skip to main content

Massachusetts

These resources – like the public health crisis itself – are constantly evolving and are only current as to the date of publication. This page was last updated on September 14, 2020.

For more up-to-date information on the relief programs available in Massachusetts, we recommend that you visit the state's COVID-19 Updates and Information website, COVID-19 State of Emergency resources or MassTrac's list of bills related to the COVID-19 pandemic

resource search icon

Description of Program and Relief

Second Extensions of Driver’s License and Permit Renewal Deadlines to Reduce In-Person Transactions

The Registry of Motor encourages online transactions and extends measures to reduce in-person transactions for operator licenses, identification cards, and registrations.

Section 1. Modified Observation Requirement. Persons operating a motor vehicle with a Supervised Driving Receipt, issued pursuant to Section 1 of COVID-19 Order No. 39 (available here), and persons with learner's permits issued between (a) June 12, 2020 and (b) the earlier of the date on which this Order is rescinded or the date on which the state of emergency ends, shall not be required to observe another student driver for 6 hours in order to be issued a junior operator's license. Instead, such persons are required to complete:

  • an additional 6 hours of supervised driving accompanied by a duly licensed adult who is 21 years of age or older and who has at least 1 year of driving experience; and

    Section 2. Waiver of Fee to Upgrade to REAL ID. Persons that renew their standard driver's license or identification online between (a) June 12, 2020 and (b) the earlier of the date on which this Order is rescinded or the date on which the state of emergency ends, are eligible to receive a fee waiver to upgrade to a REAL ID driver's license or identification; provided, that their application for a REAL ID driver's license or identification card is submitted at least 6 months after the date on which the state of emergency ends.

    Section 3. Extension of Grace Period to Transfer Registration. A person 18 years of age or older who transfers the registration of a previously-owned motor vehicle or trailer to a newly-acquired motor vehicle or trailer is now permitted to operate the newly-acquired motor vehicle or trailer for 21 calendar days before completing the transfer of the registration to the newly-acquired vehicle, instead of the previous limitation of 7 days. All of the other conditions of G .L. c. 90, § 2, par. 5 remain in effect (available here). This section shall be effective for vehicles and trailers acquired between (a) June 12, 2020 and (b) the earlier of the date on which this Order is rescinded or the date on which the emergency is ends.

    This Order supersedes and rescinds the Second Order Authorizing Actions to Limit In-Person Transactions at the Registry of Motor Vehicles (COVID-19 Order No. 39).

    Government or Lead Agency

    Registry of Motor Vehicles

    Eligibility Requirements/Restrictions

    Not applicable

    Application Deadlines (If Applicable)

    Not applicable

    List of Additional Information

    Additional information may be found here and here. The orders authorizing the extension may be found here, here, here, and here.


© 2021 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. This does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. In some jurisdictions, this publication may be considered attorney advertising. Past representations are no guarantee of future outcomes.

© 2024 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP

Privacy Policy