Where the Haverhill DMV office is located
The Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) office in Haverhill is at 100 Merrimack Street, Haverhill, MA 01830. This is the full-service location where you can renew your license, register a vehicle, get a Real ID, or handle most other RMV transactions in person.
Haverhill is in Essex County in northeastern Massachusetts, about 30 miles north of Boston. If you live in the surrounding towns — including Groveland, Boxford, Methuen, or North Andover — this office may be your closest option, though you can visit any RMV location in the state regardless of where you live.
Key Takeaways
- The Haverhill RMV is at 100 Merrimack Street and handles driver's licenses, vehicle registration, Real ID, and most standard transactions.
- You must take a number when you arrive; the office does not accept walk-ins without a ticket from the number system.
- Hours and wait times change seasonally, so check the RMV website or call ahead before you go.
- Many transactions can be completed online or by mail through the Massachusetts RMV website, which may be faster than visiting in person.
- The office is closed on Sundays and most state holidays, and hours are typically shorter on Saturdays.
Hours and how to check wait times
The Haverhill RMV is open Monday through Friday, with reduced hours on Saturday. The office is closed Sundays and state holidays. Exact hours vary by season and staffing, so calling ahead is the most reliable way to confirm when you can be served that day.
You can call the Haverhill office directly at (978) 373-8000 to ask about current hours and typical wait times. The Massachusetts RMV website also displays estimated wait times for many locations, though the Haverhill office is not always included in that system. If you call, ask not just about hours but about how busy the office is — some days are significantly slower than others, and staff can tell you when you are likely to wait less than an hour.
The office is busiest on weekday mornings and right after lunch. If you have flexibility, visiting mid-afternoon on a Tuesday or Wednesday is often faster than coming on a Monday or Friday.
What you need to bring for common transactions
The documents you need depend on what you are doing. For a standard driver's license renewal, bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing a license that is not expiring soon, you can do this online instead of visiting the office.
For vehicle registration or registration renewal, bring your current registration, proof of insurance, and the vehicle's title or a bill of sale if you recently bought it. If you are registering a vehicle for the first time in Massachusetts, you will also need proof of residency and your vehicle identification number (VIN).
For a Real ID — the federally compliant ID required for domestic air travel and federal building access — bring your current license or passport, proof of residency, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card or W-2), and a birth certificate or passport. Real ID appointments can sometimes be scheduled in advance through the RMV website, which reduces wait time.
Bring originals and copies of everything. The office will not accept photos of documents or digital copies on your phone.
Transactions you can complete online or by mail instead
The Massachusetts RMV lets you renew your driver's license online if your license is not expired and you have not had any violations or suspensions. You can also renew vehicle registration online if the vehicle has passed inspection and you have current insurance. Both processes take about 10 minutes and cost the same as renewing in person.
Address changes can be done online through the RMV website without visiting an office. If you moved recently, updating your address online is faster than waiting at the Haverhill location.
Some transactions still require an in-person visit: getting a Real ID for the first time, replacing a lost or stolen license, changing your name, or handling certain commercial vehicle registrations. The RMV website lists which transactions can be done online and which require a visit.
Taking a number and what to expect when you arrive
When you enter the Haverhill RMV office, you must take a number from the ticket machine near the entrance. The office does not serve people who walk up without a number. Look for the machine as soon as you come in, select the type of transaction you need, and the machine will print your number.
Wait in the seating area until your number is called on the digital display. The wait can range from 15 minutes on a slow afternoon to two hours or more on a busy day. Bring something to read or work on, because there is no way to know how long you will wait until you arrive.
When your number is called, go to the window shown on the display. Have all your documents ready and organized. Staff will review what you brought, tell you if anything is missing, and process your transaction if everything is in order. If a document is missing, you may be able to come back another day with it, or staff may direct you to get it before they can finish.
Scams and safety information
Do not use third-party websites that claim to speed up RMV transactions or "may provide" you a license or registration. These sites charge fees for services the RMV provides directly for less money. The only official Massachusetts RMV website is mass.gov/rmv. Any other site asking for your personal information or payment is not affiliated with the state.
Be cautious of emails or texts claiming to be from the RMV asking you to verify your information or renew your license. The RMV does not contact people by email or text to ask for personal details. If you receive a message like this, do not click any links or provide information — it is a phishing scam.
The Haverhill office is a legitimate state facility. You do not need an appointment, a middleman, or any service other than showing up with your documents. If someone offers to "help" you get a license or registration for a fee, they are running a scam.
Parking and accessibility
Street parking is available on Merrimack Street and nearby side streets. The office building has a parking lot, though it can fill up during busy times. Arrive early if you want to park close to the entrance.
The office is wheelchair accessible, with accessible parking spaces near the building. If you have mobility issues or other accessibility needs, call ahead at (978) 373-8000 to let staff know you are coming — they may be able to help you move through the process more quickly or arrange accommodations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make an appointment at the Haverhill RMV instead of taking a number?
The Haverhill office does not offer appointment scheduling. You must arrive in person, take a number, and wait your turn. However, if you are getting a Real ID, you may be able to schedule that appointment online through the RMV website, which can reduce your wait time.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
You can still get a Massachusetts driver's license. Bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, or bring documentation showing you are not required to have a Social Security number. Call the Haverhill office at (978) 373-8000 before you visit to confirm what documents they will accept in your situation.
How long does it take to renew my license at the Haverhill office?
The actual transaction usually takes 5 to 10 minutes once you reach the window. The wait to get to the window is what takes time — anywhere from 15 minutes to two hours depending on how busy the office is that day. If you renew online instead, it takes about 10 minutes total and you can do it from home.
What if the office is closed when I need to go?
Check the RMV website for other nearby offices. The Lawrence RMV and the Andover RMV are both within 15 miles of Haverhill and may have different hours. You can also handle many transactions online through mass.gov/rmv without visiting any office.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card?
You do not need the card itself — you just need to know your Social Security number. However, if you are getting a Real ID, you must bring proof of your number, which can be a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return. Bring the original document, not a copy.