Work and Family Mobility Act will allow residents to obtain license regardless of status.

Starting July 1, eligible Massachusetts residents will be able to apply for a learner’s permit and road test to obtain a driver’s license, according to the Registry of Motor Vehicles. Newly translated materials are also being prepared under the Work and Family Mobility Act.

Under the new law, residents can apply to obtain a standard (class D or M) driver’s license, regardless of immigration status.

“The Work and Family Mobility Act is a benefit for public safety, for our economy, and for our immigrant residents who should be able to drive to work, school, or the grocery store without fear. We are grateful to the advocates, legislators and public safety leaders who have worked so hard to get us to this point,” said Gov. Maura Healey in a statement. “We are excited to begin implementing this new law, and the RMV has been working diligently to ensure a smooth process for all eligible applicants.”

Some immigrant rights’ groups cheered the new law as well.

“The Driving Families Forward Coalition has been working with over 270 coalition partners to spread the message of this important moment,”  said Lenita Reason, Executive Director of the Brazilian Worker Center and co-chair of Driving Families Forward. We are grateful to Governor Healey, her new administration, and the Registry of Motor Vehicles for all their hard work to ensure that community members receive the information necessary to successfully obtain a standard driver’s license starting on the first business day of implementation.”

Over the past several months, the RMV has identified and created informational resources and toolkits specifically to help guide new customers as they begin the process to secure a Standard license credential, said the RMV. Materials will be in 15 languages, permits available in 35 languages, and interpreters (phone and in-person) will be available in more than 100 languages.

To prepare for the application process, the RMV is also providing tips to eligible residents in advance:

1. Appointments are required: You will need to make two separate appointments online to take your learner’s permit exam and take a road test. Walk-ins will not be available. Starting July 1, make your appointment online at mass.gov/myrmv. Appointments will fill up fast at popular RMV locations (Haymarket, Watertown, Quincy), so consider expanding your location preferences to find more availability.
2. Prepare your documents: Before your appointment, be sure to gather a proof of identity; proof of date of birth; social security number, social security denial letter, or affidavit; and documents proving Massachusetts residency. For the expanded list of acceptable documents, see Mass.Gov/WFMA. If any documents are not in English, the RMV will require the document to be accompanied by an English translation.
3. Standard fees apply: Costs are $30 for a learner’s permit exam fee, $35 for a road test fee, and $50 for a Class D driver’s license fee. The RMV encourages applicants to pay online in advance at mass.gov/myrmv.
4. Study and practice driving: Learn the Massachusetts rules of the road so you can successfully pass your learner’s permit exam. Practice driving with a licensed driver in the car before you take your scheduled road test. Be sure you know how to use hand signals, how to turn the vehicle on, how to use directional signals and the vehicle mirrors while driving.
5. Bring an interpreter if possible: Customer service centers will have translation services available by telephone for your appointment. If you need an interpreter for your road test and have a friend, loved one, or someone else who can accompany you to translate, the RMV encourages you to bring them along. Otherwise, you can request an interpreter from the RMV when scheduling a road test.
6. Bring a licensed driver and a vehicle to your road test: All applicants for a driver’s license must bring a licensed driver to their road test to comply with the rules for driving under a Learner’s Permit. You must also provide your own vehicle for the road test. You will not be able to take your road test if you do not bring a vehicle and a licensed driver to your appointment. 
7. Beware of bad actors: The RMV cautions residents to beware of fraudulent websites and scams. The RMV is the only organization authorized to issue a driver’s license and to collect fees. Customers needing credentials should never pay someone for an RMV appointment. There are no special brokers authorized to help you get an appointment or a license. Make sure that you pay fees only at Mass.gov/myrmv or in person at an RMV location. For more information go to mass.gov/WFMA or call (857) 368-WFMA.