMV is never at the top of the list of things people enjoy doing. That said, when I realized my driver's license was up for renewal in a couple of months, the thought of having to deal with the Mass RMV/DMV was nauseating.
Complicating matters, I was eligible to renew it online, but with the whole Real ID thing now in play, I'd be forced to go to an RMV/DMV branch since I wanted the Real ID credential.
I researched online on what documents I needed to prove my identity. That wasn't too bad, surprisingly, as I'm the type of person that's obnoxiously organized and had all the preferred documents and then some. Even easier, I was able to fill out the application online and print it out so I could walk into the RMV/DMV, documents and application in hand, and hopefully be in and out quick.
Still, the thought of going to the local RMV/DMV branch and standing in line, waiting, didn't appeal to me. I was cleaning out my wallet recently and glimpsed my Triple A membership card. I suddenly remembered Triple A offers some RMV/DMV services.
I looked at their website and saw that they do license renewals, including the Real ID credential. Perfect!
I've been a Triple A member for over 20 years and while I have used the roadside assistance/towing more often than I'd like to admit, I always forget about the other perks like RMV/DMV transactions.
The local AAA office near me recently relocated from the building next to the Leominster Village Plaza (Men's Warehouse, Starbucks, etc) to the Water Tower Plaza right near Ocean State Job Lot and Michael's.
Ironically, the RMV/DMV branch is literally a 5 minute drive around the corner.
I gathered my documents and made my way to the Water Tower Plaza. Parking is always ample there, so I easily found a spot near the front. When I walked in, I was amazed and how bright, clean, open, and well-laid out the office was!
Once in the doors, the line forms to the left. There's different "stations" clearly labeled: Insurance/Travel, Membership, they even take passport photos! (Side note: I recently renewed my passport and would have gone here had I known for the pictures!)
There weren't many people in line (most were being helped or browsing the information area over by the seating area), but I followed the signs anyway. Within seconds, a young lady named Tara from near the registry/license transaction station called for me to come over.
She asked how she could help. I explained I was looking to renew my license. She then asked if I had my AAA card and existing license, both of which I handed over to her.
As she pulled up my information, she asked if I wanted a standard license or a Real ID. I said the latter. Not missing a beat, she asked if I had the required docs:
Tara: Something with your Social Security Number on it.
Me: I have my SS card and most recent W2 form.
Tara: Oh! The card is fine.
Tara: Great! Ok, how about a passport or certified birth certificate?
Me: I have both.
Tara: I'll take 'em!
Note: If your passport was issued or renewed in the last year or so, you'll need another form like a certified birth certificate.
Tara: And now, two forms of proof of residency?
Me: I have a mortgage statement and a utility bill. Oh, I also have an application pre-filled out too.
Tara seemed very pleased I had all the documents needed as well as the application. I can just imagine the amount of people who don't have all the needed info.
After the picture, vision test, and all my documents were scanned, I paid my $50 fee. Tara through out it all was so nice, pleasant, and very efficient. The experience could not have been better!
She gave me all my documents back and a receipt in short order. I was there for probably 20-25 minutes total. Talk about a time-saver! Had I'd gone to the RMV/DMV, it'd be over an hour I'm sure, and the interaction not as fun and pleasant.
The office, location, and service was top-tier. If you are a Triple A member and need RMV/DMV services that cannot be done online and want to avoid the hassle, I can't recommend going to this Triple A branch enough! They don't do all RMV/DMV transactions, but they do about 90% of what people would need. read more