The Fall River Registry of Motor Vehicles location and hours
Fall River, Massachusetts has one Registry of Motor Vehicles office located at 1363 North Main Street, Fall River, MA 02720. This is a full-service branch, meaning you can handle most standard transactions there — license renewals, registration changes, title work, and road tests.
The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on weekends and state holidays. Hours can change without notice, so call ahead at (508) 675-7500 before you go. Wait times vary by time of day and day of week; mornings and early in the week tend to be shorter.
There is parking available on-site. The building is accessible to people with mobility limitations. If you need an interpreter, call the main office at least two business days before your visit to arrange one.
Key Takeaways
- The Fall River Registry is at 1363 North Main Street and open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- You can handle license renewals, registration changes, title transfers, and road tests at this location.
- Call (508) 675-7500 to confirm hours or ask about wait times before you visit.
- Bring your current license or ID, proof of residency, and any documents specific to your transaction.
- If you need an interpreter, request one at least two business days in advance.
What documents to bring for common transactions
The documents you need depend on what you are doing. For a license renewal, bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days works), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing after it has expired, you may need to pass a vision test.
For a registration renewal or change of address, bring your current registration card, proof of residency, and your vehicle's VIN (found on the registration or dashboard). If you are registering a vehicle for the first time in Massachusetts, bring the title, a bill of sale, and proof of insurance.
For a title transfer, bring the current title signed by the previous owner, a bill of sale, proof of residency, and proof of insurance. If the vehicle has a lien, bring documentation from the lender. Bring your Social Security number for all transactions.
How to schedule a road test appointment
Road tests at the Fall River Registry must be scheduled in advance; you cannot walk in and test the same day. You can schedule online through the Massachusetts Registry website or by calling (508) 675-7500. The wait for a road test appointment is typically two to four weeks, depending on the season.
To schedule, you will need your learner's permit number, a vehicle that is registered and insured in Massachusetts, and a valid ID. The vehicle must pass a safety inspection before the test. Bring your permit, proof of insurance, and your Social Security number on test day.
If you miss your appointment, you forfeit the fee and must reschedule. If you need to cancel or reschedule, call at least 48 hours before your appointment time.
When to use online services instead of visiting in person
The Massachusetts Registry allows you to renew your license or registration online if you meet certain conditions. License renewals can be done online if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and you do not need to change your address or name. Registration renewals can be done online if there are no outstanding violations or insurance lapses on your account.
You can also order a duplicate license or registration card online and have it mailed to you. This takes about 7 to 10 business days. For transactions that require a signature or in-person verification — such as a first-time license, a title transfer, or an address change after moving — you must visit the office in person.
Check the Massachusetts Registry website to see which services you can handle online before making the trip to Fall River.
Parking, accessibility, and nearby services
The Fall River Registry building has a parking lot with spaces reserved for people with disabilities. Street parking is also available on North Main Street, though it can be limited during peak hours. The building entrance is accessible to wheelchairs and walkers, and there is an accessible restroom inside.
The office is located in downtown Fall River near other city services. There are restaurants and a pharmacy within walking distance if you need to wait or have time between appointments. Public transportation is available through the SRTA (Southeastern Regional Transit Authority) if you do not drive.
What to do if you cannot visit in person
If you are unable to visit the Fall River office, you may be able to use a different Registry location. Massachusetts has offices in most major cities and towns. You can find the nearest one on the state Registry website and check its hours before you go.
Some transactions can be completed by mail. For example, you can renew your registration by mail if you meet the online renewal requirements but prefer not to use the internet. Mail-in renewal takes longer — typically three to four weeks — so plan ahead if you choose this route.
If you have a disability or medical condition that makes it difficult to visit an office, call (508) 675-7500 to ask about accommodations or alternative ways to complete your transaction.
Common reasons visits get delayed or rejected
Bring all required documents the first time. The most common reason for a delayed visit is a missing document — for example, proof of residency that is not dated within the required window, or a title that is not signed. If you are missing something, staff will tell you what you need and you will have to return another day.
Make sure your proof of residency is current. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement must be dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of Massachusetts residency, even if you have moved here.
If you have an outstanding violation, unpaid fine, or lapsed insurance on your record, some transactions will be held until it is resolved. Call ahead if you think this might explore to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment to visit the Fall River Registry?
No appointment is needed for most transactions like license renewal or registration changes. You can walk in during business hours. However, road tests must be scheduled in advance by phone or online. Arriving early in the day or mid-week usually means a shorter wait.
What if I moved to Fall River from another state?
You have 30 days to get a Massachusetts license and register your vehicle. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Fall River (a lease or utility bill), your vehicle title, proof of insurance, and your Social Security number. You will need to pass a vision test and written exam for your new license.
Can I renew my license or registration before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your license up to 6 months before it expires, and your registration up to 6 months before expiration. This is useful if you know you will be busy or traveling when the expiration date arrives.
What happens if my license or registration expires while I am waiting for an appointment?
Driving with an expired license or registration is illegal. If you cannot get an appointment before expiration, call (508) 675-7500 and explain the situation. Staff may be able to issue a temporary extension or move your appointment up. Do not drive on an expired license or registration while waiting.
Is there a fee for visiting the Registry or getting documents?
Yes. License renewals, registration renewals, title transfers, and road tests all have fees that vary by transaction type. Fees are set by the state and do not change by location. The Registry accepts cash, check, and card. Call (508) 675-7500 or check the Massachusetts Registry website for current fee amounts.